Expressions of Interest are Sought for the Co-Ordination of Innovate Kildare’s Craft Creative Cluster
Proposals are sought from experienced cluster co-ordinators, programme or event management professionals, or agencies to support the recruitment, coordination, and on-site delivery of Kildare’s Craft and Creative Cluster for a 12-month period.
Innovate Kildare’s Craft & Creative Cluster is a dynamic network established by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Kildare to unite, support, and promote creative businesses and makers across County Kildare. The cluster is open to all creative enterprises—including those working in homewares, textiles, fashion, skincare, ceramics, jewellery, digital print, and wellness—who have a registered business that is operational in County Kildare.
Purpose and Vision
- The cluster aims to position Kildare as a leading destination for unique Irish gift, craft, and design.
- It fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business growth among local makers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs.
- The initiative is designed to help members grow their businesses, increase sales, and expand their networks, while also championing Kildare as a hub of creativity and innovation.
Supports and Activities
- Training & Events: Members benefit from bespoke training, informative seminars, and a regular programme of events tailored to the needs of creative businesses. This programme of events for the calendar year 2026 has been designed.
- Networking: The cluster provides opportunities for peer-to-peer networking, collaboration, and shared learning.
- Showcasing & Retail: Members can participate in curated retail opportunities, such as GATHER store at Southwells, Market Square, Kildare Town—a dedicated retail space for Kildare-created brands. This space operates as both a permanent and pop-up venue, especially during key retail periods like Christmas.
- Exhibitions: The cluster regularly features at major events, including Taste of Kildare, where members’ products are showcased to a wide audience.
- Craft Café Exhibit: Members can display their products at high-visibility locations, such as the County Council offices, further promoting their work to the local community.
Eligibility and Membership
- Membership is open to creative businesses and makers whose products are designed or made in County Kildare or whose brand originates from the county.
- The cluster welcomes both established and emerging brands.
- Interested creatives can apply to join the cluster via a short online form: https://submit.link/r9.
Impact
- The cluster has delivered significant commercial and reputational benefits for its members, including high-performing retail pop-ups (e.g., GATHER at Kildare Village), increased media exposure, and access to new markets.
- It is supported by Kildare County Council’s Enterprise, Tourism, and Economic Development Department, ensuring strategic alignment with county-wide economic and cultural goals.
LONG-TERM VISION: Igniting a Creative Renaissance in Kildare Town: Transforming the Historic Courthouse into a Beacon for Craft and Design
Kildare County Council is embarking on an ambitious journey to reimagine the former courthouse in Kildare Town—not just as a building, but as a vibrant engine of creativity and innovation. The Council is exploring the transformation of this iconic structure into a dynamic Craft, Creativity, and Design Hub.
This proposed hub would serve as a cornerstone for the region’s creative economy, offering a dedicated space where artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs can thrive.
From artisan studios and collaborative workshops to public galleries and cultural events, the courthouse could become a living showcase of Kildare’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary talent.
By securing significant investment, this project has the power to breathe new life into a historic landmark, foster sustainable creative enterprise, and inspire a new generation of makers.
And, to position Kildare as a nationally recognised hub for craft, design, and innovation.
The selected provider will be supported by the LEO team and responsible for:
GATHER / Hub Management
- Act as key holder for Gather, Southwells, The Square, Kildare Town, ensuring security and operational readiness at all times.
- Monthly site visits to ensure merchandising, cleanliness and seek to make operational improvements where required.
- Develop and maintain a staffing rota of 15 brands, scheduled at least three months in advance, and manage all communications regarding staffing availability and shift changes among brands involved. The shop is open Thursday – Sunday / which is the equivalent of half-day shifts.
- Schedule and promote a rolling programme of workshops and events in Gather, with a rota and promotional plan set at least three months in advance. These workshops are delivered by the brands in Gather, or by other cluster members.
- Host monthly GATHER Meetups with members to collaborate on operational and promotional improvements/planning, ensure group cohesion and positive culture. These meetings alternate between online and in-person in MERITS.
- Curate, create, and manage content for the @gatherkildare Instagram account, ensuring regular, high-quality updates.
- Proactively increase media coverage for the cluster and its members, including press releases, media liaison, and partnership development.
- Prepare a high-quality product catalogue for corporate gifting and actively build relationships with corporate gifting businesses.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive calendar of events and key dates, covering both operational and promotional activities.
- Identify and coordinate opportunities for Gather pop-up events at relevant locations.
- Observe and address any outstanding queries in the Gather WhatsApp Community.
Wider Cluster Activity
- Event Facilitation: Attend and MC 8 cluster events, ensuring smooth delivery and participant engagement. Engage with event facilitator to ensure slides are prepared in advance of the event and include relevant LEO supports.
Slides and participant sign in sheet should be shared with LEO on event completion.
- Communications: Produce a monthly newsletter for cluster members to outline relevant LEO supports and wider opportunities.
- Lead Generation: Generate and submit lead lists to LEO for mentoring, first-time exporters, business expansion, priming, and MEG grant and all other LEO opportunities.
- Strategic Planning: Draft a three-year craft strategy for Kildare, in consultation with LEO and cluster members.
- Reporting: Provide monthly progress reports to LEO, including KPIs on participation, engagement, outcomes and suggested improvements
Delivery locations will include, but are not limited to Gather, Southwells, The Square, Kildare Town and MERITS, Devoy Park Naas.
Expressions of interest should demonstrate, with a CV and covering letter, relevant experience and track record in similar events which includes cluster co-ordination, event management, PR and social media experience. Additionally, they should demonstrate and understanding of the craft and design sector.
Costing should also be included in the below format.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICANT INFORMATION DOCUMENT
Expressions of interest should be submitted via localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie no later than 5pm on 20th October.
