In 2003, the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
founded New York Creates to assist craft and folk artists
and artisans in enhancing the income they receive practicing
their art, thereby bringing greater economic progress to them
and to their communities. This was done in partnership with
the Consortium for Worker Education, the Municipal Art Society, and the New York City Arts Coalition. New York Creates is guided by a diverse Advisory Board. It is modeled on HandMade in America, a highly successful project that has revitalized communities in rural North Carolina by assisting that region's many talented craft artists.