On 21st April 2021 at 12noon (Irish Time) the CraftHub project, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, will host an Opening Conference to present the topics and the goals of this ambitious initiative focused on Craft in the context of European cultural heritage and its continuing relevance in contemporary practice.

Hosted by Noel Davidson & Lorraine Bowen from the Entrepreneurs Academy the conference includes a range of speakers from craft and creative enterprises, projects and instructions across Europe.

After an introduction from the representatives of the EU Commission and the Irish Government, the conference will give an overview of the project’s 3 main pillar topics:  

- Creativity and the creative process 

- Heritage and the legacy of craft and its story in Europe.

- Connections and the benefits for clients on EU programmes.

The conference will include the presentation of the opening for applications for digital residencies, 42 transnational maker residencies that will culminate in a festival, an exhibition and a publication. 

Speaking about the commencement of Craft Hub , Kathleen Holohan , Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said “I am delighted to see this project up and running and that Carlow County Council is leading a European Project in an area which County Carlow has built into its DNA in terms of creativity and craft”. The Chief Executive continued to say “we as a Council look forward to working with our 8 partners across Europe over the next 3 years on this project and when conditions allow welcoming the partners and participants of Craft Hub to County Carlow”.

Welcoming the conference and the project , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council , Cllr. Tom O’Neill said “I’d encourage everybody in County Carlow and the environments to engage with Craft Hub which is an exciting opportunity for County Carlow and a chance for our creative and craft professionals to engage in a project which is designed to build capacity by collective engagement with our partners from the eight European countries”. The Cathaoirleach concluded by saying “I’d like to thank the European Commission and in particular the team in the Creative Europe desk in Ireland for assisting us in developing and securing this €1.5m project and we look forward to further engagement as part of the programmes over the coming year with the European Institutions”.

Commenting on why people should participate in the Conference , Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council and project lead for Craft Hub said “this project will reach different people in many different ways who are interested in Craft and the Creative process” , “if you are a student , a professional or support practioneer the opening conference aims to inspire, inform and engage and we look forward to welcoming all to this virtual event”. Kieran continued to outline, following the event , Craft Professionals will have the opportunity to apply for a series of digital and physical residencies which are part of the programme and we would encourage people to attend the conference to find out more”.

About the CraftHub project

CraftHub, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, is a 9 member European organization partnership including:

Carlow County Council (Ireland)

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)

OSLOMET (Norway)

The project activities involve investigating and documenting craft skills and processes; their differing application in creative practice across Europe; and questions of cultural specificity & individual motivations of practitioners. 

The main project goals are:

• The creation of a Digital Repository in the form of a material library and multi-media content.
• Addressing heritage concerns by exploring and documenting at risk & lost/recovered Craft skills & processes.
• Identifying cultural/transnational attitudinal differences to Craft and to test the emerging repository

This will be addressed through a comprehensive and exciting program to allow the creation of new craft work/experimental investigations into process and material supported by 42 transnational maker residencies, 305 days of outreach work, 1 festival, 7 exhibitions and 2 conferences.

To Book Your Place Visit: Craft Hub - Inspired by Creativity , Heritage & Connectivity Tickets, Wed 21 Apr 2021 at 12:00 | Eventbrite or queries to 059/9129783 or e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie

CraftHub official channels

https://www.crafthub.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/Crafthubeu

https://twitter.com/CrafthubEu

https://www.instagram.com/crafthubeu/