Craft Forum in Cahir during Local Enterprise Week on Monday 7th March
A Craft Forum takes place at the Craft Granary, Cahir on Monday 7th March from 7pm-9pm as part of the Local Enterprise Week. Admission is free but Booking is Essential.
The craft sector is experiencing a period of fast paced market change and the industry faces both threats and opportunities as a result of new consumer behaviour, increased competition, spiralling overheads, tight margins, increased globalisation and a reduced profile in the high street department stores and shopping centres.
Irish crafts form part of the ‘creative industries’ a sector that is recognised as having potential for growth in the future. In 2014, the crafts sector was valued at €498m, with €373.5m of business in the domestic market and €124.5m attributed to exports with significant potential for growth. Craft is constantly evolving, along with the skills, technologies, tools and materials of the maker. This Forum will heighten awareness, promote understanding and appreciation of Irish craft and in a regional context explore the potential of developing a regional craft network with increased recognition of the sector.
Tipperary County Council is about to commence work on the development of a county based Craft Industry Strategic Plan and this forum is being held to initiate discussion and ultimately to determine sectoral needs which may include training, management development, exhibition opportunities, workspace, gallery space, financial support, networking opportunities etc. The Local Enterprise Office already provides craft makers with access to fairs and exhibitions such as Showcase and offers grants, Mentors and soft supports as appropriate. Tipperary County Council / LEO is also committed to supporting the S&E Regional Action Plan for Jobs which will involve the establishment of a Regional Network for Craft microenterprises across Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford.
The Craft Forum will feature presentations from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Deirdre Enright Fruition and Céline Cummins International Design Consultant. This is a unique event aimed at both potential and existing craft makers and will provide attendees with both sectoral intelligence and an opportunity to have their say in the future development of the sector.
Forum Schedule
7pm Registration and refreshments
7.10pm Welcome & Introduction – Local Enterprise Office
7.20pm Emer Ferran – Design & Craft Council of Ireland
7.40pm Jane Ryan – Jane Ryan Fashion Illustration
8.00pm Celine Cummins – Design Studio
8.20pm Deirdre Enright – Fruition
8.40pm Open Forum / Shaping future supports for the sector – Kathleen Prendergast TCC
9pm Close
Email: enterpriseweek@tipperarycoco.
For further information and online booking go to: www.localenterprise.ie/
Full calendar of events for Local Enterprise Week available through
www.localenterprise.ie and by searching #localenterprise on social media
