Creative Sector Key to Rural Job Creation

Today (9^th March 2016), Carlow County Council announced an investment programme of €20,000 in the development of County Carlow’s Craft Cluster “Form” which unveiled its new membership at a launch event, held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.

“Form” was launched in 2014 and aims to promote quality design and craft by engaging in a variety of activities which are designed to increase awareness of the quality products available from County Carlow producers while also increasing the competitive advantage of the individual members. The network consists of 10 established designer makers, who create high quality home ware, gifts and wearable pieces.

Funded by the Local Enterprise Office in County Carlow as part of the business supports of Carlow County Council, the formation of this group comes at a time of renewed interest, both in Ireland and internationally, in making and the handmade and the members of the group are keen to emphasis their individual craft roots. But, in creating handcrafted high quality objects, FORM also reflects contemporary crafts engagement with new technology and ideas and the breaking down of the boundaries that have traditionally existed between art, design and craft.

Speaking at the event, Ariane Tobin, Chairperson of Form said 'We are grateful for all the support the Council’s Local Enterprise Office has given us. It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to help steer the evolution of Carlow as a location for professional design and craft professionals”.

Carlow County Council’s Chief Executive, Kathleen Holohan speaking at the event said 'Thanks to practical business supports through the Local Enterprise Office, our local craft and design businesses are well-placed to secure additional business by being part of a collective development effort like “Form”. Holohan continued to say “According to figures from Indecon, well over 5,000 people work in the craft sector in Ireland with plenty of opportunities for small companies to grow and for new enterprises to start-up, we see the development of this sector as key to developing small scale enterprises in Rural Locations in County Carlow”.

Speaking about the activities of Form for 2016, Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise with the Council’s – Local Enterprise Office said “this year we have put a dedicated member of staff in place to assist with the development of Form and to support their activities which will include collective marketing, exhibitions, retail experiences, training and professional development”.

Members for 2016 include: