Canada Art and Craft Market Overview, 2029

The art and craft market in Canada has its roots in the broader Arts and Crafts movement that began in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century. This movement emerged as a reaction against the industrialization that characterized the era, advocating for a return to traditional craftsmanship and the integration of art into everyday life. The movement began to take hold in Canada in the late 19th century, particularly during the 1890s and extending into World War I. Canadian architects, artists, and craftspeople sought to incorporate beautiful handcraftsmanship into their designs, often influenced by British precedents, especially the work of figures like William Morris. The Canadian Arts and Crafts movement was characterized by its emphasis on local materials and craftsmanship, reflecting both aesthetic and political dimensions. While it flourished primarily in urban centers such as Toronto and Montreal, its influence was less pronounced in rural areas. Notably, the movement led to the establishment of various organizations, including the Woman's Art Association of Canada in 1896 and the Canadian Handicrafts Guild in 1905, which aimed to promote crafts and recognize them as legitimate forms of art. Innovations within the Canadian art and craft market included a focus on integrating architectural design with landscape, particularly on the West Coast, where the mild climate allowed for expansive outdoor spaces that complemented architectural features. Prominent architects like Samuel Maclure exemplified this trend, designing homes that harmonized with their natural surroundings. For instance, during economic downturns, discretionary spending on art often declines, leading to reduced sales for galleries and artists. Conversely, periods of economic growth can enhance the market, increasing both private and public investment in the arts.

According to the research report "Canada Art & Craft Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Canada Art & Craft market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.4 Billion by 2029. The art and craft market in Canada has experienced notable growth, driven by a combination of cultural appreciation, economic opportunities, and the increasing popularity of handmade products. Key players in this market include the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF), which advocates for the craft community and promotes the economic and cultural significance of crafts across the country. The CCF plays a vital role in developing strategies for growth and sustainability within the sector, focusing on both domestic and international markets. Several factors contribute to the growth of the art and craft market in Canada. Firstly, there is a strong emphasis on local craftsmanship and sustainability, with consumers increasingly seeking unique, handmade items that reflect their cultural heritage. Events like the Signatures By Hand Artisan Gift Show provide platforms for artisans to showcase their work, fostering connections between creators and consumers. These events not only promote sales but also enhance awareness of the craft sector's contributions to the economy and cultural landscape. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the market, allowing artisans to reach broader audiences beyond their local communities. Online platforms enable artists to sell their products directly to consumers, increasing their visibility and sales potential. This shift has been particularly beneficial for small-scale artisans who may not have access to traditional retail channels. Developments in education and training also play a crucial role in the sector's growth. Institutions like Vancouver Island University offer programs that focus on traditional craft trades, helping to preserve skills while preparing new generations of artisans. This educational focus ensures a continuous supply of skilled craftspeople who can innovate and adapt to changing market demands.

The arts and crafts market in Canada is vibrant and diverse, encompassing several key segments, including painting and drawing, paper crafts, kids' crafts, arts and crafts tools, and sewing and fabric crafts. Painting and Drawing is a fundamental segment that includes a wide range of mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, and drawing materials. The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition showcases contemporary artists and their works, fostering community engagement and appreciation for visual arts. The increasing popularity of art classes and workshops, both in-person and online, has further stimulated interest in this segment, contributing to its growth. Paper Crafts involve activities such as scrapbooking, card making, and origami. This segment has seen significant growth due to the rise of DIY culture and the accessibility of materials through online retailers. Events like the Signatures Handmade Markets provide platforms for artisans to showcase their paper crafts, enhancing visibility and sales. The creativity involved in paper crafts appeals to a wide audience, from children to adults, driving demand for unique and personalized items. Kids Crafts focus on products and activities designed to engage children in creative play. This segment has expanded as parents increasingly seek educational and entertaining activities for their children. Craft fairs and community events often feature workshops tailored for kids, promoting hands-on learning and creativity. The growth of this segment is reflected in the rise of specialized craft kits and educational toys, which are projected to continue gaining popularity. Arts and Crafts Tools include a variety of supplies essential for crafting, such as brushes, cutting tools, and sewing machines. The demand for high-quality tools has increased as more individuals engage in crafting as a serious hobby or profession. The Craft East Buyers' Expo connects retailers with suppliers, facilitating the distribution of tools and materials across Canada. This segment is expected to grow alongside the overall market as more people invest in quality crafting supplies.

Personal Use refers to individuals engaging in creative activities for leisure, self-expression, and enjoyment. This segment includes hobbyists and crafters who pursue arts and crafts as a form of relaxation, often creating handmade items for personal satisfaction or as gifts. The rise of DIY culture has fueled this segment, with many Canadians seeking unique, personalized products that reflect their individual tastes. Events such as local craft fairs and community workshops encourage participation and foster a sense of community, allowing individuals to share ideas and techniques. The accessibility of online platforms has also enhanced this segment, enabling crafters to easily find materials and inspiration. The growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of crafting, such as stress relief and mindfulness, further supports the expansion of personal use in the arts and crafts market. Commercial Use encompasses the production and sale of arts and crafts products for profit. This segment includes artisans, retailers, and manufacturers who create and market handmade goods to meet consumer demand. The Canadian market has seen a rise in e-commerce platforms, allowing artisans to reach broader audiences and sell their products year-round. Events like the Art Market Craft Sale in Calgary and various artisan markets across the country provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect with potential customers. The commercial segment benefits from the increasing consumer preference for unique, artisan-made products, which has led to a surge in demand for handmade goods in retail and online marketplaces.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029



Aspects covered in this report
• Art & craft products market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Painting and Drawing
• Paper Crafts
• Kids Crafts
• Arts and Crafts Tools
• Others

By Application
• Personal Use
• Commercial Use

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Art & craft products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.