CRAFTS COUNCII OF IRELAND.,. Thomas Prior House, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Telephone 01 680764
PRODUCTION The market for good quality craft products is at present strong. Craft shops are being set up at an increasing rate and the interest in craft and hand crafted products has never been so bouyant, not only among tourists, creating seasonal business, but also among the discerning Irish public seeking products which are well designed and made. Despite this, the market is not satisfied and many shops cannot get the variety of products which they need. The potential of the export market is largely untapped because production is not there to meet the demand which could be created. The hand to mouth delivery situation inhibits any marketing planning on a coordinated basis. The production of good handcrafts is not something which can be controlled to the same degree as factory production. The producers are not automatic machines which can be set to run at a higher speed, nor are they grouped together in one workplace so that neither incentive nor productivity schemes can be introduced and overtime and shift work cannot be used to increase output.
The craftworker often is an individual, working at his or her own pace which is keyed to their own needs or restricted by their own skills or the limitations of time, materials, equipment or money. One answer to the production problem is more craftworkers and more small craft based enterprises, and this raises its own problems in terms of education and training, product design, grants, raw materials, equipment, places in which to live and work, and capital. Craftwork is not something into which an aspirant may go without skills and training. Today greater professionalism is sought, higher standards of design and workmanship consistent with the demands of the market place and the need to earn a living, for the craftworkers, like all other producers, require an income and deserve a standard of living at least to their own satisfaction, if not as high as many industrial workers. Production by itself is, however, out of context. Production is one of the parts of the total marketing complex, one of the contributing factors in a series of activities which also include research, design, raw materials, promotion and
Initiative Projects Scheme The initiative project scheme announced in the last issue of the Newsletter is to be administered by a committee which will meet quarterly. Applications for ex gratia payments under the scheme should be made to the Executive Officer,.Crafts Council of Ireland, outlining the project and what it is intended to achieve, and with detailed costings. It should be noted that the scheme applies to projects which would not otherwise be aided by grants from other appropriate semi-state bodies, and must, of course, have a craft basis.
KWD Board Appointment Among the elections to the Board of the now independent semi-state body Kilkenny Design Workshops, was that of Mr E. F. SUtton, Executive Officer of Crafts Council of Ireland. This is not only a tribute to Crafts Council of Ireland but also a confirmation of the close co operation which has existed between KDW and the Council and which contributed to the development of the Council from its earliest days.
others which commences with the identification of a market need and ends with the satisfaction of that need — the satisfied customer. Over the next months the Crafts Council will be examining these various inter dependent complexities and hopes that it may be possible to organise a seminar devoted to marketing in its widest aspects with professional speakers and at which craftworkers will be able to participate and contribute towards practical conclusions and future action.
SEPTEMBER INFORMAL GENERAL MEETING It has been decided that an informal general meeting of member organisations of Crafts Council of Ireland will be held in late September. The agenda and other details of the programme which it is hoped will include an interesting craft film will be issued in August.
Index of Craftworkers The index of craftworkers is now complete, as much as any continuous reference such as this can be complete. Addresses change, telephone numbers change, and it will require constant revision. Craftworkers are invited to send in their names, addresses, telephone numbers, the craft they practise and details such as whether, if they are potters, they work in earthenware stoneware or porcelain, throw or build, how they fire, what general glazes are used and other information which will build up a complete reference. The index, which contains over 450 cards, is concerned with professional craftworkers, mainly those working fulltime and is available for reference during normal office hours which are 9—1, and 2—5, Monday to Fridays inclusive.
As member organisations, Crafts Council of Ireland recently asked a number of government funded agencies to provide a brief synopsis of their objectives particularly where these related to the craftworker. We reproduce in this issue some of the replies, and will include others in future issues.
