Awards for the designers and makers shaping the future

Established in 2009, Future Makers is a Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. Its aim is to support the next generation of makers, designers and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise. It is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe.

Divided into student and emerging maker categories and covering a wide range of disciplines, Future Makers recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence in both making and the creative process among students and emerging makers. This is a crucial time in the career path of young makers and Future Makers creates a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much-needed financial support.

Awards and supports

In 2026, the programme includes a €38,000 award fund plus a €26,000 mentoring investment, bringing the total support to €64,000.

• Award fund – € 25000 increased to € 38,000
• Mentorship – 26 × € 1000 = €26,000
• Total – € 64,000

Student and Recent Graduate

• Award Type | 2026
• Overall winner | 1 × €3000
• Sustainable Design Award | 1 × €1,500
• Materials Awards | 5 × €1000
• Travel & Training Awards | 4 × €1000
• Professional Development Awards | 3 × €1000

Emerging Maker Category

• Award Type | 2026
• Overall Winner | 1 × €4000
• Sustainable Design Award | 1 × €2,500
• Studio Awards | 4 × €1,500
• Residencies/Training Awards | 3 × €1,500
• Exhibition Awards | 3 × €1,500

Mentoring Package

The mentoring package aims to provide winners with  opportunities that foster skill, enhancement, professional exposure and resource access. By empowering you with personalized guidance and valuable tools, DCCI ensures that you have everything you need to thrive in your creative journey. Valid for up to six months, the package reflects DCCI’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent and celebrating your accomplishments. The total value of the package is EUR 1,000 inclusive of VAT, or any additional costs.

• Applicants should provide a brief outline of intended learning outcomes from the mentorship as part of the application.
• Winners may choose up to two mentors based in Ireland only.
• The mentorship should take place during the six-month period from November 2026 to April 2027.
• A mentorship acknowledgement & payment form will be provided and the mentors will need to sign this.

Previous Future Makers winners include fashion designer Natalie B. Coleman, furniture designer Simon Doyle, ceramic artist Kate O’Kelly, ceramic artist and educator Owen Quinlan, fashion designer Sorcha O’Raghallaigh and designer Úna Burke. Many past recipients have gone on to establish successful creative practices—explore previous winners for inspiration.