American Craft Connects: ACC Conference & Awards 2026
Making matters. Now, more than ever.
Explore the ideas, trends, and movements shaping the future of craft.
September 4–6, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
Examine how the artful work of the human hand builds connection, shapes culture, fosters community, and grows today’s economy at the country’s premier convening of the craft field.
Be part of the conversation across three days of engaging panels and presentations featuring industry luminaries and extraordinary makers. Celebrate the inspiring artists and advocates receiving ACC’s 2026 Biennial Awards, and meet the rising generation of artisans both carrying forward and challenging the traditions of craft in America.
Schedule announced soon.
Friday, September 4
- All-day opportunities to explore Minneapolis
- 6 p.m. Biennial Awards Celebration
Saturday, September 5
- 9 a.m. Check-in begins
- 10 a.m. Opening remarks
- 1–5 p.m. Panels
Sunday, September 6
- 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Programming
- 4 p.m. Closing remarks
Location:
University of Minnesota McNamara Center
Tickets available now!
ACC members! Access your ACC member ticket discount before purchasing.
Build Nationwide Connections & Community
American Craft Connects is an opportunity for craft professionals, artists, makers, collectors, and educators to explore trends and issues affecting the field we love.
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For Craft Field Professionals
- Gain insights into nationwide trends.
- Explore new ideas and practical strategies for storytelling, collaboration, engagement, and organizational impact.
- Build and nurture community with peers old and new – creating a lifelong network.
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For Artists & Makers
- Learn about craft education, publishing, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Discover new ways to tell your story, build visibility, and navigate the craft landscape.
- Build relationships with artists, organizations, and supporters across the community.
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For Collectors & Appreciators
- Deepen your understanding of craft, collecting practices, and the stories behind the work.
- Hear directly from artists, writers, curators, and cultural leaders shaping the craft field today
- Connect with a national community that shares your passion for craft and creative culture.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Anton Treuer
Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and acclaimed author Dr. Anton Treuer will open this year’s conference with remarks on Saturday, September 5. Named in 2018 as Guardian of Culture and Lifeways by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums, Dr. Treuer’s presentation will consider how craft is shaped by place, history, identity, and community, offering a foundation for meaningful conversations throughout the conference.
Closing Remarks
Carla Canales
Acclaimed singer, cultural leader, and former Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange Carla Canales will close this year’s conference with remarks on Sunday, September 6, reflecting on the connections forged throughout the event and exploring the relationship between craft and community. Canales will also perform during her presentation, leaving attendees with an inspiring reminder of the power of craft to bring people together.
Browse some of this year's presenters.
Mary Savig
Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Namita Wiggers
Educator, writer, curator, and artist
Michelle Millar Fisher
Chief Curator, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Diana Baird N’Diaye, PhD
Multidisciplinary artist, folklife researcher, and curator
Monica Hampton
Executive Director, The Furniture Society
Ruby Lopez Harper
Executive Director, Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)
Delina White
Artist, Founder and Owner of IamAnishinaabe and Native Nations Fashion Night
Raul de Lara
2024 Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Craft, wood sculptor
Leo Tecosky
2023 Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Craft, glass blower
Browse Presentations & Panels
Explore this year’s presentations and panels, featuring more than 50 craft field leaders and luminaries, with more coming soon.
Discover Minnesota's Craft Scene
Plan to arrive Friday for special city-wide opportunities.
Minneapolis and St. Paul have a rich cultural and creative ecosystem. The American Craft Council is arranging a number of opportunities for conference attendees to build community across the Twin Cities and with some of our longstanding partners.
Details coming soon.
Explore the Creative Commons
A unique conference experience.
From book signings to networking, meet-and-greets with national organizations, and demonstrations, this activity epicenter at American Craft Connects will offer an opportunity to build face-to-face connections and get hands-on with craft.
Book Signings & Demonstrations
Connect with Schiffer Craft, CourseStorm, and other professional organizations for demonstrations, book signings, networking, and more.
Record an Object Story
Record your own Object Story as part of ACC’s live storytelling series where artists, community voices, and cultural leaders share personal stories about the objects that have shaped their lives.
Peer Mentorship Opportunities
Connect and learn from peers in the craft field through mentorship meet-ups, networking, and more.
ACC Biennial Awards Celebration
Kick off American Craft Connects at this special in-person event.
Friday, September 4
Weisman Art Museum
Honor and celebrate the 2026 American Craft Council Biennial Award recipients with an unforgettable evening reception and program at the iconic riverside Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Meet and mingle with 2026 award-winners, including: Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, Clifton Monteith, Donald Freidlich, DY Begay, Jean McLaughlin, Mildred Howard, Namita Gupta Wiggers, Silas Kopf, Susan Stinsmuehland-Amend, and Vivian Beer.
Conference Accommodations
Book early at a discounted rate.
For those looking for lodging, our preferred hotel is the Graduate Minneapolis. Guests can book online here or call the hotel at (612) 379-8888, press 2 for reservations, and request the American Craft Council Room Block (group code 919)
Advertise in the Official Conference Guide
Reach attendees through the official Craft Connects Conference guide, distributed to each participant and used throughout the event. Promote your organization, programs, products, or services to a national audience of craft professionals, makers, and advocates.
Visit our ad reservation page, or email Lauren Moosbrugger for more info.
Past ACC Conferences
Thank you to our sponsors!
This article was made possible with support from the Windgate Foundation, Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, The Harlan Boss Foundation, KNOCK, Inc., CourseStorm, and Northeast Bank Foundation.
