FORM – Carlow’s Creative Cluster of designers and crafts people – travel to Wales
Carlow’s Creative Craft Cluster Group FORM – Designmade in Carlow - visited Wales last week (30th June) in order to build networks and discuss future shared exhibitions. The group travelled to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Swansea to take part in a Product Development Workshop and to the Makers Guild in Cardiff. The group developed key relationships with people in Wales.
FORM is a creative craft cluster made up of designers and crafts people living and working in the Carlow area. It was developed by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Carlow in 2014 and is supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. The group is made up of 10 designer-makers in the areas of Ceramics, Stone Sculpture, Felt, Quilt Making and Jewellery.
Speaking about the networking visit, Head of Enterprise, Kieran Comerford said: “Working in partnership is key to the development of a supportive enterprise eco-system. In Carlow, projects such as this are clearly focused on tangible economic outputs which will bring further employment to the local economy.” Comerford added “The overall aim of this project is to help make connections happen which in turn will develop key relationships, boost revenues and help maintain and create jobs”
John Mulcahy, Enterprise Executive with the Local Enterprise Office Carlow said “This trip was very important from a growth perspective for the group. It provides the opportunity to assess and target business opportunities in Wales whilst also develop those key relationships which are crucial when carrying out business abroad.”
Chairperson of FORM, Nicola Brown who is a textile artist said: “"We in FORM are delighted with the ongoing support from the agencies. It's designed firstly to respect our artistic viewpoint and secondly to help us gain competitive advantage at home and abroad."
For more information on FORM, you can visit the website here.
