Innovation & Development Programmes

Becoming a registered client or membership organisation of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) gives you the opportunity to avail of the many support and development programmes below that DCCI has to offer.
Register with DCCI

STRATEGIC PLANS FOR MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATIONS
DCCI has partnered with Business to Arts to offer expertise to our GANS in devising strategic plans to assist in their ongoing development and professionalisation. This programme includes workshops, advice sessions, site visits and business plan content review, analysis and delivery.

FUSE
FUSE Clinics offer access to a range of design and business mentors over a one- or two-day period. Mentors assess and provide advice relating to different aspects of craft and design products, including merchandising, branding, production, design and the use of innovative materials and technology. FUSE Clinics enable clients to network with one another and with mentors who identify the necessary next steps for developing and growing a craft and design enterprise. See our Opportunities section for relevant call-outs.

NETWORK SUPPORT SCHEME
Financial support is available to member organisations of DCCI. Funding is offered on an annual basis and those applying must be in a position to provide match-funding. To access DCCI’s Network Support Scheme, individuals can submit an application form on behalf of their network or association. It should be noted that the minimum number of craftspeople required to form a network or association is six. See our Opportunities section for relevant call-outs.

DESIGN4GROWTH
Design4Growth aims to incentivise microbusinesses to engage with designers and assist participating companies in applying the effective use of design in developing their businesses. The programme is delivered on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, the Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. See our Opportunities section for relevant call-outs.

WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL – EUROPE
The World Crafts Council Europe (WCC-Europe) aims to strengthen the status of craft as a vital part of cultural, social and economic life through its global network of members and affiliates. Its membership is open to national, regional and professional bodies that have a mandate to advocate for and develop craft. Louise Allen, DCCI Head of Innovation & Development Programmes, is President of the WCC-Europe until 2020.  wcc-europe.org

NATIONAL DESIGN & CRAFT GALLERY
The National Design & Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, inspiring appreciation, creativity and innovation through exhibitions, events and education programmes. The National Design & Craft Gallery plays a critical role in building an understanding of craft, design and material culture in Ireland. Programmes feature leading Irish and international designers, artists and makers across a variety of disciplines through in-house and touring exhibitions. ndcg.ie

Further information available from www.dccoi.ie/enterprise Contact: innovation@dccoi.ie