Crafting Pathways: Makers and the Future of Work in Appalachia

On December 4th join New America and local leaders to explore and amplify opportunities for artisanship and making in Appalachia. Together we will explore promising models, review market data, and engage in a user-centered design workshop to help inform the development of new credential and mobility pathways for craft manufacturers in the region.

Makers, artisans, and makerspaces add tremendous value to communities, culturally and economically. As critical bridge-builders between the arts, humanities, and technology, makers and artisans are also walking an important but fine line in today's rapidly changing future of work: they use technology to connect, teach, create, and promote their work while also utilizing future-resilient skills (creativity, judgement, and more) that are technology-agnostic.

Some of the most vital and promising economic and talent development strategies for Appalachia revolve around celebrating, honoring, and amplifying traditions like artisanship and craft, creating a craft manufacturing ecosystem that can help grow communities' and individuals' economic and social mobility, while maintaining a region's cultural identity. Educators and employers are uniquely positioned to ensure that our talented makers and artisans receive the credit they are due as professionals.

Lunch will be provided.

This event is part of a larger Connected Conversations series on Humanities+Tech produced by New America with communities in and around Pittsburgh, Southwestern Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Many thanks to the Grable Foundation and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation for their support of the series. Follow @NewAmericaEd on Twitter to get the latest information on this series

Past events:
October 5, 2019
Neighborhood Stories: Looking Into the Past to Map the Future
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Main)
4400 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Read a recap of the Digital Mapping event.

July 24, 2019
Learning Power: Examining the Future Of Education Amid Automation and Artificial Intelligence
Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh
4060 Allequippa Street Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Read a recap of the Learning Power event.