Arts and crafts cooperatives are used by artists and craftspeople to market their product to maximize sales income. Cooperatives also can be a cost-effective means to obtain studio space, gallery space, retail space, or other specialized supplies or services needed by artists and craftspeople to carry out their work. These cooperatives account for a very small portion of the economic activity generated by the arts and culture sector.
Examples of Artist Cooperatives
Q Artist Cooperative is an artist-owned producer co-op drawing membership from Central Wisconsin. Q Artist Cooperative members own a gallery in downtown Stevens Point, WI.
Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts
Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts is an artist-owned producer cooperative in Northern Minnesota. Northwoods began in 1972 and is the longest continuously operating art and craft co-op in the state of Minnesota. The cooperative displays and sells products from 50 area artisans and the majority of the membership are talented senior citizens.
Resources & Organizations Supporting Artist Cooperatives
The Cooperative Approach To Crafts. USDA, Cooperative Information Report 33, 2000.