Stacey Phelan, Craft Hub, Local Enterprise Office / Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Andrea Dalton
Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office, Arts Office & Libraries, is pleased to announce a call for expressions of interest for Craft Makers to participate in two international activities in Wales and Oslo as part of the Craft Hub Programme, which is partially funded by Creative Europe.
The first opportunity takes place in Wales from 14th to 16th September 2023. The Craft Hub craft festival will be an extraordinary event held in various locations across the beautiful city of Swansea. Our Welsh partners have organized a diverse range of creative workshops that the public can engage in, along with the chance to view the international exhibition.Attending the festival, participating in workshops, seminars, and exploring the exhibition can be an incredibly enriching experience for craft makers. These events provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and craftsmanship.
The second opportunity is the Craft Hub International Conference, which will take place from 24th to 27th October 2023 in Oslo. This three-day activity will bring together makers, curators, researchers, and academics who will contribute by speaking or presenting on craft, sustainability, heritage, social inclusion, and technology. For individuals interested in the crafts sector and the importance of its cultivation, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, expressed her enthusiasm for these opportunities in the Craft & Creative sector, stating, "Craftspeople can greatly enhance their skills by traveling outside of their country. International travel exposes them to different techniques and styles prevalent in other cultures. By interacting with local artisans and experiencing traditional craftsmanship first hand, they can broaden their creative horizons and incorporate new elements into their work. This exposure opens up a world of inspiration and allows craftspeople to adapt unique materials, colours, patterns, and design motifs to their craft, resulting in fresh and innovative creations."
Andrea further added, "Traveling also provides access to specialized resources and materials that may not be readily available in one's home country. Different regions have their own local resources and tools, and by exploring these new environments, craftspeople can discover materials specific to a particular region or learn how to work with unique materials directly from experts. This exposure to diverse resources equips craftspeople with a broader skill set and enables them to experiment and push the boundaries of their craft."
Stacey Phelan, Coordinator of the Craft Hub project with the Local Enterprise Office, expressed excitement about offering these opportunities to the creative sector in Ireland. Stacey believes that traveling outside of one's country offers craftspeople numerous benefits. It exposes them to new techniques and styles, provides access to specialized resources, and fosters networking and collaboration opportunities. These experiences broaden their creative perspective, enhance their skill set, and help them build a global reputation. By embracing international travel, craftspeople can enrich their craftsmanship, contribute to the evolution of their artistic practice, and open doors to new opportunities. Stacey concluded by encouraging interested individuals to apply for both activities as the programs are free of charge. The final participants will be selected in August 2023.
For further information, please visit www.localenterprise.ie/carlow, email enterprise@carlowcoco.ie, or call 059-9129783.
