Craft Hub Catalogue Reflects European Union Project Journey

Craft enthusiasts and cultural heritage advocates can now delve into the journey of the Creative Europe - Craft Hub project through its comprehensive catalogue showcasing the project's exploration of craft's enduring relevance in contemporary practice. Supported by co-funding from the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, Craft Hub has embarked on a transformative endeavour to delve into the depths of craft skills, processes, and their cultural significance across Europe.

Craft Hub's multifaceted approach involved rigorous investigation and documentation of craft practices, highlighting their diverse applications and cultural nuances. Through 42 transnational maker residencies, 305 days of outreach initiatives, a Craft festival, seven exhibitions, and two conferences, Craft Hub has endeavoured to adopt collaboration, innovation, and appreciation within the craft community.

Speaking about the project, John Shortall, County Librarian with Carlow County Council, said, “At the core of the Craft Hub project was a profound passion for craft, its heritage, and its potential for innovation. Craft Hub serves as a platform for exploring the intersections of tradition and innovation, while celebrating the rich tapestry of craft practices across Europe, and the resources of the project are available for all."

Craft Hub's partnership comprises nine diverse entities, including practitioners, educators, researchers, advocates, and businesses, united in their commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of craft to new audiences. From addressing the challenges faced by craft practitioners to fostering connections between makers and markets, Craft Hub aims to empower and elevate the craft community on both local and global scales.

Speaking about the catalogue, Stacey Phelan, EU Project Coordinator with Carlow County Council, said, “The Craft Hub catalogue offers a glimpse into the project's wide-ranging activities, including the creation of an open-access craft material library, maker residencies, workshops, tutorial films, maker interviews, and a touring exhibition. By documenting the project's outcomes and insights, the catalogue serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaborative endeavours in the realm of craft.”

Welcoming the publication, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach with Carlow County Council, said, “Craft matters deeply in the fabric of society, serving as a reflection of human creativity, culture, and ingenuity throughout history. Through Craft Hub's initiatives, the project seeks to amplify the voices of craft practitioners, celebrate their diverse motivations, and reaffirm the enduring relevance of craft in contemporary society. Andrea continued to say the delivery of projects like Craft Hub is a team effort and the project team at the local level includes Kieran Comerford (LEO), Stacey Phelan (LEO), Melissa Doyle (LEO), Aileen Nolan (Arts), Sinead Dowling (Arts), Margaret O’Toole (Finance), John Shortall (Libraries), PJ Leonard (Finance) under the direction of Head of Finance Pat Delaney & Director of Services, Michael Rainey in partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Wales), Glasmalerei Peters Studio (Germany), Materahub (Italy), Design School Kolding (Denmark), Craft Scotland (Scotland), NOVA School of Science and Technology (Portugal), OECON (Greece), and OSLOMET (Norway).

To download the catalogue click here.

For more information about Craft Hub and to explore the catalogue, visit www.crafthub.eu.