About Us
The Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (NSDCC) was formed in 1973 by a group of craftspeople who recognized the need for a provincial organization to support and develop the quality craft movement. Through markets, exhibitions and other activities, the NSDCC promotes the work of its members locally, nationally and internationally. Today the NSDCC represents close to 300 individual artisans and craft enthusiasts, and up to 1,000 others through various member groups and guilds. Throughout its history, the NSDCC has played an active role in promoting craft in the province and building the craft community into the thriving economic and cultural force it is today.
The NSDCC's Board of Directors oversees financial and policy decisions of the organization, and are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. There are five standing volunteer committees, each with the responsibility of overseeing a major area of programming. Staff are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Currently, NSDCC's staff consists of Executive Director, Susan Hanrahan; Program Coordinator, Julie Rosvall ; Member Services Coordinator, Wendy Shirran, and Bookkeeper, Catherine Beck.
Who We Are
The Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council
is the officially recognized provincial crafts organization, with a mandate
to encourage and promote crafts in Nova Scotia, and to increase the public
awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities.
The NSDCC is best known for our two juried, retail craft markets. The reputation for quality associated with our markets has had a tremendous impact, both in establishing a community standard for excellence in the crafts, and in raising public awareness of quality craft in Nova Scotia. Other programs and services of the NSDCC include: a newsletter (Nova Scotia Craft News), a bi-weekly e-mail bulletin (Newsflash Online), exhibitions, workshops, access in group rates on business liability insurance, standards jurying, and an information resource and referral service.
The NSDCC also lobbies various levels of government on behalf of its members regarding craft-related issues. The NSDCC has played an active role in promoting craft in the province and in building the craft community into the thriving economic and cultural force it is today. NSDCC welcomes new members, from those with an interest in craft, to those who earn a full time living from their craft. Together, we can promote crafts more effectively.
We can be contacted at office@nsdcc.ns.ca
or 902-423-3837.
What We Do
The NSDCC strives to meet the many needs of its members through a variety of ongoing activities. Here are just a few of the benefits of NSDCC membership:
Juried Craft Markets
Two annual juried craft markets: one in July features up to 50 artisans; the other in November is home to more than 100. Both are held in downtown Halifax. Occasionally the NSDCC is also invited to stage its popular markets in conjunction with special events.
Credit Card Discounts
Our office is currently looking for a new company to offer members special rates for credit card services, so please keep checking this page.
Publications
Nova Scotia Craft News is packed with news from throughout the province. This publication offers something for everyone, including member profiles, features on craft activities and events, and professional development articles.
The bi-weekly email bulletin Newsflash Online contains member news, events listings, calls for entries, funding information, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsflash Online. This will bring news and information about the NSDCC and its members' activities to your inbox. This subscription requires your confirmation before being activated.
Exhibitions
Juried exhibitions highlight recent, innovative work of NSDCC members.
Standards Assessment
Standards Assessment is required for participation in
NSDCC markets or to obtain the distinction of NSDCC Master Artisan. Assessment is undertaken by the Standards Committee, a jury of respected craftspeople
representing a variety of media. All members of the NSDCC, with the exception
of Associates, may apply to have work juried by the Committee.
