In early 2008, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced the launch of Indiana Artisan—a program that will support and promote Hoosier artisans and handmade products. Indiana Artisan is a joint venture of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

"Indiana is home to hundreds of talented artisans and boasts a variety of unique handmade products,” said Lt. Governor Skillman. “Governor Daniels and I are committed to supporting Hoosier entrepreneurs and promoting Indiana-made products. This project provides a unique opportunity to enhance the entrepreneurial culture than has been created in Indiana and attract visitors to our state."

The goals of Indiana Artisan include: raising awareness about the availability of hand-crafted and value-added food products made in Indiana; providing artisans, particularly those in rural areas, with access to entrepreneurial support; providing grant funding for artisan business development education and networking; promoting artisan trail development and retail opportunities; and developing branding for Indiana-made goods. Program initiatives are aimed at attracting in- and out-of-state visitors to individual artisan sites and arts-concentrated areas in Indiana. _______________________________________________________________________