7 May 2025: At an event at the French Residence, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is honoured to announce its inaugural participation in Révélations 2025 – the leading international biennial of contemporary craft and fine design. In collaboration with the French Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland will take its place on the Banquet along with 11 other countries and regions
under the newly restored glass roof of the Grand Palais in Paris. Running from Wednesday 21st May to Sunday 25th May 2025, Révélations offers exhibitors a rare platform where tradition meets innovation at the highest level.
Founded in 2013 by Ateliers d’Art de France, Révélations has established itself as the foremost international biennial dedicated to fine craft and contemporary creation. The 2025 edition will convene over 500 master designers from approximately 30 nations, each presenting work that highlights exceptional craftsmanship and highest standards across disciplines such as ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, and metal. Far more than an exhibition, Révélations is an exclusive cultural convergence – an essential meeting point for collectors, curators, artistic directors, architects, and gallerists drawn to the timeless language of exceptional objects. It is a space where the global craft community gathers to exchange, inspire, and shape the narrative of contemporary applied arts.
As part of the official programme, DCCI will present a selection of works curated by Ava Hayes, Independent curator and artist, from seven outstanding artisans from Ireland, each of whom is shaping the future of the Irish craft and design industry. These designer makers embody and reflect Ireland’s rich heritage and contemporary innovation of craft and design, offering a glimpse into a culture where tradition meets cutting-edge creativity. Among those selected to attend are designer makers Helen O’Shea (multimedia sculpture); Michael Murphy (sculpture); Edwyn James Hickey (furniture design); Cecilia Moore (metalwork); Jennifer Hickey (ceramics); Alan Meredith (woodwork), and Noel Donnellan (ceramics).
In celebration of this landmark moment – the first edition of Révélations to return to the Grand Palais since its historic restoration – visitors will experience exclusive, previously unseen works, including pieces created specifically for the occasion. These will be presented within a refined scenography by acclaimed French designer Adrien Gardère, offering an immersive and visually striking and immersive experience.
H.E. Céline Place, Ambassador of France in Ireland, commented: “This landmark collaboration reflects the enduring cultural ties between France and Ireland, and highlights our shared commitment to supporting excellence in contemporary craft and design. As the biennial Révélations returns to the beautifully restored Grand Palais, it is a pleasure to see Ireland’s creative talent featured in France alongside leading French makers, offering a unique perspective where tradition, innovation, and artistry converge. We also look forward to showcasing our rich and distinctive French savoir-faire at the next Irish Design Week, continuing this dynamic exchange.”
Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, says: “It is an honour for Design & Crafts Council Ireland to mark its inaugural presence at Révélations 2025. This prestigious platform offers a rare opportunity to introduce the vision and craftsmanship of seven exceptional Irish designer makers to an international audience. Each of these artisans exemplifies the depth of talent, innovation,
and cultural richness that defines Ireland’s contemporary craft and design landscape. Their work speaks not only to tradition, but to the future of our creative identity on the world stage.”
With an anticipated audience of 37,000 – including international collectors, curators, gallerists, and design professionals – this prestigious platform offers unparalleled visibility and engagement for Irish makers, placing them in the heart of the global craft stage.
ENDS
For further press information, please contact: [email protected]
For further information on DCCI and Révélations, please contact Eimear Harding at DCCI on [email protected]
Pictured is H.E. Céline Place, Ambassador of France in Ireland with Xavier d’Argoeuves, Cultural Counsellor, French Embassy in Ireland; Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland; Edwyn James Hickey, Architect and furniture designer; Noel Donnellan, Ceramicist; Emma Dowling, Head of Commercial, Design & Crafts Council Ireland; Peter Hynes, Chair, Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has sixty-four member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients. www.dcci.ie / @dccireland
About Révélations
Organised by Ateliers d’Art de France, Révélations is a prestigious biennial event dedicated to the celebration of contemporary craft and fine design. Since its inception in 2013, it has established itself as one of the most influential platforms in the global creative sector, offering an unparalleled opportunity for makers, galleries, collectors, and design professionals to connect and collaborate. www.revelations-grandpalais.com
