DCCoI Annual Report 2018 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

Image: Handweaving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Studio Donegal

Image: Shoe Design – Tutty’s Handmade Shoes

Contents

About the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Our Vision and Our Mission

Our Strategy 2017 – 2020

2018 In Review

Chair & Chief Executive’s Report

Our Activities

2.1 Enterprise 2.2 Research & Innovation 2.3 Knowledge & Skills 2.4 Promotion & Awareness 2.5 Policy & Advocacy

19 33 43 55 65

Our Business

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

Our Clients Our History 1970 – 2018 Overview of our Support & Development Programmes Key Programme Statistics 2018

Our Governance

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

Corporate Governance Update Our Board Members Our Team Our Member Organisations Our Committees

97 103 104 105 107

Financial Statements

111

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9

Company Information Directors’ Report Independent Auditors’ Report Income and Expenditure Account Statement of Comprehensive Income Balance Sheet Statement of Changes in Equity Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements

113 115 119 122 123 124 125 126 127

Acknowledgements

77 81 85 91

140

Image: Ceramics – DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

About the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. DCCoI’s activities are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) via Enterprise Ireland.

— Raise the standard and profile of this sector both in Ireland and internationally. — Develop e-commerce potential and grow exports. —

Invest in the progression of the next generation of craftspeople through its education initiatives ensuring that it has the requisite knowledge and skills, paving the way for a dynamic and innovative sector and fostering a creative culture.

— Advocate for the integration of design in Government policy and industry, and the development of Ireland’s design infrastructure. In Ireland, research published by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) in 2016 valued the sector at €38 billion. Overall output of craft enterprises is €498 million with craft sector exports of €125 million. As at 31 December 2018, DCCoI has 59 member organisations and 3,035 registered clients. dccoi.ie

Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland, DBEI, 2016 Economic Significance and Potential of the Craft Sector in Ireland, Indecon International Economic Consultants, 2010

Our Team The DCCoI Executive Team is responsible and accountable for the leadership and day-to-day management and operation of the organisation, acting within the approved policies of DCCoI’s Board and consistent with the priorities of its stakeholders. The Executive Team is comprised of the CEO and five heads of functions who are responsible for Enterprise Development, Research and Innovation, Operations and Finance, Knowledge and Skills, and Communications. The heads of functions report directly to the CEO and provide regular updates to the DCCoI Board on the work of the organisation. The CEO reports to the Chairman and the Board of DCCoI. DCCoI’s office and the National Design & Craft Gallery are located in Kilkenny with 23 employees (FTE). The Centres of Excellence are located in Kilkenny (Jewellery & Goldsmithing) and Thomastown (Ceramics).

About DCCoI

DCCoI provides practical supports to emerging and established designers and craftspeople through a range of programmes and services. The organisation aims to:

Our Vision Ireland is recognised and valued for its culture of design and craft.

Our Mission

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

We are the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy.

Our Strategy 2017 – 2020 Enterprise Drive demand for Irish design and craft by strategically investing in export, online and domestic markets. Support clients to understand and satisfy consumer needs. Research & Innovation Lead research and innovative practice in design and craft to embed design as a strategic contributor to the future development of Ireland’s competitiveness, economy and society.

Knowledge & Skills Collaborate with education, industry and other partners in supporting knowledge and skills development to meet current and future needs.

Policy & Advocacy Grow awareness of the value of design and craft to society and the economy. Work with Government and stakeholders on the integration of design thinking into Government policy and industry.

Our Vision / Our Mission / Our Strategy

Promotion & Awareness Promote the work of Irish designers and makers in domestic and international markets. Collaborate with strategic partners in raising awareness of the design and craft sector.

2018 in Review 3,035

Number of registered client enterprises

Guilds, Associations, Networks, and Societies (GANS)

142

DCCoI clients supported for international development

DCCoI clients supported through mentoring and development activities

11,140

â&#x201A;Ź23,500

Students and members of the public participated in outreach programmes

Total prize fund for Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018 programme, the largest prize fund for students in Europe

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

€152.5m

217

Annualised potential revenue to the exhibitors at Showcase 2018

DCCoI clients participated at Showcase 2018

109,430

Visitors attended National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring)

Makers, designers and studios represented in the exhibitions programme

€29,180

€4m

Allocated to developing 20 membership organisations through Network Support Scheme

AVE of media coverage for all activities

For more key statistics for 2018, please see page 91

2018 in Review

Image: Jewellery Making – Bláithín Ennis

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Chair & Chief Executive’s Report

Karen Hennessy Chief Executive

Our Sector / Jobs Working with our stakeholders and partners in creating the environment in which design and craft businesses have the opportunity to grow and generate further employment is at the foundation of our key programmes at DCCoI. Our sector is included in the Future Jobs Ireland programme, reflecting the Government’s recognition of the significant potential which design and craft holds for additional sustainable jobs in the regions and for growing exports in addition to raising Ireland’s international profile and reputation for excellence in creativity and innovation. Our Centres of Excellence in Ceramics and in Jewellery focus on developing the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet future market needs and ensuring a pipeline of creative talent is being generated to protect employment in the sector. Our education programmes at all levels, ranging from CRAFTed to Future Makers, also support this by nurturing creativity, innovation and craftsmanship in the next generation of designers and makers.

International Opportunities Supporting clients to achieve their ambitions in scaling and successfully competing in international markets is pivotal to our strategy in maximising the potential for growth of the design and craft sector. Building on our activities and achievements in previous years, we continued to develop opportunities internationally during 2018. Working closely with Enterprise Ireland, we maintain a focus on promoting Showcase, our annual tradeshow, to targeted buyers around the world to maximise export sales. Presenting Irish design and craft under the Design Ireland® identity in the celebrated NOW! DESIGN À VIVRE area at MAISON&OBJET in Paris and the prestigious Accent on Design® area at NY NOW® 2018 in New York created significant potential for leading Irish designers and makers with a compelling product offering for international buyers and with the ambition and capability to grow their export sales abroad. We continue to see commercial opportunities

Chair & Chief Executive’s Report

Breege O’Donoghue Chair

Throughout 2018 the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) remained focused on the successful implementation of actions contained within our Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020. Our strategy concentrates on delivering relevant and practical programmes through which we aim to inspire designers and makers at all stages of their career and to support the commercial development of our registered clients and members. We are also committed to achieving measurable impacts as well as ensuring value for money and national economic benefits. Collaboration is key to developing Ireland’s vibrant design and craft sector and we are pleased to work with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland together with a wide network of partner organisations in delivering on our remit. Our Strategic Plan outlines the high-level actions we are delivering across five key themes: Enterprise, Research & Innovation, Knowledge & Skills, Promotion & Awareness and Policy & Advocacy. The subsequent sections of this report provide updates on progress during the year against our stated objectives.

unfold from these trade show activities internationally. The ongoing development of DesignIreland.ie creates valuable exposure for the wealth of creative talent in Ireland, providing visitors to the site with ideas, inspiration and information on where to buy authentic Irish design and craft.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

We are actively working to capitalise on the growing consumer appreciation around the world for unique, authentic design and craft and the increasing awareness of the quality of contemporary work emerging from the design and craft sector in Ireland.

Our partnership with the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) and the Local Enterprise Offices on the OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme continued during 2018. The ultimate aim of this inter-agency initiative is to increase the design and craft sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitiveness in the global market place. DCCoI and the Local Enterprise Offices also collaborated on delivering a Driving Export Programme to a group of design and craft businesses. DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients continue to face key challenges to their growth, particularly the uncertainty around Brexit which is negatively impacting on exports and sales to tourists. Increased competition from the UK is an additional challenge. However, there are also significant opportunities and we are actively working to capitalise on the growing consumer appreciation around the world for unique, authentic design and craft and the increasing awareness of the quality of contemporary work emerging from the design and craft sector in Ireland. A key strategic achievement during 2018 was DCCoI being granted â&#x201A;Ź1,800,000 over three years in Budget 2019 to expand our marketing and development programmes. We greatly appreciate the support of Minister Humphreys and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in granting the funding for this investment programme. It is instrumental in presenting the work of Irish designers and makers to international audiences and in generating additional export sales and online revenue opportunities for high-potential design and craft businesses. Another highlight of 2018 was the significant Irish design and craft presence at Homo Faber, the first major cultural exhibition dedicated to the best in European craftsmanship, which took place in Venice in September. The Irish designers and craftspeople selected to participate formed the largest representation from one country at this landmark event which will happen biennially. Our exhibitions programme at the National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny plays a pivotal

Advocacy The National Design Forum convened two meetings during 2018. Comprising businesses, Government Agencies, third level colleges, design practitioners and design organisations, the purpose of the Forum is to drive Ireland’s capability and reputation as a source of design innovation and to make recommendations to Government, Departments and Agencies. Through the Forum, DCCoI has been working collaboratively with other organisations to influence the development of design infrastructure across Ireland as a follow up to the publication of Ireland – the Design Island: a consultation paper towards a National Design Strategy in 2017. Key achievements for the sector which were supported by DCCoI during the year were the inclusion of the establishment of a National Design Centre in the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 and the announcement by Minister Humphreys of €1,800,000 in funding for the development of a centre for design for the south east under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. This will be the first dedicated centre to promote design and design thinking concepts in the country. The announcement was a successful outcome to close collaboration throughout the year between the Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny County Council, the Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo), the Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and DCCoI in advocating for a centre for design in the south-east region. At an international level, Ireland’s presidency of the World Crafts Council – Europe until 2020 continues to be instrumental in bringing further visibility to Irish designers and makers, providing them with opportunities to participate in programmes run by partner organisations. Furthermore, DCCoI having representation on the Board of the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA) gives Irish designers and makers a voice on the Board of this renowned organisation which is made up of 50 members across 28 European countries, representing some 400,000 designers from throughout Europe.