Gaeltarra Eireann Gaeltarra Eireann is the development agency responsible for the economic development of the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland. These areas are located mainly on the Western Seaboard where Irish is the spoken language but the people are bilingual. It was established in. 1958 and is presently involved in a wide range of activities for stimulating economic growth and creating new employment opportunities. Currently, 3,500 are employed full time in Gaeltarra-sponsored projects, compared with some 1,250 at the beginning of the 1970's. Annual turnover in Gaeltarra's associated companies is now of the order of £20 million. In achieving this growth, which is still accelerating, Gaeltarra operates two principle schemes for promoting and aiding industrial investment — the Major Industries Scheme, which aims at attracting established industry either from overseas or from other parts of Ireland, and the Minor Industries Scheme, which is aimed primarily at the residents of the Gaeltacht; Under these schemes, Gaeltarra offers a range of incentives including: * Grants of up to 60% for building and new equipment. * Generous training grants with assistance provided in recruitment selection and training. * Low-rent factories built to promoters' specifications. * Exemption from tax on profits generated by exports. This relief lasts up to 1990, and has been the subject of a special Protocol which Ireland has negotiated with the European Commission. Besides these financial aids, Gaeltarra can partake.in the share capital of a company from a minimum of 26%, and at present has shareholdings in over 60
companies ranging from engineering, plastics, data processing, textiles, electronics to projects based on the natural resources of the area such as fish farming, horticulture and tourism. As a result of this involvement in such a wide range of activities, Gaeltarra is placed in a strong position to enter into joint ventures or contracts-with foreign industry. Gaeltarra can also provide useful advice and information on many aspects of marketing, the setting up of industry and the financial services available not only in the Gaeltacht areas but in Ireland generally.
new skills if the craft sector is to be properly developed. It is obvious that, initially at least, these skills in the form of Artist Craftsmen wili have to be "imported". By "professional" craftsmen is meant the experienced potter, worker in precious stones and metals, gold smiths, silversmiths etc. — highly-skilled and widely-experienced craftsmen who are willing to establish a workshop and make a living in the stimulating and attractive environment of the Gaeltacht, and who are willing to pass on their skills to the young Gaeltacht trainees.
GAELTARRA HANDCRAFTS POLICY Traditional handcrafts are of immense importance both from the point of view of their natural beauty and the skills which they involve, but Gaeltarra Eireann's attitude to these crafts is a practical one: to conserve the skills of the traditional craftsman, and to introduce and develop through training, new and varied types of crafts. Under Gaeltarra's Craft Policy the object is to support as many as possible of the several different types of craftsmen, each of whom has his own particular skill and has had his own particular training. In regard to the traditional craftsmen, the emphasis is on conservation — the conservation of the handweaver, basketmaker, potter etc., and the passing of the skills of these crafts to the younger generation. The policy is also -to support and encourage the traditional craftsman to develop his business to the point at which he is equipped to compete successfully in the most sophisticated ' markets. The traditional handweaver may, for instance, need to be encouraged to concentrate on the production of such items as wall-hangings, handwoven bed spreads, table covers etc., in order to cater for current trends and demands. The skills of the traditional basketmaker may have to be directed towards the making of such items as table mats (using rush) shopping baskets and other such articles of practical and everyday use. To craftsmen of this kind, who have the required standard of workmanship, Gaeltarra can offer financial assistance, design and marketing advice and an opportunity to participate in the Gaeltarra apprenticeship scheme. Handcraft activity on a professional level is not prevalent in the Gaeltacht areas, and it is necessary therefore, to introduce
Irish Goods Council The primary objective of the Irish Goods Council is to promote the sale of Irishmade goods in the Irish market. Emphasis is on the clothing, food, footwear, furniture and textile industry sectors but notexclusively. To the extent that I.G.C. can assist the Crafts Council of Ireland in promoting the sale of craft products it is happy to do so and provides the following support services: * Membership of the "Guaranteed Irish" scheme subject to the conditions laiddown. * Registration of craft products in the Council's network of Consumer Information Centres - SHOPLINK located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. * Facilities at Ireland House Trade Centre for trade promotion, new product launches, press conferences and seminars. * Information on and contact with retail buyers. * Participation in the Council's programme of in-store promotions, provincial exhibitions and other sales promotion activities. For further information contact: John Corrigan (Member, C.C. of I.) Promotions Manager Irish Goods Council Ireland House Trade Centre Strand Road Dublin 4 Telephone 696011
This period being the busiest in the craftworker's year, regional activites are at their lowest and reports from the various associations and guilds are necessarily lacking in news.
GUILD of MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKERS The Executive Officer of Crafts Council has acted as chairman to two meetings of craftsmen who make musical instruments, who were exploring the advantages of forming a guild or association. A further meeting will be held on July 16, during the Dublin Folk Festival, to discuss a constitution, embodying aims and objectives, and possible affiliation with the Crafts Council.
