The Worcester Center for Crafts is committed to providing quality craft education, supporting entrepreneurship in the arts, and promoting an appreciation for fine craft. The Worcester Center for Crafts is one of the oldest non-profit institutions for craft study in the United States. Founded in 1856 as the Worcester Employment Society to help immigrant women produce and sell hand-crafted wares to support their families, the Center evolved over the past 155 years into New England’s leading center for craft education, exhibition and entrepreneurship. The Craft Center serves thousands of people annually through a variety of different adult education classes and workshops, youth education and outreach programs, exhibitions showcasing the work of established and emerging artists, artist residencies, lectures, studio rentals, and major events such as the spring & fall craft festivals.