JRACraft is proud to announce a new partnership with the African American Craft Alliance (AACA)—a national network that grew out of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s African American Craft Initiative. Now newly renamed, the AACA brings together craft artisans, makers, and organizations to encourage the vitality of African American craft, support efforts to document and present African American work, strengthen networks, and expand access to opportunities and resources.

Our first collaborative event took place on January 10, 2026, with a private after-hours tour of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) led by Dr. Diana Baird N’Diaye, Creative Director of the African American Craft Alliance, and Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, Supervisory Curator at NMAAHC. It was an intimate evening of viewing special craft objects from the museum's collection up close together, and an exciting start to what’s ahead.

Together, JRACraft and the African American Craft Alliance plan to partner on at least two events each year, creating more opportunities to gather, learn, and appreciate the depth and dynamism of African American craft.

JRACraft and AACA members gathered at NMAHCC for an after- hours tour. 

Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026
Presented by Craft in America
A nationwide Semiquincentennial initiative to showcase the importance of the handmadeboth throughout our history and in contemporary life.
https://www.handwork2026.org/ ​