Vermont State Craft Center Designation Master Practices

The Standards Group (SG) has developed an application, review, renewal and termination process for Vermont State Craft Centers (VSCC). Based on the SG Vision Statement guidelines have been developed for 2 types of VSCC's:

• Vermont State Craft Center Galleries whose primary purpose is to market quality Vermont Crafts and

• Vermont State Craft Education Centers whose primary purpose is to deliver a quality, hands-on, craft education experience.

By working within two separate designations we hope to firmly establish Vermont as a craft destination. VSCC Galleries would showcase the work of Vermont craftspeople. Education Centers would invite visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in an authentic craft experience.

When submitting an application, applicants will be required to select one of the two categories (Gallery or Education) as their primary focus. Applications will be judged according to how well they have met the criteria in their chosen category.  

Promotion of the Process of Application:

The new procedure for achieving VSCC status will be promoted through the Vermont Crafts Council's (VCC) member list as well as press releases and announcements to local craft groups. In addition, members of the Standard’s Group (SG) will make contact with selected galleries and education centers around the State in order to answer questions and encourage participation.

Application Procedure:

Applications will be available online at the website, www.vermontcraftcenters.com, created for the State Craft Center program. In addition to this website, information will be available through the VCC and SG members. SG members will be available to all interested parties to provide assistance and answer questions.

The SG will convene an application review meeting twice each year – once in March and once in October. A jury will perform the evaluation and will consist of 2 of the standing members of the Standard’s Group, who will run the jury, but not vote,as well as 3-5 guest jurors who will vote. Every effort will be made to ensure that appropriate areas of expertise are represented. Jurors will be evaluated to ensure they are free of affiliation with the applicant. The jury will review all applications, conduct site visits and make its recommendations to the Vermont State Craft Center Overview Commission. Applicants will be informed of the VSCCOC’s final decision within 14 days of the SG’s recommendations being made.  

Designation and Review:

Successful applicants will be awarded Vermont State Craft Center designation for an initial term of 2 years. Each subsequent term will be 3 years. An informal review consisting of a short questionnaire and site visit will be conducted annually or on an as needed basis. Annual questionnaires will be distributed by the SG following 11 months of operation as a designated VSCC and should be completed and returned within 30 days. Craft Centers that significantly change an aspect of their operations and, in so doing, fall out-with the VSCC criteria, should contact the SG immediately. The SG may request a meeting in order to discuss changes to the applicants programs and policies.  

Termination

A designated VSCC that no longer meets the criteria laid out by the SG may have its designation terminated. A grace period of up to 4 months may be granted in order that the VSCC may work with the SG to resolve any non-compliance issues.

Appeals

Applicants may appeal the SG's decision concerning an application. However, dissatisfaction with the application's denial is not sufficient reason for an appeal.

Grounds for appeal include:

• The application was reviewed on the basis of criteria other than those appearing in the relevant guidelines.

• Reviewers were influenced willfully or unwillfully by members who failed to disclose conflicts of interest.

The first step in the appeals process is to consult with SG to review the considerations that went into the Overview Commissions decision. If the applicant wishes to pursue an appeal, a request must be sent to the Chair of the Standard’s Group in writing, within 30 days of the date of notification of the Commission’s decision. The letter should contain evidence to support one or more of the grounds for appeal. The appeal will be determined at the discretion of the Standards Group and the Overview Commission.

NOTE: Applicants may not appeal the rejection of an application that was, in the SG’s unanimous view, incomplete.  

Marketing Materials:

The SG will work with the State of Vermont to develop a marketing package for designated VSCC’s. The marketing package will include a logo to be used in promotional material and advertisements, a door decal and stickers to indicate VSCC designation. There will also be a simple set of phrases explaining the designation for members to use in their literature.