Thast year made craft history with the release of the results of The CODA Survey: The Impact of Crafts on the National Economy, the first-ever study of its kind, launched by the Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA). The survey established a foundation for determining the full scope of the crafts field’s national economic impact. The fact that the sale of crafts by crafts professionals was found to contribute $14 billion to our national economy was an impressive starting point. That figure, however, did not include the economic impact of craft fairs, galleries, shops, craft suppliers, craft education programs, publications, etc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CODA Linda Van Trump, Chair and Managing Director, Box 59, Onia, AR 72663; lvt.coda@mvtel.net; (870) 746-4396 Conference Fees: • Early bird discount (before March 1): $115 for non-members $100 for CODA members • General Registration (after March 1): $135 for non-members $120 for CODA members

This is where “Phase II” of the survey comes in. … CODA has announced plans to launch the second part of the landmark survey, focusing on those ancillary economic contributors to ultimately present a more complete picture of the field’s economic impact. The CODA steering committee thought it would be easier to manage a survey of this scope if it was handled in two parts, according to Linda Van Trump, CODA chair and managing director.

The first part of the survey was handled by the Center for Business Research at the John A. Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University. The CODA steering committee has decided to forgo hiring a research company for Phase II of the survey. As Carol Sedestrom Ross, CODA treasurer, explains, “The second phase of research will determine the number of craft fairs in the country, the number of colleges, publications, and that kind of information already exists. It’s not original research, it’s more compilation.”

A session will be held during the CODA Conference, April 4-6, at the Southwest School of Art and Craft in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the “How and What and Who” of Phase II of the CODA Survey.

CODA encourages craft guilds and other membership organizations, museums, economic development agencies, co-ops, e-commerce businesses, etc., to participate. Conference registration forms are being mailed early this month.