World Artisan Day Date in the current year: April 18, 2025

Artisans are skilled craftspeople who make functional or decorative material objects entirely or at least partly by hand. Before the Industrial Revolution, they were the primary producers of many products and provided many valuable services. There were two groups of artisans: those who owned their own businesses (masters) and those who did not (apprentices and journeymen). Masters were usually highly respected members of society; they organized themselves into guilds, some of which had considerable political influence.

The Industrial Revolution made it possible to mass produce many products, which led to a significant decline in the role and social status of artisans as they were replaced by mechanized production.

In the modern world, where mass production is the norm, artisans are skilled craftspeople who create handmade items using traditional techniques and locally sourced materials, keeping ancient traditions alive and helping their communities thrive. With time and practice, talented artisans can achieve a level of expression comparable to that of an artist. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for artisans, especially those in rural indigenous communities, to compete with cheap, mass-produced goods.

NOVICA launched World Artisan Day in 2021 to honor artisans around the world and highlight their contribution to preserving traditions and cultures. NOVICA CEO Robert Milk, a descendant of Peruvian artisans, was inspired by an annual festival held in the Andes to celebrate Peruvian artisans and their role in their communities.

There are many ways to celebrate World Artisan Day. UNICEF shared some ideas on their official website, and we share them with you:

• Get creative and make something with your hands: try your hand at watercolor painting, bake a batch of cookies for your friends, family, neighbors or coworkers, etc.
• Support local artisans by buying their handmade goods.
• Host a craft night or plan an artisan-themed dinner party, complete with handmade decorations and locally sourced food and drinks.
• Explore a local art fair to discover emerging artists and unique crafts.
• Sign up for a workshop or class to learn a new skill or craft directly from a local artisan.
• Celebrate the handmade movement online by sharing your favorite creations using the hashtag #WorldArtisanDay.
• Spend time at a museum or gallery to deepen your appreciation of art and craftsmanship.
• Show your gratitude by writing a thank you note or leaving a glowing review for a talented artisan.
• Bring your community together by organizing an event that highlights the work of local artisans.
• Support artisans by choosing fair trade and handmade goods whenever possible.

Getting involved with World Artisan Day means supporting the shift from anonymous and soulless mass production to supporting handmade goods with a story behind them.