Tara McGrath LEO, Liga Valge, Stacey Phelan LEO, Corina Fitzgibbon, Ally Nolan, Mary Bourke, Ingelise Stuijts, Helena McAteer
Carlow Creatives attend International Festival of Craft.
Six Creatives from Carlow attended the Craft Hub Festival of Craft which was held in Swansea from 15th -16th September 2023. The focus of the festival was on community engagement and social inclusion through Craft and making. The festival activities were at six different venues across the city, featuring a host of Craft workshops, delivered by wonderful craft practitioners from across Europe, tailored to different audiences. In addition, there were drop-in craft demonstrations and lots of opportunities to get involved, not least visiting the Craft Hub International Exhibition of Cotemporary Craft. The Team from Borris Lace delivered a variety of the workshops as part of the festival.
Over the course of the festival, attendees had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of handcrafted items, from intricate jewellery and textiles to exquisite pottery and woodworking.
One of the festival's highlights was the live craft demonstrations where skilled artisans showcased their techniques, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the creative process. These demonstrations not only educated but also inspired attendees to explore their own creativity.
Attendees from Ireland included: Alison Nolan, Helena McAteer, Ingelise Stuijts, Mary Bourke, Corina Fitzgibbon, Liga Valge.
Speaking at the launch of the Craft Hub International Exhibition of Cotemporary Craft, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council’s – Local Enterprise Office and Lead partners on the Craft Hub project said "The Craft Hub Project at its core is about weaving a narrative of dedication, skill, and tradition. In our communities across the EU partners, the hands that shape these crafts are the same hands that build our bonds across the EU partners. The artistry of craft transcends the tangible, serving as a testament to our shared heritage and our collective ability to create something meaningful together."
Comerford continued to say "The benefits of working across Europe are clear and compelling. By collaborating on a continental scale, we harness the power of diversity and shared expertise, unlocking boundless opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and mutual understanding. Together, we build a future that transcends borders and fosters a more prosperous, connected, and harmonious Europe for all."
Welcoming the visit by craft practitioners from Ireland to Wales, Cllr Andrea Dalton Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “I welcome this continued development of our International Relationships with Wales and Craft Hub is the third in a series of EU projects that Carlow County Council has partnered with University of Wales – Trinity Saint David under the leadership of Dr. Shelley Doolan”. Andrea continued say “The partnership between Ireland and Wales is more than a geographical proximity; it's a shared opportunity for progress and prosperity. Is has been proven in terms of projects we unite our strengths, we create a bridge of opportunity that connects our people, our cultures, and our futures”.
The Craft Hub project will conclude in November 2023 with a Closing Conference to be held in Oslo, Norway.
For further information on Craft Hub log onto: CraftHub European Project – Investigating and documenting craft skills and processes
