The two largest trade bodies in the North American Art and Craft industry are proposing to merge, creating an efficient and financially stable trade association best placed to serve all membership types.
One of the key points that have led them to make this decision is that they will create a stronger trade body for the creative industry through the merger and sharing best practices.
Who they are
Namta is The International Art Material Association. Namta members are retail sellers, supplier manufacturers, distributors and importers, and independent representatives of art materials products. The association’s strategy is to provide its art/creative materials industry members with the products, services and information needed to grow and prosper, plus be recognized as an international leader and unifying force in the support, sustainability and advocacy of art and the art/creative materials business.
AFCI is The Association For Creative Industries. It is the premier trade association for the global creative arts products industries. AFCI is committed to its vision of a healthy, vibrant and innovative community that enriches people’s lives through crafting and other creative activities.
What are they proposing?
Namta and AFCI have announced plans to merge, creating one trade body for the creative industry.
AFCI and Namta partnered in March of 2021 to produce Creativation+, featuring Art Materials World, their first co-located trade show. The event achieved its goal of providing a virtual platform to conduct business, disseminate quality education and offer networking opportunities to the combined audience.
After holding the successful Virtual Trade Show in March 2021, the Board of AFCI approached the Board of Namta to investigate the option of Namta running a combined larger trade body.
*San Antonio 2019 event pictures
Namta has many years experience of in successfully running the largest fine art trade show in North America, amongst other membership benefits. AFCI has great experience in integrating the role of influencers/professional makers as well as a strong education program as part of their show.
The Boards believe that a merger would result in operational efficiencies and a stronger, more diverse creative community.
Like Namta Board President and Colart’s V.P. & General Manager – North America, Steve Chamberlain said in the press release “The idea of a closer link-up between Namta and AFCI has been discussed many times over several years. I feel the opportunity of this proposed merger now is very exciting and will see our creative industry has a stronger trade body, show, education program and many more member benefits. Despite the many recent challenges, we are all encouraged with the overall growth of creativity and with the ongoing increased demand for creative materials we are witnessing, I feel confident that our future together remains bright.”
The lines between ‘Fine Art’ and ‘Craft’ are more blurred than ever, whilst the challenges of Covid-19 means trade bodies from many industries need to remain both financially stable and relevant to membership.
Membership of both bodies (including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, agents, professional makers and influencers) will vote in August on the proposed merger.