International African American Museum in Charleston Launches Vendor Showcase Program

International African American Museum in Charleston Seeks Local Vendors for Annual Showcase

The International African American Museum (IAAM) located in historic Charleston, South Carolina, has announced the launch of its inaugural Vendor Showcase Program. The project aims to highlight and uplift the creative talents of local area vendors, highlighting the interconnecting threads of our historical and cultural heritage within the IAAM community.

The program is designed to identify and highlight ten local artisans, showcasing their products in the museum’s gift shop, offering them a unique platform to share their entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors. The program not only facilitates collaboration and networking but also offers essential training and resources to vendors throughout the process. Application deadline for the program is May 1, while the announcement of the selected vendors will be made on June 5, 2024.

The Vendor Showcase Program is open to vendors across six distinct categories, with each category representing different facets of artistic expression and cultural heritage.

The Identified Categories Include:

1. Jewelry, with priority given to designers creating jewelry pieces inspired by historical artifacts, cultural motifs, or themes relevant to the museum’s collections.
2. Apparel and accessories, particularly those featuring designs or imagery related to the museum’s exhibitions or historical periods.
3. Home decor and gifts, emphasizing suppliers providing home decor items, decorative objects, and unique gifts inspired by art, history, or cultural heritage.
4. Toys and games, giving preference to vendors offering educational toys, games, and activities for children and families inspired by the museum’s exhibitions or historical topics.
5. Fine art, prioritizing artisans specializing in various mediums whose work features designs or themes inspired by museum collections or cultural heritage.
6. Beauty and wellness, focusing on artisans creating handmade soaps, skincare products, fragrances, and wellness items using natural ingredients inspired by themes of beauty, health, or self-care.

The International African American Museum seeks to tell a broader story about the African American journey in Charleston and beyond. Drawing from the diverse journey of the African Diaspora, the museum features eleven galleries, a memorial garden, and a collection of artifacts, presenting an empathetic storytelling experience. Through this new vendor program initiative, IAAM hopes to bridge the album of history with contemporary creativity and craftsmanship.

Aspiring vendors who can align their products with IAAM’s specified selection criteria are encouraged to submit their applications before the May 1 deadline. More details about the program and submission procedures can be found on the Vendor Showcase Application Portal on the museum’s official website.