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Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer
Rosemary Steen Chief Executive Officer, DCCI
Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer
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2021 – Supporting the Design and Craft Sectors Through Unprecedented Times
The fiftieth anniversary of any institution or company is a proud but also a challenging time. For DCCI, 2021 was very much a year of two parts: the challenges from the pandemic in 2020 continued into the following year.
The year 2021, however, clearly showed the resilience and bravery of the crafts and design sector as we demonstrated our strong value to the Irish economy, and also to each other, through the ongoing challenges. This strength was demonstrated through the various partnerships, programmes and events delivered by DCCI – with the help of our community’s creative energy – despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Our key priority was to help makers manage both the financial and emotional impacts of the lockdowns. Central to this was providing a strong support service that responded to our members’ and clients’ needs.
Additionally, we continually advocated for the value of the sector, economically, socially and culturally. We also continuously strived to support members and clients in a variety of innovative ways. I sincerely hope that our actions helped makers to navigate these unprecedented times. After two years of uncertainty, the one thing I am sure of is that, no matter what lies ahead, together we can pave the way for a strong recovery.
New Strategic Plan, 2022–26 The road to recovery will be greatly supported by DCCI’s new five-year strategic plan, which was launched at our AGM in Dublin Castle in October.
This strategy sets out our vision: to increase the contribution of crafts and design to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally, by 2030. Our mission is to do this by supporting designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way and by promoting the benefits of crafts and design to society. The Executive Team worked closely with the Board to develop the plan throughout 2021. This involved a series of workshops, interviews and in-depth discussions with our clients and members and with representatives from the Department of Chief Executive Officer's Introduction
Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and other agencies.
This allowed for a deep analysis of the organisation, including its strengths and the challenges it faces, which allowed for a comprehensive plan to be formed.
I look forward to the roll-out of this strategy in 2022.
Growing Partnerships and Programmes To help maximise our resources, DCCI partnered with various organisations throughout 2021.
At the start of the year I was delighted to announce our new partnership with GalwayMayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). The work done in collaboration between the two organisations has resulted in DCCI’s courses in ceramics skills & design and jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design being raised to honours-degree-level courses.
Indeed, a testament to the level of proficiency with which graduates emerge from these courses was celebrated through InForm, the collaborative exhibition between the National Museum of Ireland and our students.
Partnerships like this support our pipeline of makers by giving them the opportunity to graduate with enhanced qualifications.
Not only did we strengthen our strategic partnerships but we also continued to deliver a range of programmes that served different purposes. They resonated with wide and diverse audiences and included highlights such as Made Local, the Irish Business Design Challenge and the Sláintecare-funded Keep Well campaign.
These programmes were developed to help makers adapt to a changed world, supporting various groups including designers and, of course, our Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies. Other programmes, such as Future Makers, provided a platform for emerging makers and students to develop, which in turn supports the sector’s pipeline for the future and preservation of traditions, and education.
Digital Transformation The pandemic accelerated the need for a digital transformation within the organisation. Our aim
was to transform the client, membership and stakeholder experience, as well bringing together the crafts and design communities.
Firstly, we re-evaluated and reassessed our digital platforms and initiatives. We determined that an interim website was required so as to offer an enhanced online experience and enable more connections, which was vital during these times. Events and exhibitions also required strong digital platforms.
To that end, we delivered events in digital formats, such as the virtual showrooms for Showcase 2021 as well as the live broadcast for the Future Makers 2021 awards show. Feedback to date indicates that these platforms provided positive experiences and stronger connections.
Sustainability Another key focus for the organisation in 2021 was ensuring that we continued to highlight the role sustainable practice plays within Irish crafts and design. Therefore, we were delighted to be appointed partner of the New European Bauhaus project. This project aims to accelerate the transformation of the sector to provide access to all citizens to goods that are circular and less carbon-intensive.
As set out in our new five-year strategic plan, crafts and design play an intrinsic role in delivering the sustainability plan across the public and private sectors, and we look forward to supporting that agenda. Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive Officer, DCCI
Fifty Years of Passion, Energy and Commitment As I look back on 2021, one of the events I was most proud to be part of was DCCI’s fiftieth anniversary, celebrating Ireland’s designers and makers. Reaching this milestone was a great achievement made possible by our clients and members being at the heart of everything we do.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who have supported us throughout the year. To Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD and his department, Minister Damien English TD and Minister Robert Troy TD, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, and his team, as well as to our colleagues across the Local Enterprise Offices. Also, sincere thanks for the support we have received from Kilkenny County Council, the RDS, the OPW, the National Museum of Ireland, Sláintecare and Creative Ireland.
And, as ever, I would like to thank the DCCI Board and its chair, Andrew Bradley, and the team at the Council for their hard work and support during the last year.
There is no doubt that our community and stakeholders have got us to where we are today.
While we have set our ambitions high, I look forward to delivering on them, and laying a strong and relevant foundation for the next fifty years of Irish crafts and design.
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d'aghaidh
Image: Paddy McGuinness of Derryhick Sticks, photographed for the Mayo launch of Made Local 2021
