Blowin' In the Wind

American Craft Council annouces today that they are leaving the Big Apple.
This is most astonishing. Could they be lookin for a more moderate idea of craft art? Or are the NYC rents just too steep? Maybe it's just too hard to find studio space in Manhattan.
Anyway off they go westward to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Read all about it here in an excerp from today's press release:
New York, NY - The American Craft Council, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to championing contemporary American craft, today announced plans to relocate from New York City to Minneapolis, Minn. The Council plans to open its new office in July 2010, and is currently in negotiations for a space.

"The Council is proud to have been headquartered in New York for 66 years, but the high cost of doing business in the city is not a sustainable financial model for our organization given the current economic climate," said Leilani Duke, Chair of the American Craft Council Board. "As part of a year-long strategic planning process, the Council Board determined that relocating to the Midwest - with its rich craft traditions and energetic artist communities - is an exciting and positive step. The move ensures that the Council can achieve its mission of championing contemporary American craft throughout the Unites States while effectively managing operational costs."

The American Craft Council will join a number of nationally-known art and craft organizations in the Twin Cities area, including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minnesota State Arts Board, American Association of Woodturners, Northern Clay Center, The Textile Center and Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to the third-largest number of museums in the country, including the Walker Art Center and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum.

"Minneapolis, one of the country's most vibrant centers for art and craft, provides tremendous opportunities for the Council to enhance its contributions to art and craft communities at a national and local level," continued Duke. "The Council has presented an annual juried craft show in St. Paul for 23 years, which has already helped us to build strong connections in the community. The Council looks forward to exploring partnerships and collaborations with craft organizations, museums and academic institutions in the region."