PA WILDS ARTISAN COLLABORATIVE
Investing in rural entrepreneurs and local manufacturers through the development of new branded products that inspire pride and create new economic opportunities for local communities
PROGRAM GOALS + OUTCOMES
- Strengthen + invest in creative entrepreneurship in the PA Wilds
- Expand PA Wilds branded goods
- Grow PA Wilds business-to-business (B2B) connections by connecting PA Wilds entrepreneurs to PA Wilds manufacturers
- Keep up with product demand, by having the goods produced by larger manufacturers
- Track investments from the start and establish metrics for the region
- Inspire the next generation of creative producers in our region and create opportunities for them to learn from entrepreneurs directly
- Support the PA Wilds regional strategy as royalty payments from branded merchandise support the PA Wilds Center’s non-profit mission
HOW IT WORKS
Visual artisans and graphic designers apply. Selected through a juried process, artisans will be paid for design work and professional development.
Selected artisans are matched with manufacturers to collaborate and design a PA Wilds branded product that will be available for retail and wholesale.
Final licensed designs are owned by the artist; PA Wilds Center will have use of them. As licensed products, royalty fees will be collected on sold goods.
Initial runs of inventory are purchased directly from the manufacturers by the PA Wilds Center and will be sold on PA Wilds commerce platforms.
Third party logistics (3PL) services, such as storage and shipping, will be handled through a contract with ELCAM and paid for by the PA Wilds Center.
The program and products are marketed by the PA Wilds Center. Partners will also be encouraged to uplift the program on their own channels.
ELIGIBILITY, EVALUATION, BENEFITS & RESPONSIBILITIES
ARTISAN BENEFITS
- Focus on designing an amazing product, and get help producing it and bringing it to market
- Get paid for services and products
- Leverage PA Wilds brand + advertising to sell more products
- Professional development opportunities
ARTISAN EVALUATION
- Readiness to participate in the program and demonstration of capabilities to meet deadlines
- Ability to become a PA Wilds Merchandising Licensee
- Alignment with identified partner manufacturers
- Experience developing product lines or collaborative product designs
- Excitement for program and innovative ideas for new branded products
ARTISAN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with identified manufacturer and PA Wilds Center staff to produce a design or new product line
- Become a PA Wilds Merchandising Licensee and pay royalties on products sold to third parties
- Meet deadlines and agreed upon deliverables for the project
MANUFACTURING PARTNERS
ORGANIC Climbing / Nittany Mountain Works
ORGANIC Climbing LLC / Nittany Mountain Works produces gear that is hand made. Each product is designed to be functional, durable, and unique.
Laughing Owl Press Co.
Laughing Owl Press Co. is a letterpress printer company that relishes in perfect inking, level impression, and outstanding quality. The creative team creates printing that inspires.
XtremeWear
XtremeWear is a screen printing and embroidery shop located in DuBois, Pennsylvania, with over 25 years of experience in designing and decorating apparel.
Saint Marys Box Co.
For more than 55 years, the St. Marys Box Company of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, has served as a family-owned business that manufactures a full line of corrugated products.
INSPIRATION & RESOURCES
The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team
The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team is a document that provides a heartfelt look at the guiding values of the regional strategy. The document was initiated nearly 20 years ago, and the words still ring true today! The outlined principles are central to the work and provide a unique lens through which artisans can look at the region and potentially develop new products!
The Landscapes of the Pennsylvania Wilds Region
Landscapes are thematic sub-regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences. Landscapes are woven together by unifying characteristics of the Pennsylvania Wilds region, but each landscape has its own remarkable assets and identity.
The PA Wilds Licensing Program
The PA Wilds Licensing Program provides a unique opportunity for artisans in the Pennsylvania Wilds region to leverage the iconic trademarked logo for their own products! The logo has true brand power and can help create new customers for artisans who are using it on their products. Learn more about the Licensing Program and licensed products to get inspired by the possibilities!
SPECIAL THANKS TO PROGRAM FUNDERS
Sell Even More: License the PA Wilds logo
Did you know that members of the WCO can license the PA Wilds logo?
This means that you could be using the PA Wilds logo in your marketing materials OR on your merchandise!
And we know that shoppers are looking for branded products.
READY TO EXPLORE MORE?
ABOUT US
Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.
BENEFITS
Take advantage of opportunities to leverage the PA Wilds brand and grow your business.
TOOLS
Find more tools and resources related to WCO membership and growing your business.