ABSTRACT
The role of the crafts sector in the economies of marginal regions has historically received little attention. Those involved in crafts activities have tended to be regarded as voluntarily outside the economic mainstream and hence of little academic or policy concern. Yet evidence gathered by the authors suggests that the production of local crafts can make a significant developmental contribution to marginal regions: not only in direct economic terms, but also less directly through their positive association with the cultural heritage of these areas. This chapter argues that, with increasing policy emphasis on rural diversification (see, for example, NAW, 2000; MAFF, 2000) and on new ways of conceptualising the rural economy in postagricultural terms, crafts production may have a significant role to play in future rural development strategies. Moreover, the growth of green and cultural tourism in some remote areas, together with a market demand for local products that embody values of small-scale production, tradition and skills, all suggest potential opportunities for crafts producers.
