Trade Mission to Tampere, Finland - 10th to 14th November 2026

Are you an artist, craftsperson, designer or maker based in County Carlow?

Do you want to explore contemporary craft practice, maker culture and creative entrepreneurship in Finland? Join this international trade mission to Tampere, Finland, a dynamic centre for craft, design and innovation, offering unique opportunities to connect with makers, organisations and creative networks.

Over seven days, participants will engage in a programme of visits, networking opportunities and cultural exchange activities. The mission includes a visit to Kädentaidot (https://kadentaidot.fi/), one of Finland’s leading craft and handmade culture events, as well as studio visits with makers working across a range of disciplines and practices. 

What is it?

A four-day trade mission to Tampere, Finland, designed for artists, craftspeople, makers, designers and creative practitioners from County Carlow. Participants will take part in a curated programme of visits, presentations, networking events and studio tours, gaining insight into contemporary Finnish craft, design and creative enterprise.

Who can apply

• Artists, craftspeople, makers, designers and creative practitioners working in any discipline.
• Emerging and established practitioners interested in developing international connections and opportunities.
• Individuals seeking to expand their professional networks and gain insight into international creative ecosystems.
• Practitioners interested in craft, design, material culture, innovation and contemporary making practices.
• Creatives wishing to explore new approaches to production, collaboration and market development. 

What participants will do

• Visit Kädentaidot in Tampere, Finland.
• Meet and engage with Finnish artists, craftspeople, designers and makers.
• Participate in guided visits to studios and workshops representing a variety of disciplines and practices.
• Attend presentations, networking sessions and discussions focused on creative entrepreneurship, craft and design.
• Explore opportunities for future collaboration, exchange and international market development.
• Connect with cultural organisations, creative enterprises and practitioner networks in the Tampere region. 

What participants will gain

• First-hand experience of Finland’s contemporary craft and design sector.
• Access to new professional networks and potential collaborators.
• Insight into international creative enterprise models and maker-led businesses.
• Opportunities to exchange knowledge, ideas and best practice with Finnish practitioners.
• Enhanced understanding of international market opportunities and cultural exchange.
• Certificate of Participation issued by Carlow County Council.

Programme Details

Trade Mission: Creative Industries Trade Mission to Tampere, Finland

Dates: 10–14 November 2026

Location: Tampere, Finland

Highlights:

• Visit to Kädentaidot
• Studio visits with makers across multiple disciplines
• Networking and knowledge-exchange opportunities
• Meetings with creative organisations and practitioners 

Format: Four-day in-person trade mission

Arrival: Tuesday 10th November 2026

Departure: Saturday 14th November 2026

Attendance: Full attendance and active participation are required. Flights, accommodation, airport transfers are included.

Please note: Applications are open only to practitioners based in County Carlow.

Contact: dodwyer@carlowcoco.ie