Kilkenny Design Workshops The Kilkenny Design Workshops was established by the Government in 1965 and has three main functions: — * to raise public awareness of design standards through the promotion of good design; * to provide a practical design service to a number of industrial sectors on a royalty/fee basis; * to develop job opportunities for young Irish designers by providing practical working experience at Kilkenny and by arranging exchange opportunities in other countries. Through not specifically concerned with crafts Kilkenny Design Workshops has always encouraged and assisted the establishment of craft workshops and craft based industries. On a practical level it provides technical assistance to craftworkers, a design service, a market for finished goods and introductions to buyers. In addition, KDW offers a limited apprentice training scheme for gold smiths and silversmiths. The skills acquired in this high precision work are also used extensively in prototyping for the engineering industry.
WEXFORD Wexford Craftworkers Association are cooperating with the Arts Centre in Wexford to create access to additional space which can be used as a coffee bar, servery, kitchen and toilet facilities and lock up storage, by providing voluntary help from members. This initiative is the sort of action which achieves results and is preferable to the waiting and hoping attitude. GOREY The Gorey Branch of the Wexford Craftworkers' Association with the cooperation of Cooke's Arcade, Main Street, Gorey, have opened a summer crafts shop in the attractive circular gallery in the Arcade. This initiative venture is a trial project this year and will offer a variety of craftwork produced by members of the Gorey branch. If the expected success is achieved this shop within a shop may be opened at other peak periods of the year such as Christmas and Easter and in the longer term, may well achieve a year round clientele, becoming a permanent feature in the cultural and commercial life of Gorey.
LACE GUILD At a recent meeting at An Grianan it was decided to take the first steps towards forming a Guild of Irish Lace Makers. Anyone interested in this development should contact Mary Coleman, c/o Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
MAYO A meeting of Mayo craftworkers wiIi take place in Westport on Friday 17 July at the end of the Cailin Deas Festival. This meeting will consider the formation of a Mayo Craftworkers' Association and members of the Management Committee of Crafts Council will be present.
NCAD The National College of Art and Design is focussing its principle effort in the textiles area into the Fashion and Textiles course, which it is hoped to develop to a four-year degree, and in which the main accent will be upon industrial methods. However, the basis of machine techniques in constructed textiles remains handwork, and craft methods are therefore being further developed to provide that sound foundation. Additionally, the College has prepared an initial proposal for a two-year NCEA Certificate course which will use this capacity in craft textiles to a different end; the maintenance of traditional national techniques in woven fabrics. If pursued, this course will commence in 1978 and will provide a comprehensive experience in dyeing, spinning and weaving. The expertise of Lillias Mitchell and Evelyn Lyndsay will ensure high quality and the development of new trends in craft weaving as well as survival of existing approaches. We understand that Galway RTC contemplates a similar development and some kind of co-operative approach will be explored to give a coherent facility on the two sides of the country.
NCAD Exciting Workshop in Hot Glass Studio glass blowing will be a new discipline in the three dimensional design school at the NCAD this autumn! The March/April Newsletter reported on the UK international conference and workshop "Working with Hot Glass" which took place in September last year at the Royal College of Art in London.
Now , directly arising out of that impressive meeting of studio glass experts the NCAD with the help of Keith Ledbetter have designed and built their own tank and in May had their first proving workshop, NORTH WEST REGIONAL followed in June by a second workshop of CRAFTWORKERS' GUILD more creative dimensions. As John Murphy of NCAD put it "there has been a Sligo craftworkers' guild is a member of tremendous growth in Ireland in recent Crafts Council of Ireland, having been years of studio pottery and now glass elected at the June meeting of the Management Committee. They are planning making will be the new area of individual craft development". an open day in the late summer.
