ABOUT

WE ARE

We are a socially motivated non-profit community dedicated to driving meaningful change by strengthening Africa’s artisan economy, and ensuring its sustainability and growth. In an era dominated by visual digital platforms, it is crucial to move beyond the aesthetic appeal of handcrafted objects and focus on the deeper significance of the artisanal process. Rooted in heritage, innovation, and social impact, we believe that true stewardship of our craft and planet begins with building strong, connected communities. We provide support for telling authentic stories and building artisan communities that reflect sustainable values that make a lasting impact through social innovation.

MEDIA KIT

OUR VISION

A considerable number of social impact projects claim to preserve and revitalise traditional crafts while empowering artisans. Yet, our research at 54faces reveals that many initiatives fall short of true collaboration with craftspeople, often prioritising consumer-driven design. By working directly with artisan communities across Africa, 54faces tackles building communities through authentic engagement. Through first-hand observations and dialogue, we’ve identified the opportunities, challenges, and critical considerations for ethical design practice. Our vision is to guide designers in making conscious efforts to work with socially, economically, and culturally diverse communities, strengthening the bond between artisans and designers. At 54faces, we are dedicated to fostering genuine collaboration and driving meaningful change within Africa's artisan landscape.

MISSION

54faces is a bridge builder. Our mission is to rebuild disconnected artisan communities towards a common purpose. Artisan communities should have ownership of creating value for their best-kept secrets of traditional crafts and how they should be preserved. For 54faces it is an opportunity to create visibility in these communities toward a green economy by highlighting their potential which serves as a blueprint to sustainable economic longevity. Furthermore, we advocate a need to redefine how traditional crafts are experienced. Rather than the artisan communities expressing their lived realities through their work, for centuries their expressions have been generated by others for them. Globally we recognise creativity as a skill, thus traditional crafts should also be acknowledged as primary contributors to our economies, to be integrated into modern innovative systems.

OUR DELIVERABLES

To revive traditional crafts that are at risk of extinction by offering financial, technical, and marketing support to both existing and aspiring artisans.
To introduce technological, commercial, and financial advancements for artisans, enabling them to become self-reliant in an ever-changing market.
To establish marketing networks for artisans, providing them with opportunities to showcase and sell their products to a wider audience.
To advocate for the research and documentation of traditional crafts in Africa, ensuring the preservation of traditions and fostering sustainable development for the future.