Conference

The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) is the official state organization representing Virginia’s artisan community. Highly visible and unique in its mission, the ACV reaches out to burgeoning “next generation” artisans and small business artisan start-ups, as well as seasoned practitioners who are focused and ready to take their businesses to a next level.

The ACV invites craft and agri-artisans, their guilds, regional professional groups, associations, local affiliates and supporting venues to gather as peers for an empowering weekend of networking and exploring old ideas in brave new ways.

Over 4,000 craft artisans reside and practice in the state of Virginia. The ACV is dedicated to ensuring artisan craft businesses are a valued mainstay to the economic vitality of Virginia communities. Agri-tourism represents a high profile and ever-growing focus accentuating the cultural synergy between art and agriculuture unique to Virginia’s creative landscape. ACV embraces this momentum through collaborations that elevate Virginia artisans; their stories, products and distinctive ways of life that link the past, present and future and highlight the relationship between the acts of creating and living.

From developing skill techniques and basic business practices to exploring new sales outlets, communication trends, and production advances; the conference program is directed and designed by artisans for artisans to empower and help them grow their endeavors.

Workshop Tracks

Entrepreneur: Economic Strategies, Sales, Marketing & Business Skills
Creative: Skilled & fun techniques in artisan craft media
Education: Encouraging the “next generation” of Virginia artisans
Networking & Collaboration: Resourcing and co-creating activities for success