Our Governance The Board is responsible for the governance of the body in line with best practice and for adhering to its obligations as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. DCCoI is required to comply with the provision of the Code insofar as applicable to the structure and nature of the company. The Board of DCCoI maintained a strong focus on corporate governance during 2018 in line with the two-year internal audit plan which was developed in 2017 covering strategic development and implementation, corporate governance compliance, risk management frameworks and internal control reviews. The Board performs its functions directly and through the operation of specific Board committees and sub-committees in accordance with approved terms of reference. The Board commenced and completed an external Board Effectiveness and Evaluation Review in Quarter 4 2018. Our Nominations Committee makes recommendations to the Board concerning the admission of membership organisations. This Committee also reviews the organisation’s Board membership on a regular basis to ensure that the DCCoI Board is appropriately balanced in relation to skills, sectoral knowledge and diversity. Changes at Board level during 2018 included Stephen Hughes and Ray Power completing their terms. We wish to commend and thank both Stephen and Ray for their contribution to the strategic direction of DCCoI during the six years they each served on the Board. In addition to the re-election of Mary Palmer and Rachel Quinn for another term of three years each, Donagh Quigley joined the Board following the election at our Annual General Meeting in June. We also welcomed Paul McKeown, CFO at Enterprise Ireland, to the Board of DCCoI in August. Our Compliance Our organisation is committed to complying with our responsibilities and regulatory requirements as a Government-funded body and to operating in line with best practice. DCCoI’s expenditure complies with the Public Spending Code which sets out the obligations of public bodies to treat public funds with care and to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained. We are also committed to meeting our current obligations under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, 2016; the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995; the Freedom of Information Act, 2014; the

Chair & Chief Executive’s Report

role in generating opportunities for the work of Irish designers and makers to be exhibited abroad. Collaborating with strategic partners through our touring programme as well as showcasing ground-breaking work from around the world in Kilkenny continues to be instrumental in this area.

Image: Fashion Design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Helen Steele

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Our Community The success of DCCoI activities in sustaining and growing the Irish design and craft sector is very much dependent on our collaborations with a wide network of stakeholders. Working closely with our member organisations and registered client enterprises along with key public and private partners at national and local Government level, and in the areas of enterprise, education, culture and tourism, has always been and continues to be critical to achieving on our ambitious plans for the vibrant sector we represent. We are very grateful to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland for funding and supporting the work of DCCoI. We would like to express our appreciation to Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys T.D. and to Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Julie Sinnamon for their ongoing support. We are also indebted to many other Government Departments and Agencies and to our network of partners in the wider creative industries, both in Ireland and around the world, for their continued support, engagement and collaboration in assisting us implement our remit. We would like to express our gratitude to the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment for their support of initiatives during 2018. We would like to thank all members of the DCCoI Board for their oversight and diligence in ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance and for their dedication and strategic direction throughout 2018. Finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank each member of the DCCoI team for their individual contribution to our activities and achievements during 2018 and for their professionalism, commitment and hard work on behalf of Ireland’s design and craft sector.

Outlook Collaboration with Government Departments and Agencies and with our stakeholders will remain central to the successful implementation of our ambitious plans for developing the design and craft sector and extending its reach internationally. To this end, we look forward to maintaining our close working relationship with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and our clients and member organisations, together with our extensive network of strategic partners in Ireland and abroad. Our collective efforts will be instrumental in ensuring Ireland’s culture of design and craft is recognised and valued and that the sector is well positioned to deliver on opportunities as they arise. In line with our Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020, our priorities going forward include embedding design in Government policy and developing Ireland’s design infrastructure; advocating for sustained and increased investment in the design and craft sector; raising the profile of Irish design and craft internationally and driving the growth of exports and online sales; and creating a pipeline of talented Irish designers and makers with the requisite knowledge and skills to meet future needs. These will inform our next Strategic Plan as we look ahead to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Breege O’Donoghue Chair

Karen Hennessy Chief Executive

Chief Executive’s Report

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Official Languages Act, 2003. We have also been focused on improving the organisation’s energy efficiency in compliance with the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP).

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) delivers innovative enterprise-led programmes that enhance its clients’ business skills to enable them to grow exports and to develop their domestic sales and e-commerce potential. 19

Objective: To drive demand for Irish design and craft by strategically investing in export, online and domestic markets. Support clients to understand and satisfy consumer needs. Focus and Strategic Aims: Develop client capabilities — Identify client enterprises with potential to grow. — Mentor and support clients. Invest in growing international markets — Build the international reputation and commercial potential of Irish design and craft. — Identify and assist client enterprises with export growth potential.

Help clients grow e-commerce — Lead the industry to create an online presence to drive brand awareness and e-commerce. Grow the domestic market — Support clients who primarily sell in the home market. — Maintain awareness and appreciation with all stakeholders in Ireland.

Our Activities

2.1

Enterprise

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left MADE / Slow fashion show at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®. Sarah Morrissey models Bernie Murphy knitwear

≤ ≤ RTÉ Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin interviews Benny Magennis of Whackpack Furniture as part of a programme on OPTIMISE Design Ireland Irish designers and makers in Scéal, a fashion pop-up shop in the Kilkenny Group’s Nassau Street store Design Ireland at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo ®: Aoife Mullane; Baressential; Ballyshane Irish Wood Design; Arran Street East; BTU Glass

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® 21 – 24 January DCCoI’s flagship annual trade event, Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® is one of the country’s largest trade fairs. It is a contemporary design and craft trade fair created to appeal to Irish and international trade buyers. The 43rd edition was officially opened at the RDS, Dublin on Sunday, 21 January by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, T.D.

The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Innovation and Craftsmanship Award: Benefield Spencer Glass Local Enterprise Showcase Award: Soul Engraver Key achievements: Showcase 2018 exhibitors included 217 DCCoI clients (51% of total exhibitors).

MADE/Slow at Showcase 2018 was a vibrant fashion show curated by stylist Catherine Condell that featured 54 looks by brands, including Áine Knitwear, Avoca, Fishermen Out of Ireland, Irelands Eye, Magee 1866, McNutt of Donegal, Triona Design, Bernie Murphy, Ros Duke and Tissue. All the work featured was designed and made in Ireland providing sustainable rural employment through the combination of technology and traditional production methods.

4,357 trade buyers attended from Ireland and 23 countries.

The number of buyers attending Showcase from several international markets grew in 2018, with increases from strategically important markets, including England (+11%), Europe (+4%) and USA (+2%). There was however a decline of 13% from Northern Ireland. The uncertainty over Brexit and the sharp movement in exchange rates impacted retailers’ costs in ROI, and numbers attending fell by 18%; 7% of this decline was due to a decrease in the number of shops attending and the remaining 11% due to a reduction in staff numbers sent by each retailer for cost-control reasons.

76 of the 217 DCCoI client exhibitors were selected to show in the curated Design Ireland® area.

Sales orders placed at Showcase 2018 grew by 6.4% to €23.9 million, reflecting a higher concentration of larger, quality buyers in attendance.

Building on the success of previous events and in preparation for Showcase 2019, Enterprise Ireland USA and DCCoI co-hosted a Showcase Preview in New York on 14 August 2018 to target new buyers for the following year. The Consul General of Ireland in New York, Ciarán Madden, spoke at the event.

The winners of the annual Showcase Awards announced on 22 January were: Overall Best Product Award: Áine Knitwear Best Product Category Winners: Fashion & MADE/Slow: Áine Knitwear Home: Foxford Woollen Mills Gift: Ballyshane Jewellery: Scribble & Stone Other Showcase Award Winners: The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Design Ireland Award: Holden Leathergoods

The number of buyers attending from key markets grew, including England (+11%), Europe (+4%) and USA (+2%). Sales orders placed at Showcase 2018 grew by 6.4% versus 2017 to €23.9 million. There were 428 exhibitors in total at Showcase 2018 and the show was at maximum exhibitor capacity of 4,500 metres.

91 exhibitors were featured in the Local Enterprise Showcase. Widespread media coverage in Ireland was achieved, including on RTÉ’s Nationwide, TV3’s Xposé, and in national print, regional and online media. Coverage in international trade magazines included Senken Shimbun (Japan) and Home Accents Today (USA).

Our Activities

≤

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left Design Ireland® at MAISON&OBJET Paris: Arran Street East; Wild Cocoon; Superfolk

≤ ≤ Irish designers at the Design Ireland® stand at MAISON&OBJET Paris Porcelain Camber-Esker Vessels by Sara Flynn Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® Eamonn Terry of Criostal na Rinne

Throughout the year, DCCoI continued one of its key strategic aims: to identify supports clients who have the capacity to grow and to support and develop these capabilities through a variety of enterprise programmes, workshops and one-to-one mentoring.

