Vermont State Craft Center Designation Overview

Link to the State Statute, signed by the Governor

Vermont State Craft Center designation is granted by the Vermont State Craft Center Overview Commission, appointed by the Governor. Both high quality galleries and craft education centers can apply to be a Vermont State Craft Center including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. The Standards Group makes recommendations to the Overview Commission.

So, what's in it for YOU?

• The State stamp of approval - a "brand" that, for the public as well as the crafts community signifies quality.
• The opportunity to work together on group marketing efforts under one brand. Efforts might include presence on
  VermontVacation.com, group advertisements in Vermont Life, or other relevant  publications.
• Presence on this website
• Sharing of resources & ideas on issues such as retail practices & challenges, or fundraising for education    initiatives.
• Coordination of efforts. For example, coordinating schedules to bring prestigious instructors to teach    & exhibit in Vermont; or encouraging discipline-specific state-wide craft tours and education initiatives.
• Statewide peer networking.

Here is our Vision:

Importance of Vermont Crafts to the State of Vermont
The State of Vermont recognizes and supports the contributions of the Vermont Crafts Community to the economy, quality of life and culture of our state.

Quality of Work
All designated Vermont State Craft Centers(VSCC's) demonstrate a high standard for quality of craft and craft education.

Education
Vermont State Craft Centers, whether a gallery or an education center, will work to deepen public understanding of the connection between the process of making something by hand and the beauty of the finished product through craft education.

Diversity
The network of State Craft Centers should have an array of uniquely individual craft products. Requirements are intended to be flexible, motivating, and responsive to the interests and resources of each Center. The State of Vermont recognizes and celebrates the uniqueness that exists in the craft community.

Networking
Vermont State Craft Centers are encouraged to work together as partners to:
• be resource centers for the crafts community;
• facilitate an exchange of ideas;
• collaborate on education offerings;
• inform the community and public officials about the wealth of talent and resources in the crafts community; and
• meet regularly with peers to problem solve, pool their knowledge, and discuss common problems involved in running their businesses and organizations

Application Procedure:

There are no fees associated with the application process.

Applications are available on this website, created for the State Craft Center program. In addition to this website, information will be available through the VCC and Standards Group (SG) members. SG members will be available to all interested parties to provide assistance and answer questions.

The SG convenes an application review meeting twice each year – once in the Spring and once in the Fall. A jury will perform the evaluation and will consist of two standing members of the Standard’s Group as well as guest jurors. Every effort will be made to ensure that appropriate areas of expertise are represented. Jurors will be evaluated to ensure they are free of affiliation with the applicant. Jury details are here. The jury will review all applications, conduct site visits and make its recommendations to the Vermont State Craft Center Overview Commission (VSCCOC). Applicants will be informed of the VSCCOC’s final decision within 14 days of the SG’s recommendations being made.  

Designation and Review:

There are no fees associated with State Craft Center designation.

Successful applicants will be awarded Vermont State Craft Center designation for an initial term of 2 years. Each subsequent term will be 3 years. An informal review consisting of a short questionnaire and site visit will be conducted annually or on an as needed basis. Annual questionnaires will be distributed by the SG following 11 months of operation as a designated VSCC and should be completed and returned within 30 days. Craft Centers that significantly change an aspect of their operations and, in so doing, fall out-with the VSCC criteria, should contact the SG immediately. The SG may request a meeting in order to discuss changes to the applicants programs and policies.  

Marketing Materials:

The SG will work with the State of Vermont to develop a marketing package for designated VSCC’s. The marketing package will include a logo to be used in promotional material and advertisements, as well as window/door decals to indicate VSCC designation. There will also be a simple set of phrases explaining the designation for members to use in their literature.  

If a group of SCC's want to do some co-promotion, they will pool resources to do a project together.

Signage

State Craft Centers should not have the words "Vermont State Craft Center" on their own permanaent business signage. The state-supplied window/door decals will have the words State Craft Center Gallery or Education Center.