Ibu’s 2026 vision & expanded global impact

Building on the Aspen Institute gift to Ibu—the Artisan Alliance website and brand—we will create a new purpose-built retail platform.

This new e-commerce experience will introduce a broader, more inclusive range of artisan-made goods at accessible price points, and exponentially increase the number of women we can bring to a Marketplace. It will allow for wider distribution, without the demands of Ibu’s design collaboration.

Meanwhile, Ibu will continue to carry the collaborative designs beloved for over a decade, investing in the finest possible artisanal product for the luxury market. This is a game-changer in the world of the artisanal economy.

Bank of America put their shoulder behind our work, inaugurating the SpringBOArd Ibu Atelier. Defining the future of design collaboration under the leadership of Ibu’s director of design, Deniz Roth, the Atelier is reaching for the pinnacle of artisanal excellence and innovation. Curated drops from each of the ten groups will generate fifty limited-edition products annually.

Participants have already begun to receive guidance in branding, photography and video, design, and leadership, utilizing esteemed mentors in each field. In the second year, we will continue to support and scale the work of each group, while admitting ten new participants for this exceptional incubator opportunity.

The world-renowned International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is joining forces with Ibu. Bringing our allies for five festive days during the July Market, we will meet over 100 vetted artisans who gather from around the world and dive into all that the Market offers, as well as other rich cultural opportunities, including the Santa Fe Opera, a private visit to Georgia O’Keeffe’s home, exclusive access to museums and collectors’ homes, inspiring talks, breakfast in Susan’s home, and a culminating celebration with our Santa Fe friends.

Our 2026 Fringe Road Adventure will build from our Holi Hai! immersion in March to offer allies an unforgettable insider adventure to India. Visiting three of our artisan partners and their communities in Aurangabad, Bangalore, and Delhi, we will dive into the surrounding culture with a behind-the-scenes, intimate journey into the heart of India.

Join us!