On Tuesday, April 24th existing members of FORM welcomed four new members into the craft and design collective. The four new members include: Lina Siaudvytyte, (Goldsmith) Maria Ryan, (Textile Designer) Mairead Holohan (Designer & Artist) and Breda Malone (Designer & Artist).
The FORM network consists of designer makers and craftspeople, who create high quality home ware, gifts and wearable pieces. Collectively, FORM aims to raise the profile of designer makers and craftspeople producing high quality work in Carlow, promote County Carlow as a destination for high quality design and craft and provide a forum for the exchange of views, common objectives, collective activities, constructive criticism and feedback amongst highly skilled designer makers and craftspeople.
During 2018, the group will engage in a variety of development activities including Consumer Experiences at Kilkenny Arts Festival, Wexford Opera Festival, PR development and Business Development provided by Nationally recognised Craft Trainer Aileen Duffy. As part of the Business Development programme the group came together in the enchanting and inspirational Lisnavagh House to take part in product familiarisation training. The training included a series of practical workshops and discussions designed to help makers view their own product from other perspectives and present their product to sellers and prospective buyers. Training and Development is an essential part of what FORM is about and helps members make the most of sales driven projects planned for 2018. The group are acutely aware of the importance of being equipped and knowledgeable on other makers work within their group to increase awareness and sales opportunities for all members. The group worked on the sharing of information such as design processes, inspiration, techniques, packaging and presentation to understanding the 'essence' of the makers themselves along with the practical tools required to operate a sales or exhibition project.
Speaking about the importance of “FORM” Pauline Hoctor, Business Advisor with the Carlow County Council’s - Local Enterprise Office “We all have an appreciation for handcrafted, high-quality objects that have a connection with our locality, FORM members are passionate about the work that they produce here in County Carlow and work tirelessly to create home ware, gifts and wearable pieces that allows the buyer to experience locally inspired and produced craft and design.
To find out more about FORM visit www.formcarlow.com.
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For further information contact Pauline Hoctor – phoctor@carlowcoco.ie – 057 9129784.
