Our Mission

The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths is working to change the image and reality of blacksmithing in the 21st century through support, promotion, and highlighting of historically underrepresented populations and forward-thinking metalwork. We engage with people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and other demographics. Everyone who is passionate about the blacksmithing process should have access and support.

We are working to build the blacksmithing world we want to live in by offering multiple paths of support to practicing and aspiring smiths. 

 

We fund scholarships to schools around the country.

 

We host two rounds of grants each year; plus a monthly mini grant.

 

We facilitate a three-month virtual mentorship program that connects smiths from around the U.S. and abroad.

 

Our resource network consists of schools, organizations, and individuals who have signed our Code of Conduct, a living document that outlines the values we share and holds us (and all who sign) accountable to uphold them. This network allows anyone to find a friendly community of smiths wherever they are. 

We are also home to SPARC (Smiths for the Promotion of Accessibility, Representation, and Community), a cohort of BIPOC smiths. This group organizes in-person events and exhibitions of BIPOC metal artists in order to spread visibility and facilitate connection. 

 

In our community, we model empathy and inclusive behavior, this expands the conversation about who can be a blacksmith. When all smiths can work together toward excellence in supportive environments, without judgment, and when professionals and the general public appreciate the value of all smiths, we will have achieved our goals.