American Craft Council relocates to Minneapolis

The American Craft Council, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to championing contemporary American craft, is relocating from New York City to Minneapolis. The ACC plans to open its new office in July.

"The council is proud to have been headquartered in New York for 66 years, but the high cost of doing business in the city is not a sustainable financial model for our organization given the current economic climate," says Leilani Duke, chair of the ACC's board.

"As part of a yearlong strategic planning process, the council board determined that relocating to the Midwest - with its rich craft traditions and energetic artist communities - is an exciting and positive step. The move ensures that the council can achieve its mission of championing contemporary American craft throughout the United States while effectively managing operational costs."

The ACC will join a number of nationally-known art and craft organizations in the Twin Cities area, including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minnesota State Arts Board, American Association of Woodturners, Northern Clay Center, the Textile Center and Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to the third-largest number of museums in the country, including the Walker Art Center and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum.

The ACC is also relocating its public library, which features more than 6,400 books, 7,000 exhibition catalogs and 700 bound volumes of periodicals.

For information visit, www.craftcouncil.org.