Design & Crafts Council Ireland's (DCCI) market development strategy is focused on growing share for Irish design and craft in the Irish market and internationally.
We are committed to growing the sector further and are actively seeking more retailers and galleries around the country and world who are keen to promote Irish design and craft in their stores in a meaningful way. DCCI is dedicated to developing the market for Irish design and craft, giving makers a voice to help their remarkable work to be seen, appreciated and bought by consumers in Ireland and overseas. DCCI leads and supports companies to open up strategic relationships with galleries, retailers, distributors and direct-selling channel, recognising the need for a long-term strategy for export development in key target markets and is actively engaged with Enterprise Ireland to realise this opportunity. To achieve this our strategic activities, goals and programmes are outlined below:
PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO represents contemporary craftwork created by Irish makers that combines the highest quality craftsmanship with a consideration of material and technique that sits comfortably on the international stage. Discover the makers producing unique one-off and limited edition work and find new talent for your retail outlet or gallery.
DCCI's PORTFOLIO programme presents a unique opportunity to view and purchase work from internationally collected and emerging makers in a world-class context. The PORTFOLIO programme actively works to grow the reputations and potential of makers across all major disciplines of contemporary craft. Selected makers are those producing unique, innovative objects and working to high standards of design quality and technical skill. Selected by an international expert panel, PORTFOLIO currently showcases contemporary work by almost 100 of Ireland’s most renowned makers across the following disciplines: ceramics | jewellery | glass | metals | paper, textiles, calligraphy | furniture, woodwork, basketry.
PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection is a biennial publication of the leading edge of Irish contemporary craft in a world-class context. This volume is published by DCCI in order to increase awareness and understanding of top Irish makers and their work, particularly among Irish and international collectors, galleries, commissioning bodies and museums. The 28 makers featured in PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017-2018 have been selected for achieving excellence in craftsmanship by comparative international standards. View PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017-2018 pdf here.
www.portfolio.dccoi.ie | Facebook | Instagram |
Design Ireland
Design Ireland is a brand dedicated to promoting the breadth and quality of Irish design and craft to global and Irish audiences. Our online platform, www.designireland.ie, connects consumers all over the world with Ireland’s makers, their studios and their inspiration. As a current and informed cultural curator, Design Ireland discovers and shares the best work created in Ireland for people who want to buy and gift authentic, quality products. Accomplished makers across Ireland are creating craft of the highest quality, and Design Ireland provides visitors to the site with ideas, inspiration and information on where to buy these beautiful, authentic Irish products. Visitors can browse an extensive range of gift suggestions and view a directory of designers featured on the site. Currently, more than 150 Irish designers and craft makers are represented through the initiative by building retailer/3rd party partnerships, in-store point-of-sale material, advertising, promotion on radio and TV, in print, and online at www.designireland.ie, and in DCCoI campaigns. Online they can browse by designer, product or collection. www.designireland.ie | Facebook | Instagram |
National Design & Craft Gallery
Established by Design & Crafts Council Ireland in 2000, the National Design & Craft Gallery based in Kilkenny is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design. Open to the public and with free admission its commitment to excellence and innovation allows us to showcase some of the finest examples of contemporary craft. Visit the National Design & Craft Gallery and see the highest quality national and international craft with the opportunity to discuss and purchase selected works. Housed in the former Kilkenny Design Workshops the National Design & Craft Gallery programmes feature Irish and international designers, artists and makers across a variety of disciplines who push the boundaries of their chosen materials and techniques in their engagement with the making process.
The gallery provides a platform where work can be explored in wider cultural contexts, to develop understanding of the traditional roots of Irish craft and design, and its future potential. Through its programmes and partnerships the National Design & Craft Gallery continues to develop new audiences for craft as a key part of its activities. The National Design & Craft Gallery also has a healthy touring programme which works with Irish and international venues and partners to bring critically acclaimed exhibitions to a wider audience. www.ndcg.ie | Facebook | Instagram |
Showcase Ireland’s International Creative Expo®
Showcase, Ireland’s International Creative Expo® is now the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors. Design Ireland is a dedicated space at Showcase promoting products designed and made in Ireland, providing a platform for quality Irish craft makers to meet retail buyers in a single contemporary and buyer-friendly area. Showcase takes place annually at the RDS, Dublin in January and is a partnership between DCCI and Showcase Ireland Events Ltd with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the show internationally. www.showcaseireland.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |