Founders Award for Civic Leadership

For her commitment to helping artisans world-wide through mentoring and connecting them to the global marketplace through Aid to Artisans.

Clare Smith never intended to get involved in the global artisan market, but over the course of her career she became a key resource in it. Smith worked as an artist herself until the mid-seventies when she and her husband became involved in the business of importing folk art from Haiti. Soon, Smith built up an invaluable body of knowledge on the global craft market through running her own import business. Slowly, yet undeniably, Smith became an expert in this small and specialized field, which led to her becoming the president of Aid to Artisans and a pioneer in creating a sustainable global craft market for over 20 years.

When Smith came to Aid to Artisans, it was underdeveloped and lacking in real trade experience. Though Smith had little familiarity with running a non-profit organization, she utilized her passion for international handmade crafts, her natural business acumen, and most importantly, her unwavering dedication to artisans and their ability to make a living through their skills to build Aid to Artisans into a thriving and influential organization. Currently, Aid to Artisans is successful in providing sustainable economic and social benefits for craftspeople in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner, with programs in product development, business skills training and development of new markets.

Smith’s leadership and dedication to the mission of Aid to Artisans over the past twenty years has produced nothing short of extraordinary results. Smith modestly attributes the success of the organization, not to herself or her staff, but to the organization’s recognition that artisans are capable, innovative and skilled people, who when empowered, can become competitive tradesmen in the global craft market. Through this perspective, artisans from all around the world have been successful in selling their products through mainstream outlets such as Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports and The New York Times Magazine. Additionally, Aid to Artisans has influenced the creation of numerous similar organizations throughout the world such as ATAG in Ghana, CACSA in Central Asia, Barro Sin Plomo in Mexico, Craft Revival Trust and AIACA in India which has impacted the lives of craftspeople everywhere.

Although Smith has stepped down as the Director of Aid to Artisans, she has left behind a strong organizational legacy that continues to positively affect the global craft market by creating jobs and increasing income for craftspeople, strengthening sustainable new craft businesses, and helping to preserve the cultural traditions that make each country unique.

For more information: Aid to Artisans