By Nichole Potzauf | Director of Advancement
In late March and early July 2026, two typhoons brought damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to communities across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, including Tinian and Saipan. For craft artists in these island communities, the effects extended beyond property damage. Studios, tools, materials, and the spaces where artists created and earned a living were disrupted, making it difficult to resume their practices and sustain their livelihoods.
For many artists, craft is more than a profession. It is a connection to community, cultural knowledge, and traditions carried forward through generations. When a studio is damaged or essential equipment is lost, recovery involves more than repairing a workspace. It means finding a way to continue creating, achieving financial stability, and sharing that work with others.
In response, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) worked with artists and local partners to understand the needs across the region and connect affected craft artists with timely financial assistance. Through its Emergency Relief program, CERF+ provided more than $161,000 in direct relief grants and support to craft artists affected by the two typhoons.
These grants helped artists address urgent needs, replace essential tools and materials, restore workspaces, and begin rebuilding the conditions necessary to continue their creative practices. The artists who received assistance represented a range of craft disciplines, reflecting the breadth of creative work and cultural expression across these island communities.
Recovery across the region required time, coordination, and resources. For artists working in geographically dispersed communities, replacing equipment and materials and restoring studios presented additional challenges. Emergency relief grants provided practical assistance during this period, helping artists take steps toward resuming their work and rebuilding their livelihoods.
CERF+ demonstrated the importance of sustained, direct assistance—not only in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but also as artists worked to restore their practices and regain stability. The response helped address immediate needs while recognizing the essential role craft artists play in preserving cultural traditions and contributing to their communities.
"CERF+ worked alongside our artists, providing financial assistance to help them recover. They answered questions, offered guidance, and treated everyone who reached out with empathy." –John Diaz, Communications and Development Director of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council (NMHC).
CERF+ is grateful to GlobalGiving donors and partners whose generosity made this response possible. Their contributions helped provide craft artists across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with resources to move forward after two devastating storms. This collective effort affirmed the value of standing alongside artists through difficult periods and helping sustain the creative practices, livelihoods, and cultural traditions that enrich their communities.
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