American Craft Council history

In 1955, the American Craftsmen's Education Council shortened its name to the American Craftsmen's Council with the acronym ACC.

In 1956, the Council opened the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, now the Museum of Arts and Design, in a brownstone purchased by Webb at 29 West 53rd Street in New York City.

The Council launched its first national conference and began publishing a newsletter, Outlook, in 1957.

Rose Slivka was appointed editor-in-chief of Craft Horizons in 1959.

In 1960, Craft Horizons was officially incorporated into the Council and subscribers were automatically enrolled as members.

In the July/August 1961 issue Slivka published the article The New Ceramic Presence, in which she reported on the abstract, sculptural work of Peter Voulkos, John Mason, and others.

In 1966, ACC held its first regional craft fair in Stowe, Vermont, a precursor to the annual shows the Council continues to present in Baltimore, Atlanta, Saint Paul, and San Francisco.

In 1969, one year after celebrating its 25th anniversary, the American Craftsmen's Council changed its name to the American Crafts Council.

In 2015, ACC launched several programs to highlight and serve emerging artists; Hip Pop, a shows initiative that provides a pathway for emerging artists to successfully take part in ACC shows, and Emerging Voices, an awards program that honors top emerging artist and scholars.