Art and Craft Market Outlook, 2029

The arts and crafts market, a vibrant sector encompassing handmade goods and traditional skills, has evolved significantly over centuries. Its roots trace back to ancient civilizations where artisans created functional and decorative objects using locally available materials. The Arts and Crafts movement, led by figures like William Morris and John Ruskin, emerged in Britain around the 1860s, advocating for a return to traditional craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. This movement sought to elevate the decorative arts, which had historically been overshadowed by fine arts like painting and sculpture.

The establishment of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1887 marked a significant milestone, providing a platform for artisans to showcase their work and promote the value of handcrafted items. The movement inspired similar initiatives, notably in the United States, where it took root in the 1890s. The first American Arts and Crafts Exhibition held in Boston in 1897 showcased over a thousand objects, half created by women, reflecting the movement's inclusive ethos. The market now spans a diverse range of items, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and woodworking.

Craft fairs and exhibitions have become significant events, with renowned gatherings such as the American Craft Council Show in the U.S., the International Fair of Contemporary Art in Paris, and the Tokyo International Gift Show attracting artisans and buyers from around the world. Events such as craft fairs, workshops, and exhibitions continue to play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and skill sharing among artists and enthusiasts. These gatherings not only celebrate craftsmanship but also serve as platforms for networking and collaboration, reinforcing the movement's core values of creativity and individual expression.

According to the research report, “Global Art and Crafts Market Outlook 2029” the market is anticipated to cross USD 60 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 45.25 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with a 5.85% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The growing demand for arts and crafts is due to increasing shift towards contemporary designs and increasing demand for handicrafts in various establishments. Penetration of e-commerce channels has provided the convenience for consumers to buy art supplies. Online retail is anticipated to boost the product demand. Flourishing tourism and travel industries is anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for market growth.

Personalization of art supplies and escalating demand for handicrafts are projected to facilitate the product demand. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are already being felt on a global level; the global arts and crafts market was significantly influenced. The outbreak of COVID-19 had a negative impact on several markets. Various countries went into lockdown.

With sudden pandemic, all kinds of businesses observed disruptions. Traditional crafts from many cultures are becoming more popular due to the demand for handmade and culturally varied products. Customers are looking for genuine, one-of-a-kind products that capture the rich history of many locales. There are numerous advantages of arts and crafts in children.

The arts and craft engage kids and help nurture their creativity. It allows social and physical development in children. Arts and crafts offer various advantages to children such as fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination improvement, increases agility, social and physical development, promotes innovation and creation and many more. Rising integration of technology in the arts and crafts industry is revolutionizing product development and customer interaction.

Advanced tools such as 3D printing and digital art software are expanding the boundaries of what is created, offering artists and designers unprecedented creative freedom. Furthermore, these technologies are enhancing the efficiency of production processes, allowing for quicker turnaround times and higher quality outputs, which are critical factors in meeting the dynamic demands of the market.

Market Drivers

• Increased Consumer Demand: Consumers are increasingly seeking unique and personalized products, which has driven the demand for handcrafted and bespoke items. Unlike mass-produced goods, artisanal products offer individuality and a personal touch, appealing to those looking to stand out or find something with a special meaning. There is a growing trend among consumers to support local artisans and small businesses. This shift is partly due to increased awareness about the environmental and social impacts of mass production and a desire to contribute to local economies.
• Growth of E-Commerce: The rise of online marketplaces such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and eBay has significantly expanded the reach of arts and crafts products. Artisans can now access a global audience, overcoming geographical limitations and reaching consumers who might not have encountered their work otherwise. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest play a crucial role in showcasing arts and crafts, creating trends, and driving sales. The visual nature of these platforms helps artisans to effectively market their products and engage with potential buyers.

Market Challenges

• Intellectual Property Concerns: The arts and crafts market faces challenges related to intellectual property theft, with counterfeiters replicating designs and selling them as originals. This undermines the value of genuine handcrafted goods and can lead to financial losses for artisans. Ensuring that original designs are protected and not copied by others remains a significant challenge. Artisans often struggle with how to protect their intellectual property without extensive legal resources.
• Sustainability and Sourcing of Materials: The demand for sustainable and ethically sourced materials is growing. However, many artisans face difficulties in accessing environmentally friendly materials or navigating complex supply chains to ensure their products meet sustainability standards. High-quality, sustainable materials often come with higher costs. This can be challenging for small-scale artisans who may struggle to balance affordability with ethical sourcing.

