“Handwork 2026” offers multiple programs including exhibitions, digital programming, a book and an educational component. (photo courtesy of Craft in America)
Craft in America is launching “Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026,” a national semiquincentennial initiative to showcase the importance of handmade works throughout history and in contemporary life.
“Handwork 2026” will be a year-long collaboration among organizations, educators and makers celebrating the diversity of the crafts that define America, bringing compelling stories and underrepresented art and artists into the spotlight. Craft is universal and democratic; it unites by bringing people of all backgrounds and beliefs together. A deeply important carrier of tradition and cultural practice, handmade works connect people through history and time.
The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the national museum dedicated to American craft, is the lead partner of the initiative and will host the core exhibition for the project. Americans for the Arts, a leading nonprofit advancing arts and arts education, serves as the Awareness Partner for the project.
“Handwork 2026” will include multiple programs. “Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026” culminates with the core exhibition opening in late 2026 at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Museums and art centers joining as participants in the “Handwork 2026” initiative will complete a rich diversity of interpretations on works through exhibitions and related programs throughout the year. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Craft Contemporary are participating organizations in “Handwork 2026.” All museums and regional arts centers are invited to join the effort with craft-centric, culture-based exhibitions planned in 2026.
The project also includes a four-part documentary film series, “East, West, North and South,” which will be produced by the team behind the Peabody Award-winning PBS national series “Craft in America.” The series will present a rich, democratic exploration of the handmade in traditional, studio, ethnic and contemporary practices. Three digital content initiatives will complement the “Handwork 2026” episodes. They include “Handmade America,” including short form videos featuring new artists and integrating 17 years of media from the “Craft in America” archives to stream on YouTube, the PBS video app and the PBS, Handwork and Craft in America websites; “Craft Class,” an intergenerational companion series to “Craft in America” connecting leaders in the craft field with viewers at home and inviting viewers to become makers; and “Craft Across America,” a curated selection of craft-based films and videos from independent PBS member stations and hundreds of participating “Handwork” organizations, museums and institutions.
The vast selection of videos will be available on the “Handwork” website, which will serve as an intersection of hundreds of participating organizations and a hub for all things craft. The series also includes a book, educational component and a social media campaign. For information, visit handwork2026.org.