What We Know . . .

According to various resources, arts is considered as “a group of activities done by people with skill and imagination."[1] Similarly, the United States Congress, in the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, defined "the arts" as follows:

“The term 'the arts' includes, but is not limited to, music (instrumental and vocal), dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, industrial design, costume and fashion design, motion pictures, television, radio, film, video, tape and sound recording, the arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of such major art forms, all those traditional arts practiced by the diverse peoples of this country. (sic) and the study and application of the arts to the human environment.”

At a minimum, the board of directors reflect at least ten categories of art. With these specialized skill sets represented at the helm of the organization, it is an understatement that humans require all forms of art in their lives, including technology. Without the arts, the creative side of STEM in our environments, the business landscape, our homes, what we use to adorn our bodies, and even the great outdoors would be encumbered.  

According to the Alliance for Artisans Enterprises, “Hundreds of thousands of people around the world, largely women, participate in the artisan sector. Behind agriculture, artisan activity is the second largest employer and in the developing world, often the primary means of income. However, the value chain for artisan enterprises is fragmented and fraught with barriers that inhibit greater economic value and returns from occurring.”

OUR MISSION is to applaud micro business owners and identify meaningful industry standards to meet the needs of the creative professional in addition to serve as a place to network and discover resources and information to help them thrive!

EXECUTIVE PROFILE   Phyllicia M. Hatton, Founder  . . .  Following several years of serving people in a variety of positions in the Washington, D.C. region’s business community, Reverend Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div., has reached a new zenith in her career as a “serial entrepreneur.” Growing her enterprise launching new ventures, she has also assisted professionals implement and form start-up businesses and other meaningful economic enterprises. Currently, her attention has focused on offering support to mobile business owners. Forming Artisan’s Affinity Alliance allows her the opportunity to employ innate and learned skill sets that reveal her deep passion for the arts and in the interior design/space planning arenas. The mission of the organization is to address a growing need for additional opportunities to assist artisans showcase their works of art in a unique industry. Moreover, the underlying essentials for artisans to operate a successful enterprise are accessed through educational programs and seminars designed to ensure opportunities are available as observed for other small business enterprises.