Market Trends

• Integration of Technology: The integration of technology with traditional craftsmanship is gaining momentum. Tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital design software are being used to enhance traditional crafting methods and create innovative designs. Online communities and virtual workshops are emerging trends that allow artisans to collaborate, share techniques, and learn from one another regardless of geographic location. These digital platforms foster a global exchange of ideas and skills within the arts and crafts community.

Consumer interest in creative expression and the therapeutic benefits accompanying these activities, painting and drawing, are key reasons behind the importance of these being high-growth segments in the arts and crafts market.

The growth reflects consumers' increasing interest in artistic activities designed to provide both personal satisfaction and a cure for many stress-causing tensions. As individuals become more interested in unwinding and discovering their creativity, access to painting and drawing becomes an easily accessible way to satisfy this search. The popularity of DIY culture feeds this practice further; people are encouraged to engage in do-it-yourself projects, activities that result in a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the personalization of artistic supplies has greatly contributed to attract the consumers; personalized materials allow artists to make original pieces, fully interpreting their individual style and preferences.

Added to that will be the convenience of online retail platforms, which has also led to the expansion of access to a wide variety of art supplies, even easier for hobbyists and professionals alike to get good-quality materials. And this access has been very crucial in pushing the participation of art-related activities among any given demographic, especially that of millennials and Generation Z who are more keen on investing their creative efforts.

Their therapeutic benefits in arts and crafts activities have subsequently emerged - achieving mindfulness and improving mental well-being. This has led to an increased uptake of painting and drawing as self-care. In doing so, all these ultimately contribute to the great success of painting and drawing in the arts and crafts market. More so than many other creative activities, painting and drawing are integral parts of the modern wellness practice.

Commercial usage is leading in the art and craft market mainly because of high demands for customized and different stationery products reaching both individual and business needs.

There has been an upsurge in commercial use of the art and craft for commercially used purpose, especially for stationery purposes. Most of this is due to a preference by consumers for personalized products which describe personal identity, brand, and identification. Business, whether it is a small startup or a big company, identify that unique stationery is an important boost to their branding efforts. Customized notebooks, planners, and greeting cards are not only useful products but also a means of communication for personal expression. E-commerce sites have made this business easier and straightforward for the consumer to use different customizable stationery.

Online stores are of great help in reaching a vast global market for artisans and small businesses. More importantly, through services like Instagram and Pinterest, people are sharing some creative projects or ideas that create interest for these types of products. Moreover, DIY has also been a part of why the demand has been created since people are nowadays engaged in crafting their own items and there is an increasing need for good material.

Asia-Pacific is leading the art and craft industry primarily due to the rising interest in creative activities and the increasing influence of social media, which have collectively spurred demand for art supplies and materials across diverse demographics.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a dominant force in the global art and craft industry, driven by a combination of cultural, economic, and technological factors. One of the most significant contributors to this growth is the increasing interest in arts and crafts activities among various age groups. As societies in countries like China, India, and Japan embrace creativity as a form of self-expression, more individuals are engaging in activities such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and DIY crafts. This cultural shift is not only fostering a vibrant community of artists and crafters but also creating a substantial demand for a wide range of art supplies, including paints, brushes, papers, and crafting tools.

The rise of social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube has played a pivotal role in popularizing art and craft activities. These platforms allow users to share their creative projects, tutorials, and inspirations, effectively creating a global community of art enthusiasts. The visual nature of these platforms encourages individuals to explore their artistic talents and share their creations, leading to a surge in interest in arts and crafts. As users post videos and images of their craft projects, they not only inspire others but also create a demand for the materials used in these projects. This phenomenon has prompted manufacturers and retailers to enhance their marketing strategies, leveraging social media to reach and engage with potential customers.

• In March 2023, Michaels, a Texas, U.S.-based arts, crafts, and wall decor retail company, partnered with CommerceHub, a U.S.-based e-commerce technology platform, to launch a new a new online marketplace, Michaels.com.
• In February 2022, Daler Rowney Ltd., an arts products manufacturer based in Bracknell, U.K., acquired U.K.-based art and craft producer, Creative Art Products Limited. As per company, this acquisition complements their FILA Art & Craft products portfolio and help in reinforcing their manufacturing presence in the UK.
• In March 2021, a Minnesota, U.S.-based retail corporation Target Corporation, introduced an art & craft brand, Mondo Llama. According to target Corporation, the brand will have more than 400 art and craft products, including drawing kits, paint sets, paint brushes, canvases, scissors, and sharpeners.
• In March 2021, Liquitex, a U.S.-based company specializing in artists' acrylic paints, launched '8 New Liquitex Acrylic Mediums,' a line of eight acrylic paints including Masking Fluid, Satin Medium, Satin Gel, Silkscreen Medium, Gold Metallic Medium in the U.S.

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.