National craft organization moving to Minneapolis

After 66 years in the Big Apple, the American Craft Council is moving to the Minneapple.

The nonprofit organization, which stages craft shows and programs around the country -- including one in St. Paul that draws thousands of visitors -- plans to close its New York offices next spring and reopen in Minneapolis in July. The move is intended to save money by reducing salaries and rent.

"In this economy, it got down to the cost of doing business," said its board chair Leilani Duke. Staying in New York "is just not a feasible economic model for us."

The board chose Minneapolis after soliciting proposals from 11 cities with strong craft traditions, Duke said.

The organization is at a difficult juncture. It has an annual budget of $6 million and a staff of 21, but revenues from craft shows and advertising in its bimonthly magazine American Craft are shaky. Its executive director, Andrew Glasgow, resigned Nov. 1 for health reasons, and a national search for his replacement just began.

The organization expects to open the Minneapolis office with fewer staff and lower salaries. Some New York personnel may move here, but the organization expects to hire about a dozen Minnesotans. Rents are generally lower in the Twin Cities than in Manhattan, but it will need about the same amount of space, 10,000 square feet, for offices and its extensive library. It is negotiating on a space and hopes to finalize it next month.

"Our expectation is that compensation costs will probably be less than they would be in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles," but the move's impact on the overall budget is unclear, Duke said.

The organization did not seek public money to help with the move. It plans to apply for grants from Minnesota foundations and corporations "if we're eligible," Duke said. "We haven't really explored those guidelines in any detail."

Nationally known Minnesota potter Robert Briscoe applauded the move as a "brilliant idea" that will encourage the organization to return to its roots by promoting the authentic handiwork of American artisans. A sometimes critic of the organization, Briscoe said it had become inbred and bedazzled by a Manhattan ethos that prized high-end design and manufacturing techniques rather than inventive craftsmanship.

"They've done a terrible disservice to craftsmen for the past 30 years by sending them down the path of small manufacturing," and designing primarily "things for the upper classes," Briscoe said. "The culture of New York City is a detriment to them and they'll thrive here if they're willing to listen to different points of view."

The ACC's programs include craft shows that are held annually in St. Paul, Baltimore, Atlanta and San Francisco, and trade conferences for professional and student artisans. It also publishes American Craft and sponsors awards and fellowships for artists.

Mary Abbe • 612-673-4431