Expanding Client Capabilities Throughout the year, DCCoI continued to focus on one of its key strategic aims: to identify supports clients who have the capacity to grow and to support and develop these capabilities through a variety of enterprise programmes, workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions. These included: Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme: a tailored seven-month programme, delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) nationwide, that provided selected clients with insights on market research, product design, production capacity and costing, business development, trade show preparation and the retail environment. Participants took part in a research trade and retail visit to London. Driving Export Programme: delivered in partnership with LEOs nationwide, this programme assisted high-potential brands to research their target markets, evaluate routes to market and improve their export readiness. Workshops and One-to-One Mentoring: clients exhibiting at Design Ireland® at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® 2019 were provided with one-to-one mentoring sessions in selling and visual merchandising. All DCCoIregistered enterprises exhibiting at Showcase 2018, including Design Ireland® and the Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitors, were offered onsite merchandising assistance and advice during set-up at the RDS. Workshops on branding product and building exports were also held during 2018 for 24 clients in partnership with Mayo and Wicklow LEOs. Key achievements: 62 clients from Dublin, Galway, Kildare and Donegal graduated from the Building Craft and Design Enterprise programme 2018, including Soul Engraver which had its heritage-inspired contemporary collection display at Weir & Sons, Dublin from 24 May to 4 June. 35 clients attended MAISON&OBJET Paris, Premiere Classe, Paris and Top Drawer in September as part of research missions. 11 clients in the Driving Export programme worked on their export development plans for completion by March 2019. 84 clients took part in workshops on website development, branding, export potential and retail relations.

Our Activities

≤

30 client enterprises benefitted from one-toone mentoring services during the year. 9 enterprises participated in the Wearing Irish event in New York and received one-to-one mentoring to support.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

During 2018, focus was placed on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media strategies, enhancing the performance of the site and delivering growth in key areas.

Design Ireland® Design Ireland® is a consumer-facing brand created by DCCoI to promote the breadth and quality of Irish design and craft to inspire global and Irish audiences. The accompanying website, DesignIreland.ie, discovers and shares ideas, inspiration and information on talented Irish designers and where to buy their work either online or in listed shops. DesignIreland.ie During 2018, focus was placed on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media strategies, enhancing the performance of the site and delivering growth in key areas such as organic traffic and referral from its two social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. The results continued to show growth of the site to becoming the go-to source for superior Irish design, helping to enhance the reputations of DCCoI clients while also supporting quality online sellers. Design enhancements were also carried out on DesignIreland.ie throughout 2018. Partfunded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), new features included a ‘by county’ map of designers and makers and a searchable database of workshops and studio experiences (in partnership with Fáilte Ireland) for consumers, particularly the Irish diaspora, and a private portal specifically for use by DFAT teams to make the selecting and acquiring of gifts more efficient. Key achievements: There were 74,000 unique visitors to DesignIreland.ie during the year, an increase of almost 75% compared to 2017, with over 33,000 visitors from overseas compared to 25,000 in 2017. There was a significant increase in SEOdriven traffic with the proportion of organic search traffic to the site growing to 50% in 2018 compared to just under 25% in 2017. The number of users of the site via Google / organic searches increased by 250% (36,003 v 10,284) and the number of sessions increased by 232%, compared to 2017.

OPTIMISE Design Ireland The OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme, developed by DCCoI in partnership with the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network, empowers innovative, design-led Irish brands to improve their online presence, hone their digital capabilities and grow their global e-commerce sales by bringing together best-in-class expertise across the digital, enterprise and design sectors. Following a selection process, 40 businesses nationwide were chosen for the 2017 / 2018 programme and, during 2018, IEDR agreed to fund another 20 clients for the 2019 / 2020 programme. Participants reported seeing strong benefits for their business and feedback from all clients on their reports, masterclasses and the photography sessions was positive overall. Key achievements: 40 enterprises completed the programme, including participating in masterclasses where they received one-to-one time with expert mentors and photography sessions which provided images for use on their websites. 90% made changes to their approach to e-commerce and 62% said they were now using email marketing or had changed their approach to email marketing. 90% made changes to their online content and 82% to their social media activities. IEDR invested in a series of short films about the programme featuring Red Rufus, Liadain Aiken, Brendan Joseph, and Áine Breen. RTÉ’s Nationwide filmed an episode focused on OPTIMISE Design Ireland which aired

on 15 October and featured interviews with makers Susannagh Grogan, Danu Ceramics, Whackpack Furniture, Jennifer Slattery Textiles and Brendan Joseph. International Fair Fund 2018 The International Fair Fund (IFF) is designed to support clients who are export ready to access markets abroad by offering financial support to exhibit at international trade fairs. Selections are made in spring and autumn for shows the following year. The fund is supported by the Western Development Commission (WDC). In 2018 the following enterprises were awarded funding: Claypipe Centre Hanna Hats of Donegal Ltd Jando Julie Clarke Candles

McKernan Woollen Mills Natalie B Coleman Shane Holland Design Workshop Triona Crafts Ltd Zelouf & Bell Key achievement: Nine enterprises were allocated €27,000 in available funding (€25,000 from DCCoI and €2,000 from the WDC) to participate in eight fairs in three countries during the year.

Our Activities

Design Ireland® at International Events As part of the Design Ireland® overall selection process, any clients who expressed an interest in international events were assessed by a panel. Selectors focused on export readiness, capacity, suitability to market and skills / experience. Chosen clients were then included in the longlist of brands presented to the juries for the specific shows at which DCCoI took group stands, such as NY NOW® or MAISON&OBJET Paris. In total, 120 clients expressed an interest, with 54 being selected and a further 29 being recommended for 2019 in order to allow their businesses to become more established.

NY NOW® 12 – 15 August Seven Irish design and craft businesses showcased their work as part of the Design Ireland® booth in the influential Accent on Design® area at NY NOW® 2018 in New York. It was the third time that DCCoI has exhibited at NY NOW® which is the largest home, lifestyle and giftware tradeshow for Eastern USA with 2,300 exhibitors. Seven Irish brands were selected by the NY NOW® jury to participate: Bláithín Ennis Diem Pottery & Design Studio Field Apothecary Foxford Woollen Mills J. HILL’s Standard

Jando Slated All exhibitors also attended the Showcase in-market preview which was organised in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, and featured product from each of the brands. Guest of honour at the event was the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Ciarán Madden. Key achievements:

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Sales orders at the fair were on a par with the previous year and there was strong optimism about post-show follow up and sales. Two of the three exhibitors who attended in 2017 received orders from influential retailers whom they had targeted following the 2017 event: Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), San Francisco and several Museum Store Association members.

Arran Street East John Hanly & Co Ltd. Rathbornes 1488 Superfolk Wild Cocoon Key achievements: Feedback from the five Design Ireland® exhibitors was positive, with each brand meeting target buyers and influencers at the show. A strong contingent of buyers from Ireland and the UK visited the stand, as well as buyers from North America, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, the Middle East and South America. There was strong marketing activity ahead of the trade show, including a photoshoot, a bilingual brochure, invitations to key buyers, a press pack and promotion through DesignIreland.ie and the M&O website. The Ambassador of Ireland to France, H.E. Patricia O’Brien visited the show on 23 January. Museum Store Association Show 26 – 30 April DCCoI exhibited at the Museum Store Association (MSA) annual conference and trade show in Washington DC, in association with Enterprise Ireland (EI). This project was a result of the work of EI’s engagement with MSA key members, including a visit by MSA members to Showcase in January. Four brands participated in the show: Jando Jennifer Rothwell McKernan Woollen Mills

MAISON&OBJET Paris 19 – 23 January MAISON&OBJET Paris (M&O) is Europe’s leading home decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community. Design Ireland® was selected to exhibit in NOW! DESIGN À VIVRE in 2018, the juried part of this key trade show. In addition to a curated central exhibition, the Design Ireland® area featured five brands selected by the MAISON&OBJET jury, each with their own dedicated stand:

Slated The stand was located at the entrance to the main conference hall and exhibition space and had a good footfall and impact. DCCoI worked closely with the EI team, who had 12 clients showing on stands close by, to maximise the Irish presence. Key achievements: 328 MSA buyers attended the event and the engagement level was high. DCCoI and EI also used the opportunity to promote Showcase 2019, encouraging buyers to consider attending the event in Ireland.

PORTFOLIO DCCoI’s PORTFOLIO programme fosters the growth of the design reputation and commercial potential of designer-makers across all major disciplines of contemporary design and craft. Makers featured are producing innovative objects and working to high standards of design quality and technical skill. Selected by an international expert panel, PORTFOLIO showcases contemporary work by more than 140 of Ireland’s most distinguished makers.

Following the launch of the PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017 – 2018 publication in May 2017, the publication continued to be distributed to key targets, including galleries, cultural institutions, curators, collectors, media, influencers, and libraries nationally and internationally, throughout 2018. The selection process for PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019 – 2020 opened in November and received 84 applications. The judging panel – Liz Cooper, Independent Curator, UK; Kim Mahwhinney, Head of Art, National Museums of Northern Ireland; and Johan Valcke, Founder of Design Flanders and owner of Valcke Art Gallery in Ghent, Belgium – met from 19 to 22 November to review all entries and work, and was joined by Dr. Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland, for judging of the bursary as the RDS representative. Key achievements: For a second year, PORTFOLIO supported ‘MAKING IN / Decoding Craftsmanship’, the second edition of a symposium organised by the Joseph Walsh Studio to stimulate thinking around questions of craft, art, design and architecture. The day-long event was held on 15 September and was attended by over 300 guests.

Our Activities

DCCoI’s PORTFOLIO programme fosters the growth of the design reputation and commercial potential of designermakers across all major disciplines of contemporary design and craft.

