Carlow County Council staff and community members travel to Oslo, Norway for the closing conference event of the Craft Hub project.
Over the last three years, Craft Hub Project celebrated and highlighted the skill and innovation of contemporary craft makers in an International Exhibition. The exhibition commenced in Italy in April 2023, before proceeding to venues in Greece, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, Wales, with the final closing event being held in Norway on the 26th and 27th of October followed by an online conference on the 1st of November 2023.
Project Coordinator Stacey Phelan of Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council together with supporting staff members and craft makers travelled to OsloMet in Oslo, Norway to take part in the closing conference of Craft Hub. Sinead Dowling, Arts Officer in Carlow County Council and Aileen Nolan Assistant Arts Officer in Carlow County Council represented Ireland at the event and shared their insights on projects like the Borris Lace by Post project and the Drummin Bog project. Phionna Convey, Visual Artist based in Dublin joined us. Ally Nolan and Jules Michael, local artists, who have been actively involved in these projects, were also present. Along with colleagues from the Borris lacemakers, they have contributed to international workshops and collaborations, making the Craft Hub project more impactful.
Oslomet did an excellent job hosting the conference on their City University Campus in Oslo, where international guests were well taken care of. The event featured speakers from various countries, further enriching the diversity of perspectives and experiences shared. The speakers came from a wide range of countries including Norway, Ireland, United Kingdom, China, Greece, Italy, Germany, Denmark, & Portugal among other nations.
Speaking about the exhibition Councillor Michael Doran, of Carlow County Council said, “Carlow County Council welcomed this project, and it was a brilliant opportunity to acknowledge the value of the Craft Hub project in creating networking opportunities and collaborations across various artistic disciplines. Craft has always been an integral part of our shared European identity, connecting us to our roots, and reflecting our shared history. Through Craft Hub, we have embarked on a fascinating journey to explore, document, and celebrate the diverse craft skills and processes that have thrived across our continent for generations. These skills, often deeply rooted in tradition, continue to evolve, demonstrating their resilience and relevance in our modern world.” Cllr. Michael Doran concluded by saying, “I extend my deepest appreciation to the Creative Europe Programme for their support and vision, and to all the dedicated individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in making Craft Hub a reality. I encourage all of you to engage in the upcoming conferences and explore the world of craft as it exists today. Let's celebrate our craft heritage and continue to nurture its relevance in our dynamic, ever-changing world”.
Speaking about the Conference, Stacey Phelan, EU projects co-ordinator with Carlow County Council said, “This conference was a brilliant opportunity for craft makers to collaborate and come together to share their unique knowledge and skillsets with the other attendees. The closing conference was a fitting end to a brilliant project that has helped to create connections and networks within the craft community across Europe. The conference provided a platform for crafters and makers from different countries to come together, share their techniques, and exchange knowledge. It was a valuable opportunity for networking and learning, fostering connections within the craft community across Europe”.
The success of the Craft Hub project and the conference in Oslo showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of such initiatives in the craft industry. It's a steppingstone towards furthering connections, knowledge-sharing, and fostering innovation within the European craft community.
For further information contact Stacey Phelan, Local Enterprise Office, Economic Development & Special Project Development, on enterprise@carlowcoco.ie or by calling 059-9129783.