RDS Competition The Royal Dublin Society will be mounting its important crafts exhibition again this year during the Horse Show from 2 to 7 August inclusive, which includes a Sunday opening for the first time. The place is the Industries Hall, and a new feature will be two fashion shows each day demonstrating the use of craft in fashion. BOG OAK AND YEW We have identified a source of genuine Irish bog oak and yew for craftworkers seeking this raw material. The quantities involved are small at present, probably not more than a few cubic feet per sale because of the problems involved in drying. Interested craftworkers should contact the Executive Officer, Crafts Council of Ireland. IRISH WORKMANSHIP This exhibition of Irish design and craft smanship commissioned by the Kilkenny Design Workmanshops will coincide with ICSID 10, Dublin September 1977. The purpose of the exhibition is to present a cross-section of what the Standards Panel considers to be the best of Irish design and workmanship at this time.
U.S. GLASS COMPETITION Glass magazine is sponsoring the glass competition Fragile Art '77 which is open to students and professionals. There is S3825 in prizes and a New York Gallery Show for selected winners and finalists as well as publication of the works in the catalogue issue of GLASS. The deadline is September 1, 1977 and entry is by slides. The entry fee is $5 for the first slide and $1 for each additional slide. Information from Fragile Art 77, The Glass Competition, 7830 S.W. 40th Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97219 U.S.A.
Display Stands AVAILABLE ON LOAN Crafts Council of Ireland has acquired from a well known manufacturer of easily erectible display screens, two kits, which, when assembled will form eight display units in two groups of four, the dimensions of each unit being approxim ately 6 feet high by 4 feet in width, with basic shelving and spotlights. They are covered in a special peat brown material to which items for display can easily be affixed.
Submissions have been invited from leading craftsmen and designers resident in Ireland. The Standards Panel will discuss and define assignments with contributors in advance of work being started. Fees will be negotiated and paid by KDW.
These units can be had on hire from the Council, the conditions being that they are'available for the period required, and those to whom they are loaned accept responsibility for transport from and to the secretariat and for any damage which may be caused to the units.
Submissions accepted for exhibition will be presented in the Exhibition Centre at the Kilkenny Shop in Nassau Street, Dublin from August 1 to September 30, 1977.
Booking should be made well in advance of the date required. The fee is £5.00.
Gut Strings
Archie Brennan, the Scottish weaver and one of the jury for the All Ireland Crafts Exhibition 1976 has been elected. Co-chairman of the British Craft Centre.
An opportunity exists for a young man interested in dedicating himself to the specialised and difficult craft of making gut strings. For the right person, a two year apprenticeship in Germany may be possible to arrange and the successful applicant, after learning the craft, would be in a position to practise his craft here. Those interested should write in the first place to the Executive Officer, Crafts Council of Ireland, sending details of school and craft experience to date and a short essay on why he believes that he would like to dedicate himself to this craft.
British Crafts Centre
NATIVE PORCELAIN Peter and Helena Brennan are working towards an interesting autumn exhibition at their studio. This will include handthrown pieces in Irish translucent porcelain which looks like being an interesting first. Their classes for adults, incidentally, will begin again in mid October.
Australia $A 7500 for Craftsmen in Residence 'Arts Victoria 78' the second triennial arts festival of the government of the State of Victoria, Australia, will focus entirely on the crafts. Through a year long programme of events, the festival will aim to promote a respect for craftsmanship at its best and to increase awareness of the job of making things. As part of this programme, the festival will sponsor at least one, and up to four, craftsmen in residence. Residency may commence as early as February, and no later than 1 July 1978. Applications are now invited from craftsmen with an outstanding record of achievement who are prepared to work at their craft in an institution, school, department, or other suitable environ ment, and who will be prepared to communicate with a broad cross-section of the craft interested public. The craftsmen in residence will be expected on occasion to conduct workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and to talk to the media. Applicants must speak fluent English and propose a work plan. They will be chosen on the basis of the suitability of the submitted work plan, and the availability of satisfactorily equipped studios. Selected applicants will be provided with return fare to Melbourne, stipend of SA7500 for six months, equipment and a place to work, materials up to a pre arranged maximum value (dependent upon the craft). Consideration will also be given to assistance with accommodation. Applications to include name, address, telephone number; detailed work plan and equipment and facilities required; summary of experience, training and current involvement; 2 written references; and 12 colour slides of recent work, must be received not later than 30 September 1977. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 October 1977. Applications to: The Festival Manager, Arts Victoria 78, Ministry for the Arts, 168 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Australia.
September Issue The latest date on which copy for the September/October issue can be accepted is 19 August 1977.