2019 – 2021 Investment Programme to Grow Exports and Online Sales On 9 October, as part of Budget 2019, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D. announced that DCCoI will receive additional Government funding of €1,800,000 for a new three-year (2019 – 2021) market development programme. This will assist high-potential clients to grow export and online revenues through participation in international trade fairs, collaboration with flagship retailers and enhancement of e-commerce capabilities.

DCCoI works throughout the year with associated retailers providing marketing support, staff training, branding, point-of-sale material, and information on registered clients.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

DCCoI clients participated in Showcase DCCoI clients participated in Showcase

Following its successful contribution in 2017, DCCoI participated in Ealaín, a day-long celebration of Irish art and culture at the National Gallery of Ireland on 15 July. The theme was the suffragettes and highlighted the work of female artists. There was a popup exhibition of seven female makers from the PORTFOLIO programme: ceramicists Nuala O’Donovan and Jennifer Hickey; leather maker Úna Burke; glass artist Alison Lowry; metal artist Cecilia Moore; jeweller Julie Connellan; and furniture maker Sasha Sykes. Alongside this, PORTFOLIO member Alison Fitzgerald gave a basketmaking demonstration. Representatives from The Michelangelo Foundation accessed the PORTFOLIO programme to research makers who could be suitable for Homo Faber, an exhibition showcasing the finest European craftsmanship taking place in Venice in September 2018. The eight Irish craftspeople selected to participate were: glass artist Róisín de Buitléar; basket maker Joe Hogan; ceramicist Jennifer Hickey; glass artist Alison Lowry; silversmith Cara Murphy; stone sculptor Helen O’Connell; sculptor Nuala O’Donovan; and artist and sculptural furniture maker Sasha Sykes. Further details about this event are on page 36. Retail Development in Ireland DCCoI works throughout the year with associated retailers providing marketing support, staff training, branding, point-of-sale material, and information on registered clients. The organisation works closely with larger retailers who are interested in promoting Irish craft and design. Key achievements: DCCoI supported the promotion of CREATE 2018 at Brown Thomas Dublin, the store’s eighth annual celebration of Irish creative talent, which launched on 2 July and ran until 12 August. Over 20 designers participated in the initiative, including 13 DCCoI clients, such as leather maker Úna Burke, jeweller Helena Malone and knitwear designer Pearl Reddington. Arnotts launched their 175th birthday celebration on 17 May and collaborated with DCCoI to run a 10-week fashion event showcasing Irish designers and brands,

DCCoI collaborated with the Kilkenny Group to curate an Irish fashion and accessories collection to feature on DesignIreland.ie and be promoted in its flagship store on Nassau Street during the month of September as part of Scéal, the Kilkenny Group’s monthlong celebration of Irish design and craft. The DCCoI clients selected were Natalie B Coleman, Elaine Madigan Cashmere, Holden Leathergoods, Debbie Millington Designs, Manley, Emblem Weavers, Shevlin Millinery, Bernie Murphy and Triona Design.

Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 5 – 9 December Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair remains one of the strongest direct-toconsumer shows in Ireland with 180 DCCoIregistered clients exhibiting and over 400 exhibitors in total. In addition to supporting the Design Ireland® consumer campaign, DCCoI’s purpose at this event is to focus on promoting its clients at the show who are each provided with the DCCoI logo on their stand signage so that consumers can easily identify Irish-made products. DCCoI created a central Selected Gifts area in the Main Hall, a curated display of work from exhibiting makers which is a strong added-value service to exhibiting clients and provides inspiration and ideas for visitors. Key achievements:

Direct-selling Events in Ireland Bloom in the Park 31 May – 4 June Held in Phoenix Park, Dublin during the May Bank Holiday weekend, Bloom in the Park is Ireland’s largest garden and lifestyle festival, attracting ABC1 consumers and a mix of ages, from young families to older people. It is an excellent way for up-and-coming brands to get exposure to this audience, product-test ideas and generate revenue. The Irish Craft Village presented by DCCoI was once again situated in the heart of the show and featured 28 retail exhibitors from a broad variety of disciplines, including basketry, ceramics, felt-making, soap-making, candle-making, textiles, and jewellery. In addition to the retail exhibitors, the Irish Craft Village featured DCCoI member organisations and client enterprises delivering live demonstrations or conducting workshops at the event. President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina visited the Irish Craft Village during the opening day. Key achievements: The Irish Craft Village featured 28 retail exhibitors across 25 outdoor stands. Seven of these businesses showcased their products at Bloom for the first time: Erica Devine Botanical Casts; Fab Cow; Lynn Kenny; Martina Scott; Rawsaol; Roy Humphreys; and Sallyann’s Handmade Bags.

180 DCCoI-registered clients exhibited at Gifted 2018.

150 products were featured in the DCCoI Selected Gifts display area. RDS Craft Bursary DCCoI has a long-standing partnership with the RDS, which has made a significant and sustained investment in the craft sector over the last 50 years through the RDS Craft Awards. It was decided by the RDS to make changes to this awards programme in 2018 following a review of the previous structure and to align the craft awards programme with the RDS arts work programme and its goal of supporting artists to make the transition from emerging to professional practice. Part of this restructure included the establishment of an RDS Irish Craft Bursary of €10,000 that would be awarded to an established maker in 2019 and which could be spent on further education and training; research; development of new work; mentoring; purchase of equipment; studio improvements; technology; website developments and residencies. In order to be eligible for this award, applicants must be members of the PORTFOLIO programme and the application procedure and judging for it coincides with the PORTFOLIO selection process so new applicants are welcome to apply for the bursary as well. A special seminar about the RDS Irish Craft Bursary was hosted by DCCoI on 21 September

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including exhibitors from MADE/Slow at Showcase 2018. Launched in September, those selected from MADE/Slow to participate included Triona Design, Fisherman Out of Ireland, Electronic Sheep, Magee Women’s and Tissue.

and was well attended by makers currently in PORTFOLIO and also those planning on applying to the programme. There were 32 applications for the inaugural RDS Irish Craft Bursary which were assessed by an independent expert panel, including Dr. Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland, who acted as a representative of the RDS.

Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft The Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft (CCDC) was established in 2003 as a joint purchase fund to collect contemporary highquality works from Ireland’s leading designermakers for the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) to preserve tomorrow’s antiques for future generations. The collection is jointly funded by NMI and DCCoI. All acquisitions since 2003 are featured on an online gallery: portfolio.dccoI.ie/museum. Acquisitions made in 2018 included works by: Julie Connellan Eimear Conyard Sara Flynn Jennifer Hickey

Partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade DCCoI and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place for a joint purchase fund entitled The International Contemporary Collection of Irish Design & Craft. DCCoI and DFAT work together to acquire top Irish design and craft for gifting and for use in embassies in multiple locations. Key achievements: DCCoI worked closely with the DFAT properties team to advise on and provide design and craft objects, including the commissioning of a rug for the Irish Embassy in Vienna and for the new Irish mission at the United Nations in New York. DCCoI created a portal on the Design Ireland® website (DesignIreland.ie) specifically for use by DFAT, presenting recommended products at discounted or wholesale prices and making the selecting and acquiring of gifts more efficient. The initiative was announced with a photocall on 4 December by the Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

James Kelly of JMK Goldsmiths Irish Design Residency at Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris DCCoI’s partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais continued in 2018 with the fourth annual Irish Design Residency. Following a call-out for applications, two residencies of onemonth duration each were awarded to Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill and Triona Ellis from The Tweed Project, in partnership with Ateliers de Paris. Tourism The Irish Craft Studio Experience, initially launched in partnership with Fáilte Ireland in 2013, continued to identify and promote the best of Ireland’s craft experiences throughout 2018 and present them to visitors in a compelling, coherent and user-friendly way. DCCoI liaised with the Ireland’s Ancient East team and attended the craft workshop organised by Fáilte Ireland in 2018 with the aim of improving awareness of craft experiences in Ireland’s Ancient East.

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Irish and international trade buyers attended Showcase

DCCoI clients took part in workshops on website development, brand, export potential and retail relations

DCCoI clients participated in Showcase

Client enterprises graduated from the Building Craft & Design Enterprise programme

Our Activities

Orders placed at Showcase 2018

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) supports the growth of the design and craft sector through research and delivery of exhibitions and development programmes. Objective: To lead research and innovative practice in design and craft in order to embed design as a strategic contributor to the future development of Ireland’s competitiveness, economy and society. Focus and Strategic Aims: Support design-driven innovation — Grow Ireland’s reputation in design-driven innovation. Champion design thinking — Embed design thinking across society.

Target research and innovation funding — Explore potential funding mechanisms for design-led innovation and research. Develop engagement through the National Design & Craft Gallery — Research, define and shape future programming of exhibitions, experiences and events.

Our Activities

2.2

Research & Innovation

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

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Lasting Impressions: Curator Gregory Parsons at exhibition opening

↙↙ Lasting Impressions: work by John Mc Keag ↓↓ Ceramic piece by Nuala O’Donovan at Homo Faber

The Design4Growth programme assisted 10 micro and small enterprises to use design as a strategic tool for business growth.

