July 2026, pt 2

The news you’ve been waiting for (since July’s first newsletter….)

EVFAC is thrilled to announce…

…that we have been invited by the Center for Craft and Etsy to participate in the inaugural Craft Catalyst Initiative. Following a rigorous selection process, EVFAC was chosen as part of the Santa Fe / Northern New Mexico craft hub, joining a national cohort of organizations working to strengthen regional craft ecosystems across the country.

This opportunity recognizes the importance of craft as a source of connection, cultural continuity, economic opportunity, and community wellbeing. For EVFAC, participation in the Craft Catalyst Initiative deeply aligns with our mission to create intergenerational and economic pathways into regional, traditional, and contemporary fiber arts — helping ensure that these practices, and the communities that sustain them, continue to thrive for generations to come.

Read on for more details about this exciting opportunity and the full press release.

“In an increasingly AI-driven and digitized world, human connection through craft is more essential than ever. This initiative will fortify craft’s place by investing in the spaces, relationships, and infrastructure that encourage artists, sustain creative careers, and strengthen communities across the country.”

- Stephanie Moore, Executive Director, Center for Craft

In its first round, the Craft Catalyst Initiative has awarded $2 million to 20 nonprofit organizations in five craft hubs nationwide, with each receiving unrestricted grants of $100,000. Grounded in research previously commissioned by Etsy,"craft hubs" are defined as areas where artisans and cultural organizations intersect to cultivate strong communities through craft.

Read the full press release here:

We’re especially thrilled to participate alongside the three other organizations in the Santa Fe / Northern New Mexico cohort:

Institute of American Indian Arts Studio Arts Program

MAKE Santa Fe

Santa Fe Community College School of Art & Design

In the coming months, we’ll be sharing more about how EVFAC staff and the Board of Directors hope to put these funds to work, and we’ll also be inviting member input through surveys and other opportunities for feedback. Stay tuned!

For now, if you’d like to share a thought or comment, simply reply to this email and we’ll be sure to include it in the conversation.

This grant offers an exciting opportunity to honor EVFAC’s 30 year history while looking toward its future. It creates space to develop thoughtful ideas, partnerships, and plans that support both the Center’s immediate flourishing and its long-term sustainability.

We are looking forward to this next chapter with gratitude, care, and excitement for what we can build together.