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Craft Today Survey
In August 2005, subscribers to Craft Almanac were asked a variety of questions about the state of contemproary craft. The results showed great confidence in the state of craft.
1. How would you define craft?
  Response Percent Response Total
  The areas of ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture and metal
34.3% 110
  All art made by hand, including darkroom photography, print-making and painting
34% 109
  Anything produced where skill is a critical element
47.7% 153
  Other (please specify)
17.1% 55
Total Respondents   321
(skipped this question)   8
2. What is the main function of craft today?
  Response Percent Response Total
  To maintain traditions
43% 139
  To offer respite from technology
34.1% 110
  To provide personal meaning
54.5% 176
  To make a livelihood
19.8% 64
  To indulge the senses
48.3% 156
  Other (please specify)
18.6% 60
Total Respondents   323
(skipped this question)   6
3. How does craft practice today compare to the past?
  Response Percent Response Total
    More skill, more experimentation
48.4% 150
    Less skill, more experimentation
47.7% 148
    More skill, less experimentation
1.3% 4
    Less skill, less experimentation
2.6% 8
Total Respondents   310
(skipped this question)   19
4. What should be done with traditional crafts?
  Response Percent Response Total
  Preserved for posterity
50.5% 160
  Left to survive on own
8.8% 28
  Be re-fashioned for contemporary needs
58.7% 186
  Other (please specify)
18% 57
Total Respondents   317
(skipped this question)   12
5. Do you think craft is growing in importance?
5. Do you think craft is growing in importance?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Yes
71.6% 232
    No
19.1% 62
    Don't know
9.3% 30
Total Respondents   324
(skipped this question)   5
14. What is your relation to craft?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Practitioner
57.6% 129
    Designer/Commissioner
7.1% 16
    Collector
2.7% 6
    Writer
3.1% 7
    Curator
2.2% 5
    Manager
1.8% 4
    Interested
13.8% 31
    Other (please specify)
11.6% 26
Total Respondents   224
(skipped this question)   105

For individual text responses, please go here.

Last modified 31-Oct-2005

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