In order to maximise DCCoI’s resources, additional funding is sought via applications to national and European institutions, and programmes are often delivered through national and international strategic partnerships. Programmes are developed to assist Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) members and DCCoI-registered clients. These include business and strategic development, design-led initiatives, exhibitions and outreach through the National Design & Craft Gallery, and international partnerships through the World Crafts Council – Europe. Design4Growth DCCoI received funding from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) in 2018 to deliver Design4Growth in partnership with Local Enterprises Offices (LEOs) in the south-east of Ireland. The programme assisted 10 micro and small enterprises to use design as a strategic tool for business growth. The Design4Growth process helps to mitigate risk, reduce costs and drive efficiency by ensuring that core business offerings are designed to meet current customer needs and expectations. Focus was placed on delivering successful short-term wins for the owner / manager and aligning this with longer-term (one to three years) ambitions and roadmaps. This helped the companies to create better organisational structures, to prepare to scale and to develop products and services for new markets.

Key achievements: The main outcomes / outputs forecast relating to the delivery of the business development include: The creation of three full-time jobs with an additional 16 forecast. Eight new customer segments identified. The design and development of five new product offerings. The design and development of seven new service offerings. Agreed roadmaps to follow to continue the transformation journey.

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← Clockwise from top left Lasting Impressions at the National Design & Craft Gallery: work by Eleri Mills

FUSE Product Development Clinics FUSE Product Development Clinics are aimed at craft and design enterprises looking to develop their product range and brand identity. Clients had the opportunity to attend presentations that included the following topics: design, retailing, e-tailing, trade shows, merchandising, branding, and trends, as well as take part in one-to-one clinics with a panel of expert mentors. Key achievement: DCCoI, in conjunction with Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development, organised a FUSE Clinic which was held in Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on 22 November.

Regional Enterprise Development Fund The Regional Enterprise Development Fund is a competitive fund designed to support significant regional initiatives to build on sectoral strengths and / or to better leverage identified resources to improve enterprise capability. DCCoI, in partnership with Kilkenny County Council (KCC), IT Carlow (ITC), and Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo), submitted an application for €1,800,000 to develop a Design Hub for the south-east region, based in Kilkenny. DCCoI also worked with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), University of Limerick (UL) and Local Authorities in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary on a €1,400,000 bid to develop a MidWest Regional Design Centre (MWRDC) based in Limerick.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Key achievement: The application for the development of a Design Hub for the south-east region based in Kilkenny was successful in receiving funding from the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund of €1,843,000. International programmes World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) WCCE is a broad network representing more than 30 regional, national and professional craft organisations across the European Union. Louise Allen, DCCoI Head of Innovation & Development Programmes, was elected President of WCCE in September 2016 and her current term is due to end in June 2020. Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency has had a considerable impact on raising the profile of this country’s

craft internationally and provides increased access to international opportunities. These include participation in Homo Faber and the European Prize for Applied Arts in 2018 and the chance for European craftspeople to apply to exhibit as part of the 25th Qurain Cultural Festival in Kuwait in January 2019. In addition, Ireland’s Presidency of WCCE has helped to build relationships that extend the reach and touring potential of the National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG). Key achievements: Eight Irish makers were selected for Homo Faber, an exhibition showcasing the finest European craftsmanship that took place in Venice in September 2018. It was the highest per capita of any country participating at the event. The craftspeople selected were: glass artist Róisín de Buitléar; basket maker Joe Hogan; ceramicist Jennifer Hickey; glass artist Alison Lowry; silversmith Cara Murphy; stone sculptor Helen O’Connell; sculptor Nuala O’Donovan; and artist and sculptural furniture maker Sasha Sykes. Homo Faber attracted 62,500 visitors during its two-week period and over 150,000 followers on social media. Twelve students from DCCoI’s Centres of Excellence in Ceramics and in Jewellery & Goldsmithing were selected as Young Ambassadors for Homo Faber. Nineteen Irish craftspeople applied to the European Prize for Applied Arts in 2018. Seven Irish makers were selected from over 600 applications for the accompanying exhibition, Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize for Applied Arts which opened in Mons, Belgium on 21 October and toured to Kilkenny (opening at two locations: National Design & Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Castle) in March 2019. The seven Irish participants were: basket maker Joe Hogan; silversmith Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill; ceramicist Nicola Kelly; textile artists Caroline Schofield and Niki Collier; and jewellers Eimear Conyard and Annemarie Reinhold. In April, Ireland participated for the first time in the European Artistic Craft Days when over 9,600 events highlighting crafts took place across Europe. Several events were held around the country and profiled on the Craft in Ireland and DCCoI websites.

Three Irish craftspeople and members of DCCoI’s PORTFOLIO programme – Mike Byrne, Cathy Burke and Cecilia Moore – were selected by Johan Valcke, a former WCCE Board Member, to be represented in his new gallery, Valcke Art Gallery in Belgium in 2019. European funding Significant work was undertaken to develop DCCoI’s expertise, build relationships and submit applications for European funds. Relevant call-outs issued by the European Commission in 2017 and 2018 were evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Two applications were submitted for Interreg Europe funding and two for Creative Europe funding in 2018. Key achievements: DCCoI collaborated with a number of partners, including: Municipality of Florence IT; Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Finland; Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerp; EOI Foundation, Madrid; Budapest Foundation for Enterprise Promotion; and RAM Central Stara Planina, on an Interreg Europe project called ‘Crafts Code’. This project, which aims to address regional policies in order to enhance competitiveness for craft-based SMEs, was successful and received funding of €1,500,000. The funding applications for Creative Europe were submitted in December 2018 and decisions are expected in June 2019. National Design & Craft Gallery Established by DCCoI in 2000, the National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design. Its exhibitions programme represents the most inventive and skilled designers and makers across Irish contemporary craft and design along with international pillars of best practice. The programme highlights a diverse range of talent, from emerging creatives to the foremost established Irish makers, as well as international designers with global reach. Key areas of focus include identity, culture, innovation, design and craft.

NDCG has developed and deepened relationships with a number of bodies to increase support for its programmes. The positive relationship developed with the Office of Public Works (OPW) enabled the presentation of selected NDCG exhibitions in the OPW’s venues, exposing their audiences to contemporary craft. High-profile exhibitions included Hi! Fashion in Farmleigh Gallery (December 2017 – May 2018) and In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel in Dublin Castle (November 2018 – March 2019). Exhibitions at the National Design & Craft Gallery: Touchstone (17 Nov 2017 – 21 Jan 2018): The third exhibition in a triennial series produced by Ceramics Ireland and coinciding with its 40th anniversary. The exhibition showcased the breadth of Irish ceramic practice and featured a variety of approaches to working with clay, with 36 craftspeople participating. It was curated by Tina Byrne and Elaine O’Riordan and was opened by Minister of State, John Paul Phelan, T.D.

In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel (1 Feb – 18 Apr): Master goldsmith and an icon of Irish craft and design, Rudolf Heltzel presented a solo exhibition of his sculptural pendants. It was curated by DCCoI Exhibition & Programme Curator Susan Holland and opened by Mary V. Mullin, Design Consultant and Chair of the Sir Misha Black Design Awards UK. Bounded + Unlimited: Contemporary Jewellery (1 Feb – 18 Apr): This exhibition presented jewellery and goldsmithing by four contemporary jewellery artists from Ireland and China, and explored parallel working practices across design, techniques and materials. It was co-curated by DCCoI Jewellery & Goldsmithing Course Manager Eimear Conyard and DCCoI Exhibition & Programme Curator Susan Holland. Lasting Impressions (27 Apr – 4 Jul): Exploring how craftspeople make and the processes they use to produce an object that will last, this exhibition celebrated the crafting of objects that will become heirlooms of tomorrow. It was curated by Gregory Parsons and opened by Liz Cooper, Programme Manager, Design-Nation, UK and Independent Curator. In total, 18 makers participated, seven of whom were

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Irish makers Kevin Callaghan, Isobel Egan and Claire Curneen were selected to exhibit at Ceramics Biennale, Bornholm, Denmark from 15 September to 11 November.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left Lasting Impressions at the National Design & Craft Gallery: work by Nicola Henley

≤ ≤ In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel at exhibition opening Lustre + In Flux opening at Famleigh Gallery L to r: Mary Heffernan ( OPW ), Susan Holland ( DCCoI ), Rudolf Heltzel, Breege O’Donoghue ( Chair, DCCoI ), Karen Hennessy ( CEO, DCCoI ), Louise Allen ( D CCoI ) and Christopher Heltzel at the opening of In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel at The State Apartments Galleries

Irish, seven Welsh and four from the rest of the UK. In Flux (13 Jul – 6 Aug): The culmination of two years of intensive training in all aspects of ceramics at DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics, In Flux showcased the innovation and diversity in ceramic design and technique of 12 of Ireland’s newest makers. The exhibition was curated by DCCoI Ceramics Course Manager Gus Mabelson and opened by Sara Flynn, ceramic artist. .OBJ (11 Aug 2018 – 23 Jan 2019): Presented as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival, .OBJ showcased the works of 15 Irish and international makers whose practices are situated at the intersection of digital and analogue. It was curated by Nora O Murchú and opened by Natalie Kane, Curator of Digital Design, Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Touring Exhibitions: Hi! Fashion (1 Dec 2017 – 3 May 2018) at Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin which was opened by Deirdre McQuillan, fashion editor, The Irish Times. Lasting Impressions (21 Jul – 23 Sep) at Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales which was opened by Susan Holland, DCCoI Exhibition & Programme Curator. Lustre + In Flux (27 Sep 2018 – 8 Jan 2019) at Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin which was opened by Oliver Sears, Director of the Oliver Sears Gallery, Dublin. In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel (29 Nov 2018 – 24 Mar 2019) at The State Apartments Galleries, Dublin Castle which was opened by James O’Halloran, Managing Director, Adams Auction House. Key achievements: The total visitor attendance to National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions in Kilkenny and touring venues in 2018 was 109,430. 85 makers, designers and studios were represented in the exhibitions programme, of which 63 were Irish. Total visitor number to the National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions in Kilkenny in 2018 was 55,717. The total number of visitors to National Design & Craft Gallery touring exhibitions in 2018 was 53,713.

