The New York-based American Craft Council said today it plans to move its headquarters to Minneapolis next July.

"The Council is proud to have been headquartered in New York for 66 years, but the high cost of doing business in the city is not a sustainable financial model for our organization given the current economic climate," said ACC Board Chair Leilani Duke in a press release. "As part of a year-long strategic planning process, the Council Board determined that relocating to the Midwest — with its rich craft traditions and energetic artist communities - is an exciting and positive step."

For 23 years, the ACC has presented a popular annual juried craft show in St. Paul.

"Minneapolis, one of the country’s most vibrant centers for art and craft, provides tremendous opportunities for the Council to enhance its contributions to art and craft communities at a national and local level," Duke said.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says the move is a natural fit in the press release. "Nearly 9,000 people work in the arena of nonprofit arts and culture in Minneapolis. The arts are a driving force in the city’s economy. Already home to 275 arts and cultural organizations, we welcome the American Craft Council to our community."