Former CEO - Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Introduction from Rosemary Steen
Now in its 53rd year, I am proud to lead Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), one of Ireland’s longest-standing national bodies.
It is also one of the most innovative and democratic, hugely supported by a community of over 5,000 makers, designers, students and educators working in the sector and over 70 member Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies.
Our vision is to increase the contribution of craft and design to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally, by 2030. Our mission is to do this by supporting designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way and by promoting the benefits of crafts and design to society.
Rosemary Steen
Former CEO - Design & Crafts Council Ireland
2023 Recap
Major Change Programme
Increasing support through new and expanded programmes
Now in my fifth year with DCCI, we have been on a major change programme to align our operations with a new strategy, which was launched in November 2021 after extensive consultation.
It seeks to ensure that the craft sector benefits from a huge range of new and expanded supports including centres of excellence, a dedicated academy and apprenticeship opportunities.
We will also focus on national and international exhibitions and initiatives to build support for craft across Ireland such as Made Local and August Craft Month.
Promoting and Supporting Design
DCCI is now on a journey to own its national role to promote and support design in all its forms in the Irish economy
This will see DCCI working more directly with the design community across Ireland on projects where their ideas can find a home.
DCCI will form international agreements with national design centres in other countries, seeking to build a global network spreading best practice and opportunities in design.
We have also strategically built and manage Ireland’s national Design Week to showcase the very best design practises from both national design leaders and international experts.
Promoting Design and Craft across Ireland
There has never been a better time for our sector
Key to all of this is building DCCI’s activities in a way that seeks to create change by promoting sustainable practices by both the design and craft communities across the island.
We also need a fantastic team to lead and develop DCCI further. So, we are investing in our team to ensure high delivery of projects at world leading standards as well as best-in-class governance and technical solutions.
Join us and let's work together to make the next 50 years the golden age for Irish craft and design.
Rosemary Steen
Former CEO - Design & Crafts Council Ireland