External Exhibitions Fund The External Exhibitions Fund (EEF) was established to assist in the development of high-quality, independent exhibitions run by individuals, organisations or groups. This annual fund supports a small number of professionally produced exhibitions featuring Irish craft and design in Ireland or abroad. In 2017, DCCoI moved the application process online for the 2018 EEF call-out to designers and craftspeople, resulting in a streamlined process for makers, curators and jury. The purpose of the External Exhibitions Fund is to: Stimulate and reward the development of professional gallery-led exhibition skills in makers and curators of design and craft. Develop significant exhibition opportunities for Irish makers. Facilitate relationships with international galleries and collectors.

Increase awareness through education and outreach activities associated with highquality design and craft exhibitions. Enhance the reputation of Irish design and craft in Ireland and abroad. Key achievements: EEF support for 2018 was awarded to the following recipients: Alan Meredith for participation in ‘Sorti du Bois/Out of the Wood’, an international group exhibition curated by Carole Baillargeon in Deschambault, Canada. Jaki Coffey for participation in a ‘Mutter Schmuckers’ residency exhibition in Germany. Irish Society of Stage & Screen Designers to produce ‘Design & Destroy’, a national scenography exhibition at the Project Arts Centre, Dublin. ‘A Little Nonsense Now and Then’, an exhibition of new works by 15 jewellery designers at Fumbally Exchange, Dublin. Cork Textiles Network to develop an exhibition showcase for ‘Twisted Threads’ at The Knitting & Stitching Show. Bernie Leahy for a solo exhibition of new works called ‘Why We Are’ at the Irish Arts Center, New York.

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More that 11,000 adults, children and teens participated in outreach activities and events organised by the National Design & Craft Gallery in 2018.

Education and Outreach Developing a multi-faceted programme where meaningful public engagement and outreach is part of the exhibition experience is central to the work of the National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG). An extensive Education & Outreach programme contextualises each of its exhibitions and includes a varied schedule of educational activities such as: gallery tours; family programmes; adult workshops; public engagement events; designer, maker and curatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talks; production of educational resource materials; professional development masterclasses and seminars. Key achievements: More that 11,000 adults, children and teens participated in outreach activities and events organised by the National Design & Craft Gallery. In 2018, 1,422 visitors (not including families) participated in NDCG masterclasses, workshops and talks programmed to engage adult audiences, from general visitors to designer-makers.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Bealtaine, the festival that celebrates creativity as we age, was marked at NDCG with the annual Crafternoon Tea event, coinciding with the Lasting Impressions exhibition. There were 65 attendees from various active retirement associations from the Kilkenny area who attended. On National Drawing Day on 19 May, NDCG welcomed over 350 adults, teens and children to join in workshops facilitated by makers from the Craft Education Panel. NDCG presented an extensive programme of workshops and opportunities for children, teenagers and adults to engage with design and craft making during the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August and coinciding with the exhibition, .OBJ. Over 650 participated in the workshops. More than 620 visitors attended Culture Night activities on 21 September when NDCG hosted a Festival of Creative Making in Castle Yard for all ages.

109,430

11,140

Full-time jobs created through delivery of the Design4Growth initiative

Individuals or groups supported by DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s External Exhibitions Fund to develop independent exhibitions

Adults, children and teens engaged in National Design & Craft Gallery masterclasses, workshops and talks

Makers, designers and studios were represented in the exhibitions programme

Our Activities

Visitors attended National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring)

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Creativity and design are increasing in importance globally and throughout 2018 the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) focused on strengthening its range of high-quality training and development programmes for emerging and established makers, individual learners, and groups from various levels of education. DCCoI also liaised directly on an ongoing basis with a number of industry partners to seek to address the changing needs across business and society. Objective: To collaborate with education, industry and other partners in supporting knowledge and skills development to meet current and future needs. Focus and Strategic Aims: Develop Centres of Excellence — Support the needs of key industry sectors through the development of relevant Centres of Excellence. Develop career progression routes — Develop career opportunities in design and craft.

Increase early learning opportunities — Develop learning opportunities in design and making across all levels of education. Identify emerging needs and influence future developments — Build new platforms that address the changing needs of business, communities and societies.

Our Activities

2.3

Knowledge & Skills

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left CRAFTed project at Rockfield NS, Donegal Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018: Model Eimear Helly wears jewellery work by Future Makers 2018 recipients Lily Read and Egle Banyte Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018: Models Eimear Helly ( l ) and Appiok Tong ( r ) wear fashion pieces by Future Makers 2018 recipients Pearl Reddington Niamh Flynn respectively The 2018 graduates of DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics with Karen Hennessy ( l ) and Gus Mabelson ( r )

Centres of Excellence The long-standing DCCoI skills training programmes in ceramics at Thomastown and jewellery and goldsmithing at Castle Yard, Kilkenny continued to develop with a focus in 2018 on exploring further links with industry, including the commercial retail sector. Key achievements: Lustre + In Flux, an exhibition of the work of the most recent graduates of DCCoI’s Centres of Excellence in Jewellery & Goldsmithing and in Ceramics, opened at Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin on 27 September. Oliver Sears, Director of the Oliver Sears Gallery, Dublin, opened the show which ran until January 2019. This was the first combined exhibition of DCCoI’s two training programmes and was curated by Course Managers Eimear Conyard and Gus Mabelson. Five recent graduates of DCCoI’s Ceramics course and seven students of the Jewellery & Goldsmithing course were selected to participate in the Young Ambassadors programme, a unique joint educational and cultural initiative presented as part of Homo Faber, a major cultural exhibition that took place in Venice, Italy from 14 to 30 September. The 12 students and graduates formed the largest representation from a single educational institution at the event and were given a unique opportunity to meet curators, master craftsmen, designers and young makers from over 20 countries in Europe. In 2018, DCCoI continued work on the EU international project, Ceramics and Its Dimensions (CAID) and was selected to host the final formal CAID Partnership Meeting. The conference took place in Kilkenny Castle from 5 to 7 September and welcomed delegates from 18 countries. To run in tandem with the CAID conference, the work of 18 emerging makers from Ireland and throughout Europe was exhibited in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny on 7 September. The makers were finalists in Future Lights, an annual competition for recent ceramic graduates from Europe designed to assist them in furthering their careers. An international panel of design craft specialists judged the Future Lights candidates who also made presentations to the panel and other guests, including members of the public.

Following a formal external tendering process, Delcer Consulting was appointed as an independent reviewer to undertake an objective study of DCCoI’s Centres of Excellence provision. This work was approved by the DCCoI Board Strategic Review SubCommittee. The review included gathering information from students, staff, industry, analysis of data and this to be collated into a report with recommendations for consideration by the DCCoI Board Strategic Review Sub-Committee. DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics, which is based in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, delivers a unique two-year intensive skills-led programme with an outstanding reputation for training highly motivated students to be the next generation of professional designer-makers. The Centre of Excellence has strong links with the ceramics sector in Ireland and abroad through running workshops, conferences and residencies. Twelve students of the two-year Ceramics Course graduated in July 2018.

Key achievements: The students exhibited their work in the Blue Egg Gallery, Wexford, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work to the public and providing invaluable experience in costing, pricing and displaying work. The show ran from 22 March to end of April. From 23 to 25 March, the students attended Ceramic Art London, a three-day ceramics fair held in the world-renowned arts and design college, Central Saint Martins. Chloë Dowds and James Hake, both alumni of the DCCoI Ceramics Course, were selected to exhibit their work at this prestigious show. On 17 May Ceramics Course graduate Adam Buick gave a masterclass and demonstration in the course facilities. Recently returned from Korea, Adam spoke of his career development since graduating and gave practical demonstrations of throwing his trademark Moon Jars. Ceramics Ireland, the representative body for ceramic practitioners in Ireland, held its eighth International Ceramics Festival at DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics. This threeday festival consisted of demonstrations,

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lectures, and kiln firings by internationally recognised ceramicists from Ireland and abroad. Recent and passed graduates gained valuable experience and networking opportunities by helping with the organisation and running of the event.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

In Flux, an exhibition presenting the work of the 2018 graduates, opened at the National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny on 13 July. Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan T.D. spoke at the opening which was launched by award-winning contemporary ceramicist, Sara Flynn. The exhibition displayed the excellence in both craftsmanship and design achieved by the graduates of the two-year course and awards were presented to Chris Crawford (Student of the Course 2018) and Natasha Swan (Chief Executive Award 2018). Work by graduate Jin O’Sullivan was selected for the Chair’s Purchase Prize 2018 from DCCoI. The exhibition ran until 6 August. In conjunction with the Kilkenny Group, the students designed and made four ranges of functional porcelain to be displayed and sold in the company’s flagship store on Nassau Street, Dublin during the month of September. This project gave the students experience of wholesale production, including pricing, marketing, deadlines and presentation. The students also delivered in-store presentations about their work, including during a VIP visit from Sophie, Countess of Wessex on 28 September. A prize of €1,000 was awarded to 2018 course graduate Chris Crawford by the Kilkenny Group for his range. Criteria for this award included design originality, quality of craftsmanship, response to project brief, in-store sales and customer feedback.

DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Jewellery & Goldsmithing DCCoI’s renowned Centre of Excellence in Jewellery & Goldsmithing offers high-quality training through an intensive two-year programme which is enhanced by the inclusion and support of industry-trained professionals who are specialists in all aspects of gold and silversmithing. Twelve students successfully completed the first year of the 2017-2019 course in July and started the second year of the programme in September. Key achievements: All students took part in several master classes taught by industry specialists throughout the year, including hand-engraving workshops with Angus McFadyen, President of the Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain; gemmology with Katharine Hopley, gemmologist; large-scale silversmithing with David Byrne, silversmith; micro setting with Michael Horan; a design workshop with Gaynor Andrews; and ‘polishing and finishing’ and ‘catches and clasps’ workshops with Course Manager Eimear Conyard. The students participated in a competition to design and create awards for the 2018 Talamh Smart Agricultural Awards, working with Gerry Murphy of EventPro and with assistance from the Bronze Art Foundry in Dublin. The design for the Irish Smart Agricultural Award was won by David McCauley; the RDS Ceres Award design winner was Noreen McGuire; and the design of the Highly Commended award went to Eve Doyle. Yasmin Belkhayat, who graduated in July 2017, was awarded a silver and bronze award at the prestigious Goldsmiths Design and Craft Awards in London in the Enamellers and Enamel Painters Category. She submitted her Fabergé-style egg that she created as part of her project work as a student at DCCoI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing Course.

Key achievements:

The total prize fund for Future Makers 2018 was â&#x201A;Ź23,500 which was divided into 22 awards and supports. Over 170 applications were received in total. The awards ceremony took place on 12 July and was supported by The Westbury, Dublin with over 115 guests in attendance. The event was opened by DCCoI Board Member and Chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, Edmund Shanahan with DCCoI Chair Breege Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue presenting the awards on the night. The Future Makers programme has been selected by the RDS as a linked selection programme for the RDS Craft Awards. The Future Makers website (futuremakers.ie) was updated in line with the programme branding and to allow for the addition of a winners gallery.

Our Activities

The Future Makers Awards & Supports programme, launched by DCCoI in 2009, aims to assist students and recent graduates of full-time craft and design-based studies or training to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in the craft and design industry.

Third Level Future Makers Awards & Supports Programme The Future Makers Awards & Supports programme, launched by DCCoI in 2009, aims to assist students and recent graduates of full-time craft and design-based studies or training to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in the craft and design industry. One of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe, it is divided into student and emerging practitioner categories and covers a wide range of disciplines. The Future Makers programme recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence in both making and the creative process among students and recent graduates. The judges for 2018 were Claudia Casali, International Museum of Ceramics, Italy and Philip Hamilton, Creative Director of Perch, Dublin.

The DCCoI Education Panel is a key resource that assists in the successful delivery and development of DCCoI education programmes. The panel consists of over 100 professional makers and designers.

Applied Arts Ireland The Applied Arts Ireland and Applied Arts Northern Ireland group organise a yearly programme of lectures across third level institutions. They bring internationally renowned makers to Ireland to champion skill and critical thinking amongst students, lecturers and professional makers. DCCoI sponsors two events annually. Key achievements: A lecture with Kit Paulson, glass artist, took place on 25 October at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Dublin. Over 60 people attended this event. A lecture series event in partnership with Ulster Museum was held on 13 November. The speakers were ceramicists Sara Flynn and Matt Smith and glass artist Heike Brachlow. Over 100 people attended this event. DCCoI Education Panel (professional development for makers) The DCCoI Education Panel is a key resource that assists in the successful delivery and development of DCCoI education programmes. The panel consists of over 100 professional makers and designers who receive Garda vetting, child protection training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Key achievements: The DCCoI Code of Conduct & Child Protection Policy and DCCoI Child Safeguarding statement were updated in line with Children First Act 2015 – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Two child protection sessions where held for the DCCoI Education Panel, one in Cork and one in Dublin. 52 members from across the country attended an annual CPD day at The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre on 2 February. Glass artist Róisín de Buitléar was the keynote speaker.

Key achievements: 77 schools and 1,865 students took part in the programme in 2018.

16 regional planning events and 16 reflection events for primary school teachers and craftspeople bookended the programme. CRAFTed partnered with The Heritage Council for European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH) and schools who took part in the EYCH received a certificate of participation. CRAFTed partnered with Narrative 4 to hold a showcase of the 21 EYCH projects based on the theme, Making Places: Sharing Heritage, in Limerick city during National Heritage Week. Additionally, two craft workshops, a story exchange event and drop-in activities were held during the Week. Bere Island CRAFTed Community Project: to make a commute feasible for the CRAFTed maker Liz Flatman to a school on Bere Island, West Cork, the project was combined with a week-long residency which included textile workshops for the active retirement groups on the island and was co-funded by West Cork Education Centre and the Bere Island Community Project. In addition to the school, 24 adults participated in craft skills workshops with Liz.

Our Activities

DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CRAFTed programme now reaches over 1,800 children each year through its partnership with the Education Centres.

First Level CRAFTed Learning Skills for Life CRAFTed is a nationwide primary level programme run by DCCoI that supports the delivery of the visual arts curriculum. It provides primary school children and teachers with an opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working with professional designers and craftspeople. It enables collaborative training, access to highly skilled craftspeople and gives both teachers and students the opportunity to explore new materials, such as clay, print, fabric and fibre, as well as metal, wood and willow construction. DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CRAFTed programme now reaches over 1,800 children each year through its partnership with the Education Centres.

Teacher Training and Third Level Partnerships Third level colleges and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for practicing teachers were identified as key areas of focus in order to grow the impact of CRAFTed teaching methodologies on the Visual Arts Curriculum in primary schools. The aim of these programmes is to increase understanding amongst teachers and trainee teachers of the importance of craft and design in education.

Sligo (delivered by maker Susan Basler)

Second Level Design Pilot Programme with DesignCORE The post-primary schools design thinking pilot programme was an action research study run by DesignCORE and the Department of Humanities in IT Carlow and supported by DCCoI. The research was carried out by Sandra Reid under the supervision of Carmel Maher, Colin Deevy and Dr. PJ White. The participating schools were: Duiske College, Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny; Borris Vocational School, Borris, Co. Carlow; Tyndall College, Carlow; and Grennan College, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. The designers who took part were graphic designer Leon Butler, ceramicist Chloë Dowds, and Aideen McHugh (DesignCORE Research Assistant).

Mayo (delivered by maker Aoife O’Toole)

Key achievements:

Key achievements : CRAFTed CPD Summer Courses for primary teachers were held in eight Education Centres: Kilkenny (delivered by makers Carrie Lynam and Adele Stanley)

Athlone (delivered by maker Francis Kilcommins) Tralee (delivered by maker Aidan Power) West Cork (delivered by makers Julie Forrester and Liz Flatman) Kildare (delivered by makers Liadain De Buitlear and Isobel Egan) Laois (delivered by makers Marika Miklosi and Christien Van Bussell)

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

CRAFTed modules for trainee teachers ran in both the Institute of Education DCU, Dublin and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. A total of 132 trainee teachers participated. Research presentations were given at the Association of Teachers’ / Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI) Conference, Kilkenny Education Centre on 14 October and at the International Journal of Art and Design Education Conference, held at NCAD, Dublin on 17 November. A research paper titled ‘Process Art and the Natural Environment – An Approach to Teaching Visual Art at Primary Level’ by Polly Minett and Andrea Cleary of Dublin City University (DCU) Institute of Education was published in the ATECI Conference Journal. The paper was written in partnership with CRAFTed.

Initial mapping workshop took place on 15 December 2017 with 19 participants who included representatives from the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), Encountering the Arts Ireland (ETAI), students and teachers from three schools in the south east and three DCCoI-registered designer-makers. In response to the needs of teachers and students, the research took the form of collaborative co-design workshops with six designers, six teachers and 12 students from four participating second level schools in Co. Carlow. The research and workshops investigated ways that designers can support teachers and students to develop creative approaches to problem solving. The new DesignSKILLS programme was very much influenced by this research.

Key achievements A national training day was held at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on 13 October. The project ran in 26 schools between December 2018 and January 2019 with 504 students, 29 teachers and 27 design-makers taking part in total. Five regional reflection events took place in Sligo, Kilkenny, Navan, Blackrock and Limerick where teachers and designer-makers shared their experience of the programme.

Summer CPD with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) A two-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) summer programme for Visual Art teachers provided opportunities to engage with the learning outcomes in the new Junior Cycle Visual Art specification. Using a hands-on approach, teachers experienced a range of methodologies and techniques to support the investigation and exploration of the five visual art elements: critical and visual language; drawing; visual culture and appreciation; art elements and design principles; and media. Key achievements: A workshop took place at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) on 6 and 7 June with textile maker Kathy Mooney and JCT representative Maria Moore with 13 teachers participating.

The Kilkenny workshop ran at the National Design & Craft Gallery (6 June) and Kilkenny Education Centre (7 June) with weaver Sandra McAllister and Margaret Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shea, Team Leader for Visual Art, CPD for Junior Cycle (26 teachers participated). The Cork workshop ran at CIT Crawford College of Art (5 and 6 June) with ceramicist Julie Forrester and JCT representative Gemma Tierney, and 12 teachers participating.

