LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2025 — Artisans and art lovers across the globe are preparing for the largest World Artisan Day celebration yet, taking place on April 18. Now marking its fifth year, World Artisan Day has evolved from a grassroots movement into a globally recognized holiday, appearing on calendars worldwide and inspiring vibrant celebrations from Tokyo to Delhi, Lima to Guadalajara, and beyond.
Founded and championed by NOVICA.com — the Los Angeles-based online fair trade marketplace — World Artisan Day honors the creativity, skill, and cultural legacy of artisans everywhere. Since its official recognition on global calendars in 2021, the holiday has expanded in both scale and impact, with participation growing exponentially each year.
A Movement Gaining Global Momentum
“Five years ago, we dreamed of a day when the world would pause to celebrate the artistry, heritage, and humanity embedded in handmade creations,” said Ben Kiblinger, NOVICA’s World Artisan Day ambassador who originally proposed the idea. “Today,” he added, “we’re thrilled to see so many global organizations joining in, hosting festivals, workshops, and ceremonies that unite communities and honor artisans.”
Key Milestones in the Artisan Movement
The global handcrafts market reached $906.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.94 trillion by 2033, according to the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group. Until fair trade practices are implemented on a broader scale, only a small fraction of handcraft revenues return to the artisans themselves. NOVICA’s mission remains focused on changing that dynamic, connecting artisans directly to consumers and inspiring increasing equity in global trade.
“We’re witnessing a cultural renaissance — a global yearning for authenticity, heritage, and human connection,” said Kiblinger. “World Artisan Day shines a spotlight on the artisans who protect traditions, foster creativity, and inspire innovation. This is not just a backlash to our mass-manufactured era, but also a movement filled with tremendous enthusiasm and a growing appreciation for craftsmanship.”
How the World Will Celebrate in 2025
This year, NOVICA’s Artisan Empowerment Hubs in the United States, Asia, Africa, and Latin America will host special celebrations, and many other artisan groups, organizations, and regional programs are following suit:
- In Chiang Mai, Thailand, artisans will celebrate with hands-on workshop experiences, teaching their traditional crafting techniques to participants.
- In Delhi, India, local craftspeople will participate in an artisan showcase with storytelling events.
- In Costa Rica, artisans will receive gifts of appreciation from a regional Artisan Empowerment Hub, and have also been invited to a ceremony honoring their contributions to culture and history.
- In Bali, Indonesia, World Artisan Day banners are under construction to honor local artisans.
- In Mexico, myriad World Artisan Day celebrations will be augmented by a related film and mural project.
- Many other regions will host artisan gatherings, appreciation ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Meanwhile, individuals around the world are encouraged to celebrate by hosting craft parties on April 18 and by supporting artisans through fair trade year-round.
About NOVICA:
Founded in 1999, NOVICA has grown to become the leading global fair trade marketplace group, composed of NOVICA.com, Handmade.com, and several significant handmade marketplace partners. NOVICA’s mission is to empower artisans and preserve endangered cultural art forms by connecting artisans directly to customers. By eliminating multiple layers of middlemen, NOVICA makes it possible for artisans to earn more, while customers pay less for unique handmade creations. To date, an estimated 100,000 people — artisans and their families — benefit globally from NOVICA’s marketplace platforms.
Join the celebration on April 18!
