Anthropologie and Nest launch fellowship to empower emerging artisans with funding and marketplace access
Anthropologie has recently announced the inaugural recipients of its groundbreaking Anthropologie x Nest Fellowship Program. This innovative initiative, launched in collaboration with Nest – a renowned nonprofit dedicated to fostering and empowering artisans and makers globally – marks a significant step towards supporting the next generation of creative talent.
Designed as a comprehensive six-month experience, the fellowship provides emerging makers with crucial resources to elevate their craft and businesses. Participants benefit from substantial grant funding, access to curated educational courses tailored to their needs, and invaluable hands-on mentorship from seasoned experts within Anthropologie. The program culminates in a unique opportunity for these fellows to unveil their handcrafted collections on Anthropologie’s newly established, commission-free digital marketplace.
The Nest Digital Marketplace, now fully operational on Anthropologie’s official website, serves as a dedicated platform for the fellows to showcase their unique creations. More than just a retail space, the marketplace intricately weaves each maker's personal story alongside their collection, offering customers a deeper connection to the artistry. A key feature of this platform is its direct-to-maker model, ensuring that customers can shop directly from the fellows, with 100% of the proceeds going directly back to the creators, thereby directly supporting their livelihoods and artistic endeavors.
The first cohort of talented individuals selected for this prestigious fellowship represents a diverse array of crafts and geographical locations. Among them are Daphne Lee, the creative force behind the contemporary paper art studio Judith+Rolfe, located near Richmond, Virginia; Alexandra Sánchez Hernández, founder of Kolibrí Collective in vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cathy Williams, whose intricate work defines Moon-Seed in Charleston, South Carolina; Sherry Knutson of San Francisco, known for her captivating textile and embroidery practice under the name More Love, Love More; and Seattle-based ceramicist Ashley “Ash” Corpuz Campbell, the visionary behind The Beige Motel.
Commenting on this pivotal launch, Kate Haldy, Head of PR, Communications, and Impact at Anthropologie Group, expressed immense pride in the program. "With the launch of our inaugural Nest Fellowship Program, we're deepening our investment in emerging makers by providing them with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to thrive," Haldy stated. She further emphasized the strong alignment between the two organizations, adding, "We're incredibly proud to partner with Nest, whose mission and values perfectly align with ours in supporting and uplifting makers. As women's empowerment is one of our key impact pillars, this partnership is a natural extension of that commitment," highlighting Anthropologie’s enduring dedication to empowering women in the creative community.
