Ethical markets in the artisan economy: Portland DIY

Abstract

This article reviews a study of Portland's artisan economy with a focus on the do-ityourself craft sector. Portland is recognized nationally within the United States and internationally for its prominent craft sector. Through interviews, field observations and archival research, the study looks for indicators of ethical market practices and supports for these practices. Findings identify values that drive participation and enabling placebased characteristics, yet global forces remain relevant. The study highlights locally based ethical markets as an alternative to the uneven North/South consumption/ production relationships of neoliberal globalization.

Autonomy, competence and relatedness: how and why do artisan entrepreneurs act as responsible leaders?

“…Hence, they contribute to preserving cultural heritage (Al-Daja and Marlow, 2013). Artisan enterprises typically operate without seeking external funding (Pret et al, 2015) and may choose to establish their businesses in rural areas despite the challenges of finding skilled collaborators and sourcing highquality raw materials, aiming to optimise their work-related expenses (Curtis, 2016;.…”

“…This particular form of business, which is also known as cultural entrepreneurship, pertains to cultural enterprises that focus on creating handmade products deeply rooted in the historical, social, religious, or ethnic heritage of a specific society (Ratten et al, 2019). These enterprises have the ability to attract tourists to their local areas through offering a diverse range of goods, such as custom-made clothing, locally sourced organic food, and crafted beverages (Curtis, 2016;. Furthermore, scholars (e.g., Siemens, 2014;Bredvold & Skalen, 2016) view artisan entrepreneurship as connecting business opportunities and an individual's talent, circumstances, lifestyle, and personal context.…”

Artisan, cultural and tourism entrepreneurship

“…In addition, cultural producers specialize in customized products that tend to last longer and have less market volatility than lager manufacturers (O’Connor, 2004). Curtis (2016, p. 239) states that “entrepreneurship in the craft community may produce a spillover effect.” Thus, cultural entrepreneurship involves the strategic investment of human, financial and social capital for business venture reasons (Zhou et al , 2017). Artisan entrepreneurs are part of the craft community as they are individuals who see an opportunity in the marketplace and then create a business venture.…”

“…Artisan entrepreneurs have also been referred to as cultural or lifestyle entrepreneurs due to the emphasis on creative industries. In addition, there has been increasing interest in the artisan economy that has resulted in a new orientation toward more locally made products and services (Curtis, 2016). Artisan entrepreneurs are an important cultural component of the global economy and understanding their behaviors is crucial as they are transforming regions through their focus on creative and cultural endeavors (Kapp, 2017).…”