Uncovering Craft Histories Through Archival Research

### Craft Archive Fellowship: Unearthing Hidden Histories in the World of Craft

In the realm of art and craft, there are countless untold stories of marginalized communities, overlooked traditions, and innovative artisans whose legacies remain hidden due to the lack of documentation or visibility. The **Craft Archive Fellowship**, hosted annually by the **Center for Craft** in collaboration with _Hyperallergic_, is working to address this gap by spotlighting the role of archives and alternative repositories in preserving and unveiling underrepresented craft histories.

This initiative serves as a beacon for researchers and craft historians who seek to amplify the contributions of overlooked communities and document generational knowledge in the crafting world. Through fellowships, virtual programs, and open-access publications, the Craft Archive Fellowship is reshaping how we understand the role of craft in global cultural narratives.

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### **The 2023 Craft Archive Fellowship Virtual Program: Archives in Action**

On **Thursday, February 27**, from **5 to 6:30 PM (EST)**, the Craft Archive Fellowship Virtual Program will host a free online presentation and roundtable discussion with this year’s cohort of fellows. Moderated by Lakshmi Rivera Amin, this virtual event offers attendees an opportunity to explore groundbreaking research into craft histories from diverse parts of the world.

The program will feature presentations from several fellows, including:

– **alejandro t. acierto** addressing community-shared knowledge of the Tsimshian Chilkat weavers.
– **Michelle Amos** highlighting preservation through ancestral objects and Chamorro craft practices.
– **Jenna Richards** delving into the Jonkonnu masquerade culture of Jamaica.
– **Shilpi Chandra** exploring the work and history of Krishna Reddy.
– **Earline Green and Denali Jöel**, documenting the contributions of enslaved and free Black potters in Texas and the women behind the Little Loomhouse.
– **Ruth Hallows and Olivia Quintanilla**, investigating industrial labor within Philippine prisons and the role of archival materials in preserving these histories.

This year’s special focus revolves around the diverse ways that archives—digital, community-created, and even oral histories—can serve as critical resources for documenting craft practices that have been historically neglected.

Interested individuals can **register for free on Zoom** to gain insights into the neglected legacies of craftspeople and marginalized communities. These presentations aim to foster a dialogue about the importance of acknowledging the multiplicity of craft traditions around the globe.

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### **2024 Craft Archive Fellowship: Expanding the Horizons of Archival Research**

As the fellowship program transitions into the **2024 cycle**, the goal remains steadfast: to recognize that archives exist far beyond conventional institutions. By embracing alternative repositories such as oral histories, craft objects, and community-led documentation, the fellowship champions the idea that craft legacies can be reclaimed and amplified from non-traditional archival sources.

#### **What Makes This Fellowship Unique?**
1. **Emphasis on Underdocumented Histories:** The fellowship prioritizes research into craftspeople and communities whose contributions to the art world have been historically overlooked.
2. **Expansive Definition of Archives:** Archives are broadly defined to include not just libraries and museums, but also community-created repositories, craft sites, oral traditions, and material culture.
3. **Democratization of Access:** The findings of the fellows are made accessible online, reducing barriers for students, scholars, and the public worldwide.
4. **Global and Interdisciplinary Focus:** From documenting Chamorro culture in Guam to exploring African American pottery techniques in the southern United States, the fellowship highlights the global scope of craft histories.

By collaborating with the Center for Craft, _Hyperallergic_ ensures that this groundbreaking research reaches a broader audience, making an invaluable contribution to craft scholarship.

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### **Why Archiving Craft Histories Matters**

The role of archives in preserving craft histories cannot be overstated. Many craft traditions, especially those belonging to Indigenous communities, enslaved peoples, and other marginalized groups, rely on intergenerational transmission of knowledge. However, colonialism, globalization, and systemic marginalization have disrupted the continuity of these practices.

Bringing these stories to light not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also ensures that contemporary discussions around craft include multiple perspectives. By documenting these practices, the Craft Archive Fellowship fulfills a dual purpose of celebrating historical contributions and inspiring future craft research.

#### **Spotlight on Underrepresented Themes**
– **Chamorro Culture in Guam:** Indigenous Chamorro craft techniques embody a connection to ancestral traditions, often passed down through objects and stories. Fellow Michelle Amos’s research focuses on preserving these techniques for future generations.
– **Black Potter Traditions in Texas:** The lack of proper recognition for enslaved and free Black potters in Texas is a glaring omission in craft history. Fellows like Denali Jöel seek to correct this oversight by reconstructing these artists’ historical significance.
– **Industrial Craft Practices in the Philippines:** Archives of labor and prison industries in the Philippines provide insight into the