Why Donate?

Change the world, one artist at a time.

You will meet here four of our Market artists who have compelling stories to tell and whose tremendous creativity, entrepreneurship, and accomplishments have made a difference in the world.  Your gift is an investment in the success of folk artists like these and truly changes lives for Market artists and their communities across the globe. 

Building a Community School for Children in Pakistan

Naina Surendar Valasai
Ralli Quiltmaker from Pakistan

Naina and the 55 members of Lila Handicrafts live in a remote desert region in Pakistan and have no other way to make a living than through their traditional quilt work. Earnings from the Market have been used not only to feed their families, but also to build the Santa Fe Desert School, which the members named in honor of the opportunities given them by their experiences at the Market.
Surendar, Naina’s husband, proudly stated, “We were both afraid of the plane, but if we want a better life for ourselves and our village then we must take these challenges.”

Lila Handicrafts sold $15,184 of their quilts at the 2011 Market.
Average daily income in Pakistan: $2.43*

Sheltering Women from Domestic Violence in Ecuador

María Balvina Contento Ambuludi
Beadworker from Ecuador

María is a member of La Mega Cooperativa de Saraguro, a group of 90 indigenous women who live in a rural Andean region cut off from major tourist centers.They are noted for the beautiful beaded collars that they make and wear from a young age. Earnings from the Market have enabled the group to run a local women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence.
According to anthropologist Linda Belote, “[The Market] probably rescued the shelter from certain closure”.

La Mega Cooperative Saraguro sold $19,221 of beadwork at the 2011 Market.
Average daily income in Ecuador: $11.52*

Feeding Families in Niger

Elhadji Koumama
Silversmith from Niger

Elhadji comes from generations of Tuareg silversmiths and learned silversmithing from his father. Now employing dozens of silversmiths, he also supports his large extended family, including eleven siblings; aunts; uncles; and cousins, through his work. Last year, he used profits from the Market to buy enough food to feed 500 people for three months in neighboring villages.

He shared, “Every year I come back [to Niger] and feed these people, and it makes me feel good”.

Elhadji sold $39,585 of jewelry at the 2011 Market.
Average daily income in Niger: $0.94*

Empowering Women in Zimbabwe

Matron Mwembe
Basketmaker from Zimbabwe

Matron is the leader of a 116 member basket weaving group in a remote region of northern Zimbabwe. Cooperative members have used proceeds from the Market to pay their children’s school fees, buy food, and open savings accounts. Matron leads members in workshops on managing money and programs about HIV/AIDS prevention, focusing on behavior change and assertiveness for girls.

“Matron is a role model in her community” stated Juliana Muskwe, Program Manager of Ntengwe for Community Development.

Ntengwe for Community Development sold $20,798 of baskets at the 2011 Market.
Average daily income in Zimbabwe: $0.89*

*According to United Nations Statistics Division, 2009

Your Impact

With the support of compassionate and dedicated people like you, the Market has helped folk artists generate over $13 million in sales, benefiting close to 700 artists and artist groups from 76 different countries. This in turn has impacted the lives of 600,000 families and community members.

Give Today!

With a gift to the Market, you can do something extraordinary. 

We at the Market, along with 1,600 volunteers, work hard each year to turn the generosity of friends like you into life changing experiences for these artists. 

Join us and invest in changing the world, one artist at a time.  The artists you are helping extend their deepest thanks.