Creative Manufacturing in WNC: A Strategic Plan for Craft Sector Growth
The Western North Carolina Creative Manufacturing Sector Development Plan outlines a regional strategy to grow the area’s thriving craft and artisan economy. Commissioned by ArtsAVL and partners and informed by stakeholder engagement across 26 counties, this 2024 report identifies ways to expand opportunities for creative manufacturers in five focus industries: Textiles, Ceramics, Wood, Glass, and Metal.
Creative manufacturing in WNC blends artistry with small-scale production—powering both cultural identity and economic development. The plan presents a roadmap for scaling this sector while preserving its local roots.
Key Objectives:
- Launch a WNC Craft Business Alliance to connect makers, share resources, and amplify sector-wide impact
- Strengthen branding and destination marketing to promote Western North Carolina as a hub for high-quality handmade goods
- Build new sales channels and supply chains to support growth across retail, wholesale, and online markets
- Support skills training and workforce development, particularly in rural communities
- Conduct a feasibility study for a regional Craft Incubator Hub, offering space, equipment, and wraparound support for small creative businesses
The plan builds on successful models like The Industrial Commons and identifies opportunities for WNC to lead nationally in craft-based creative manufacturing. It also emphasizes inclusive economic development, with strategies to expand access for underserved communities, emerging makers, and women- and minority-owned craft businesses.
As the creative manufacturing sector gains national visibility, this plan offers a timely and actionable guide for local governments, funders, and nonprofits to invest in one of WNC’s most distinctive economic strengths.
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