Fashion Impact Fund Grant Recipient:
Artisan Global
Gulu, Uganda
Organization: Artisan Global
Website: artisanglobal.org
Location: Gulu, Uganda
Program Focus: Fashion design, tailoring, and creative entrepreneurship training
Participants Trained: 10
Program Duration: 9 months | May 2023 – January 2024
The Fashion Impact Fund provided a grant to support a workforce education program delivered by Artisan Global, a non-profit organization developing the creative industries in Uganda. The program focused on providing vocational training in sewing, tailoring, fashion design, and business development, equipping participants with practical skills needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods within the creative economy.
“Artisan Global demonstrates how technical training in fashion can create pathways to sustainable livelihoods. Through the support of the Fashion Impact Fund, programs like this expand access to vocational education while strengthening local creative industries.”
— Kerry Bannigan, Founder, Fashion Impact Fund
Education
Artisan Global delivers vocational training programs designed to equip participants with technical skills in sewing, tailoring, fashion design, and creative entrepreneurship. Participants receive hands-on instruction from experienced Ugandan designers, developing practical skills in garment construction and design while learning how to translate creative ideas into marketable products.
The program also includes educational field visits, guest lectures, and networking opportunities that introduce participants to different aspects of the fashion industry. Through exposure to marketing, branding, social media, and storytelling, students gain a broader understanding of how creative work can connect to professional opportunities within the sector.
Workforce
The program prepared participants with the practical capabilities needed to pursue income-generating opportunities within Uganda’s creative industries. By combining technical training with exposure to industry networks and business skills, the program helps bridge the gap between vocational education and sustainable employment.
Participants gained experience that supports their transition into professional work, entrepreneurial ventures, or continued development within the creative sector.
Manufacturing
By strengthening skills in garment construction and tailoring, the program contributes to expanding the local workforce supporting Uganda’s growing fashion and creative industries. Training initiatives such as this help develop the technical capabilities required to support emerging production ecosystems and small-scale manufacturing networks within the region.
Impact
The program ran for nine months and supported 10 participants in developing technical skills in sewing, tailoring, fashion design, and business development. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and industry exposure, participants strengthened their professional capabilities and expanded opportunities to pursue sustainable income within the creative economy.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Devon Feldmeth, Ketty Promise, and Lauren Shipley
Artisan Global was founded by Devon Feldmeth, Ketty Promise, and Lauren Shipley with a shared vision to use fashion and creative industries as a platform for economic opportunity in Northern Uganda, a region deeply affected by decades of conflict. What began with one seamstress and one sewing machine has grown into a creative hub supporting artisans and young designers across the region. Through the Artisan Center in Gulu, the organization provides vocational training, mentorship, shared workspaces, and access to industry networks, helping local creatives develop the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Artisan Global is committed to expanding opportunities within the fashion sector by providing accessible vocational training and mentorship. With the support of the Fashion Impact Fund, we are able to equip participants with the skills needed to pursue sustainable careers while contributing to the growth of the local creative economy.”
