Let's Make!
Bring craft out of the workshop and into the open.
What is Let’s Make!?
Let’s Make! is an ACC initiative that brings together fair attendees and regional partners to showcase the processes and skills that bring handcrafted goods to life. Craft enthusiasts are invited to explore fun and educational demonstrations and interactive activities, while artists, businesses, and nonprofits have the opportunity to connect with new audiences. ACC’s Let’s Make! helps infuse ACC fairs with a fun, engaging, and approachable energy.
Why Should Organizations Participate?
This event brings together over 10,000 craft enthusiasts and 400+ craftspeople from around the country to learn and engage with the handmade. Let’s Make! Partners have the unique opportunity to share their passion and mission with ACC’s audiences, grow their community connections, and be a part of a 50-year legacy of celebrating the handmade with ACC.
Examples of Past & Current Let’s Make! Partners
- Mudluk Pottery, St. Paul, MN
- A Workshop of Our Own, Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore Jewelry Center, Baltimore, MD
- Aspire Artisan Studios & Folk School, St. Paul, MN
- Silver River Center for Chair Caning, Baltimore, MD
- Sebastian Martorana, Baltimore, MD
How it works.
ACC provides:
- Small stipend
- 10×10 sq. foot space (approx.)
- Signage
- (1) 6 ft. table
- (4) chairs
- Complimentary access to wifi
- 10 complimentary passes for constituents (beyond the free access that Let’s Make! Volunteers have to the space)
- Marketing and promotion of Let’s Make! and its partners
- Guidance and support for partner organizations from ACC
- Logistics support from ACC staff
- Discounts on hotel rooms through ACC’s hotel block
- Photographic documentation of the event
- Inclusion in the printed fair guide, mention on ACC’s website, and a digital promotional kit
- On-site fairshow signage
- Ability to unload and load vehicles (in a union-contracted convention center)
- 24-hour security
- Invitation to the Artist’s Reception and Awards Ceremony
Partners provide:
- Dynamic demonstration or hands-on activation
- Committed, staffed presence in the designated Let’s Make! space for the duration of the fair
- Marketing and promotional support, sharing with networks
- Payment for optional access to electricity
Organizational eligibility.
Let’s Make! partners must work in the craft field and be willing to engage with the public at an ACC fair. Interested organizations, artists, or businesses must complete the form, linked below.
Criteria for consideration:
- Be a current craft or folk-centered organization or business willing to demo or create an activity to engage with the public.
- Provide clear reasons and intentions behind your desire to participate
- How does this opportunity fit into your overall organization or business?
- How will this benefit your organization?
- Your primary contact is responsive to ACC communications and requirements
- Be present for the duration of the fair with a representative at the booth during public hours at all times.
- Be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources to make a meaningful contribution to both the organization and the fair.
If you have any follow-up questions please email [email protected].