June 1, 2012


Permalink to Bloom Craft Experiences, June Bank Holiday

Bloom Craft Experiences, June Bank Holiday

Crafts Council of Ireland logo

The Crafts Council of Ireland will once again present an exciting range of craft experiences at Bloom including demonstrations, workshops and a retail area selling only Irish made work.

Meet the talented makers behind some of the country’s most popular craft brands and learn more about their work. Browse through the 25 outdoor stands featuring beautiful products Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland. From garden and homewares to fashion and accessories, there is something to appeal to everyone!

Let your children unleash their creativity in one of the many craft workshops taking place each day of the festival. While they’re having fun, take a moment to sit back and relax in this little haven of calm and beautiful craft work or experience craft making for yourself.

See craft in action and watch leading craftspeople working in a variety of disciplines. Through interactive demonstrations and installations, raw materials will be transformed into a finished piece of craft before your eyes.

Further details on craft experiences at Bloom 2012 will be announced as plans are confirmed. Watch this space!


Permalink to Craft in an Age of Change – comprehensive survey into contemporary craft

Craft in an Age of Change – comprehensive survey into contemporary craft

Craft in an age of change

One of the most comprehensive surveys into contemporary craft of the last ten years has just been launched.

Craft Northern Ireland, The Crafts Council (UK), Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales have published the research report – Craft in an Age of Change.

The report considers the place of contemporary craft at the beginning of the 21st century. It examines the contribution of the craft  sector to the creative economy and sheds light on the working patterns of makers and other craft professionals.

This survey of over 2,000 makers, retailers, educators and curators is the first of its kind to be conducted simultaneously in Northern Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.

Download: Craft in an Age of Change. Summary Report prepared for Northern Ireland, February 2012

Download: Craft in an Age of Change. UK Report (Crafts Council, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Craft Northern Ireland), February 2012.

Craft NI would like to thank all the NI-based makers who contributed to this important research.

Further information about the NI Craft Sector can be found in the Craft NI advocacy report ‘Why the Crafts Matter.’

Further information about the report and its release can be found here.
Craft NI is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Invest NI


Permalink to The Design Tower Summer Workshops June 2012

The Design Tower Summer Workshops June 2012

Seven art and design studios at the Design Tower are offering a variety of professional classes in their studios. This is a great opportunity to create and learn with some Irelands leading art & design professionals. Participants can learn the art of silversmithing, portrait sculpture, jewellery design & handskills, papermaking, porcelain, paperclay, sculpture and leather renovation & revival. There will also be an opportunity for participants to visit each of the studios to see the work created.

The dates are June 9, 10, 16 & 17.

Times vary for each studio.

Prices range from €75 for 1 day workshop, €230 to €335 for 2 days and €400 for 4 days. (prices for 2 & 4 day workshops include all materials)

See the full list at http://thedesigntower.blogspot.com/ or phone the individual studios for more information.

Download the Designer Dublin Brochure

Designer Dublin brochure and map Get it here.