Friday, 23rd May 2025: Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is proud to announce that Ireland has been selected as the Country of Honour for Révélations 2027 – international fine craft and international biennial. The announcement was made at an event in the Irish Embassy in Paris last night, 22nd May, during Ireland’s inaugural appearance at Révélations 2025 which takes place at the Grand Palais in Paris. It marks a significant milestone for Irish craft on the global stage.
This profound recognition by Ateliers d’Art de France, the organisers of Révélations, following Ireland’s first-ever participation in the 2025 edition. From Wednesday 21st May to Sunday 25th May, Ireland debuted at the international exhibition platform in Le Banquet area, showcasing the country’s vibrant craft mastery through the work of seven outstanding designer makers.
Stéphane Galerneau, President of Ateliers d’Art de France, said: “It is with great honour and profound gratitude that we announce Ireland as the Country of Honour for the 2027 edition of Révélations. Through this year’s debut on Le Banquet, we are discovering the richness of Ireland’s artistic heritage and its contemporary expressions. Ireland’s remarkable creativity, its openness to the world, and the infectious dynamism of its craft scene will undoubtedly find powerful resonance in the heart of Révélations. We look forward to showcasing Ireland’s finest craftspeople, not only as exhibitors but as storytellers and ambassadors of their art.”
Organised by Ateliers d’Art de France since 2013, Révélations 2025 gathers 550 creators from 35 countries, showcasing outstanding craftsmanship across a wide range of disciplines including ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, and metal. As the premier international event for fine craft and contemporary creation, Révélations is a vital meeting point for the global creative community. Over five days, it draws together collectors, connoisseurs, artistic directors, architects, interior designers, gallerists, and art dealers—creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and professional connection. With its global perspective and dedication to excellence, the biennial serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, and artistic discovery.
Curated by artist and curator, Ava Hayes, this year’s Irish presentation features 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). Selected through leading national initiatives, these artisans represent a compelling blend of tradition and forward-thinking creativity.
Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment commented: “Today marks a proud moment for Ireland’s vibrant design and craft community. This announcement reflects our deep respect for the creativity, skill and heritage which defines our sector. Irish designers and makers have long captured the spirit of our nation—innovative, steeped in heritage and widely respected. With this new initiative, we are not only honouring that legacy but investing in its future. I am confident that this will elevate Ireland’s standing on the world stage and inspire a new generation of talent to shape our cultural identity through design and craft.”
Niall Burgess, Ambassador of Ireland to France and to Monaco, 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. It is a pleasure to see Ireland’s creative talent featured in France alongside leading makers, offering a unique perspective where tradition, innovation and artistry converge.”
Peter Hynes, Chair, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, added: “To debut at Révélations in 2025 and be named Country of Honour for 2027 is a tremendous honour. This international platform celebrates the very best in contemporary craft, and we are thrilled to present the vision, talent and creativity of Ireland’s designer-makers to a global audience. Over the coming two years we will be looking forward to bringing together an incredible display of craft for Révélations 2027.”
Visitors to Révélations are invited to discover exclusive, debut works, many of which have been created especially for this landmark edition—the first to be held at the Grand Palais since its historic restoration. The collection is presented within a refined and immersive scenography by acclaimed designer Adrien Gardère, offering a visually compelling environment that enhances the artistry on display.
With an audience of over 40,000 expected, Révélations is a key international platform for contemporary makers, placing Irish craft at the heart of the global stage—both in 2025 and as the centrepiece in 2027.
ENDS
For further information on DCCI and Révélations, please contact Suzy O’Keefe or Eimear Harding at DCCI on [email protected]
For further press information, please contact: [email protected]
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 creation. 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 creators, galleries, collectors, and design professionals to connect and collaborate.
www.revelations-grandpalais.com