Our Activities

DesignSKLLS The DesignSKILLS programme is run in partnership with the Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT). It aims to develop skills in relation to the design process in post-primary schools in Ireland. The programme links professional designer-makers with teachers to develop a six-hour mini project that explores the design process. It focuses on the very beginning of this process and emphasises ideation, problem solving, divergent thinking, risk taking and experimentation. The programme impacts the young people who take part in the classroom projects, and creates a legacy with the teachers, upskilling them in the delivery of the design process. DesignSKILLS is part-funded by Creative Ireland through the National Creativity Fund and supported by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

AIB Future Sparks AIB Future Sparks is a programme aimed at senior cycle students and consists of the AIB Build A Bank Challenge and the AIB Future Sparks Festival. The second level programme is designed with students at the core, educating them on how to run a business, inspiring them with future career options and guiding them on what it takes to be part of a workforce. Key achievements: These events ran at the RDS, Dublin on the 21 and 22 March. Aimed at senior cycle students and their teachers, the ambition of the events was to encourage careers in business and entrepreneurship. DCCoI had three workshop areas: Print Block, Fab Lab Manorhamilton and Brookwood Pottery.

A series of career talks was curated by DCCoI featuring leather worker Úna Burke, product designer Leo Scarff, potter Elaine Fallon and DCCoI Education Manager Fiona Byrne. DCCoI had a showcase area featuring the work of previous DCCoI Future Makers Awards & Supports recipients and promoting DCCoI’s presence on careersportal.ie

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Footfall over the two days of the event was estimated at 6,500.

Careersportal.ie Careersportal.ie is Ireland’s leading career guidance website and provides up-to-date advice for supporting career development and educational research. It has been running since 2007 and has 1.8 million visitors a year, four million page impressions a month and 630,000 registered users with their own career portfolio. It is aimed at second and third level, adult learners, jobseekers, parents and guardians, and career guidance professionals / providers. Key achievements: DCCoI’s profile on careersportal.ie was re-activated and updated and is the sector expert for craft and design. A number of DCCoI clients supplied answers to questions about their own career pathways and these profiles are hosted on the site. Participating makers include ceramicist Sara Flynn, glass artist Scott Benefield, textile designer TISSUE, wood turner Alan Meredith, and jeweller Gayle Anderson. Partnerships Partnerships create more powerful programmes; they combine sector expertise and resources. Through partnership funding, €21,580 was secured from the National Creativity Fund for the role out of DesignSKILLS in 2018 and 2019. Key partners in 2018 included: Creative Ireland; the Association of Teachers’ / Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI); Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT); The Ark; Applied Arts Ireland; designCORE at Carlow IT; National Museum of Ireland; National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA); and Allied Irish Banks.

€23,500

1,865

Pupils participated in the CRAFTed programme

Individual primary schools participated in the CRAFTed programme

504

Post-primary students participated in the DesignSKILLS programme in 26 schools between December 2018 and January 2019

Of Ireland’s newest ceramicists graduated from the Ceramics Skills & Design Course at DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics and exhibited their work in the exhibition, In Flux

Our Activities

Awarded to 22 students / recent graduates and emerging makers in DCCoI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports programme 2018

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Generating publicity and raising awareness of the quality and diversity of the work of Irish designers and makers both in Ireland and abroad is a key aim of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI). 55

Objective: Promote the work of Irish designers and makers in domestic and international markets. Collaborate with strategic partners in raising awareness of the design and craft sector. Focus and Strategic Aims: Grow awareness — Build awareness of the sector through DCCoI initiatives. Create and leverage promotional opportunities — Collaborate with partners and media to promote Irish design and craft.

Engage audiences — Exploit digital communications to engage with existing and new audiences. Empower clients and membership organisations — Guide membership organisations in their promotion.

Our Activities

2.4

Promotion & Awareness

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left .OBJ: Pom Pom Mirror by Daniel Rozin Photocall to announce upgrades to DesignIreland.ie. January Russell Winters models knitwear by Pearl Reddington Photocall to announce MADE/Slow at Showcase – Ireland's Creative Expo®. L to r : Eve Connolly wears Triona; Thalia Heffernan wears Elaine Madigan; Kelly Horrigan wears Áine Panel discussion at .OBJ exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery

Awareness Raising Together with our client enterprises, member organisations, numerous partners and the media, we are focused on promoting and generating ongoing publicity for the quality and diversity of the work of Irish designers and makers, and on raising awareness of the significant contribution our sector makes to Ireland’s economy, culture and tourism offering. During 2018 a review was undertaken of DCCoI’s visual identity to clarify the brand architecture and the guiding principles for the relationship between the organisation and its programmes of activity. The overall ambition is to streamline and simplify the range of brand assets of DCCoI, and in doing so, to support the establishment of a stronger DCCoI brand and identity. The completion of this project will take place during 2019. Given it is pivotal to the delivery of all programmes contained within our Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020, many of the activities and achievements in the area of promotion and awareness have been featured in other sections of this Annual Report. Partnerships & Relationship Building Ongoing collaboration is key to successfully creating and leveraging promotional opportunities for both our organisation and the vibrant sector we represent. Over many years, DCCoI has established and developed relationships and strategic partnerships, and a focus was maintained on this area during 2018, particularly with regional, national and international media, as well as with the communications teams in other partner organisations. Throughout 2018, DCCoI continued to work closely with a number of Government Departments and Agencies on promotional activities, particularly with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the planning and delivery of key events and programmes such as the official launch of Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® and the announcement of the Design4Growth initiative in the south east in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We worked closely with Enterprise Ireland as well as the network of LEOs, especially in promoting Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®, both in the lead up to and during the annual

tradeshow. Enterprise Ireland’s network of overseas offices coordinated visits to Showcase by international media which resulted in international coverage of Irish designers and makers following the show. The RTÉ series Nationwide has been a longstanding supporter of Showcase, and once again a programme dedicated to the trade show was recorded and aired in January, featuring several of the participating exhibitors. Nationwide’s coverage of Irish designers and makers continued throughout the year with numerous features aired on this very popular prime time TV programme. These included episodes on the OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme, Ireland’s presence at the major cultural exhibition Homo Faber in Venice, and exhibitors at City Hall Crafts & Design Fair in Cork. DCCoI also provided input on the show’s plans for a series of three 25th anniversary episodes which included revisiting The Handmade Soap Company in Meath for an episode that aired in November. DCCoI worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on the announcement in December of enhancements to DesignIreland.ie to assist Ireland’s diaspora to buy design and craft from their native county. DCCoI also liaised with the Department of An Taoiseach and the Creative Ireland team in providing content for Ireland.ie to maintain visibility of the design and craft sector on this web platform. Ireland.ie creates one point of connection for international audiences to Ireland and is a key component of the Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 initiative. Working closely with both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland on the inclusion of design and craft experiences on the itineraries of incoming press groups continued to be instrumental in engaging international media during 2018, such as a visit by Chinese journalists and bloggers to Kilkenny in October. Scheduled meetings and studio visits with designers and makers as well as guided tours of exhibitions resulted in international coverage of the Irish design and craft sector and in creating further opportunities in the future. We also liaised with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the promotion of DCCoI exhibitions which toured to Farmleigh Gallery and the Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle during 2018.

Our Activities

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DCCoI led PR campaigns and supported clients and partners in press activity throughout 2018, aiming to build awareness and leverage key opportunities. 58

Supporting the promotion of activities led by other organisations during the year included working with partners such as Bord Bia and Bloom in relation to design and craft experiences in the Irish Craft Village over the five days of Bloom; with retail partners such as Arnotts and the Kilkenny Group on curated collections of Irish designers and makers presented in their stores; and with the organisers of Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair in promoting DCCoI-registered clients exhibiting at the annual fair in the RDS. DCCoI also assisted in the promotion of craft events and festivals across the country, such as Cork Craft Month which is run by Cork Craft & Design each August, spanning both the city and county of Cork, and August Craft Month which is co-ordinated by CRAFT NI on behalf of the craft sector and is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through the National Lottery. Media Coverage DCCoI led PR campaigns and supported clients and partners in press activity throughout 2018, aiming to build awareness and leverage key opportunities. Activities included media and social media campaigns, photocalls and press announcements, and partnerships with other organisations in joint marketing and PR promotions. Activities included: Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® and MADE/Slow were covered extensively in national and regional print, broadcast and online media:

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Key achievements: Preview coverage in print included The Irish Times, The Sunday Independent and Irish Examiner, and online on bizplus.ie, businessworld.ie and indulgeme.ie. MADE/ Slow and Showcase also received coverage following the fashion photocall in early January in the Irish Independent, Irish Examiner and online, as well as in regional press. TV coverage included RTÉ’s Nationwide which aired on the Monday evening of the show and TV3’s Xposé. Press coverage during the trade fair included The Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Daily Mirror, Sunday Independent, breakingnews.ie as well as extensive regional coverage.

Post-Showcase coverage included highlights the Irish Independent and House & Home magazine and a column in Architecture Ireland. The call-out and official awards announcement for Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018 was covered extensively in print and online from March to July: Key achievements: The call-out was highlighted in national and regional newspapers, including The Sunday Times, The Irish Times, The Sunday Business Post, Irish Examiner; and regionally. Former Future Maker winner, leather worker Úna Burke was featured in several pieces, including The Sunday Business Post and The Sunday Independent. The Future Makers 2018 official event was covered in articles and the social pages in The Sunday Independent Living, Irish Examiner, Irish Country Magazine, Tatler Magazine, Irish Arts Review, VIP magazine, and on broadsheet.ie and EVOKE.ie as well as regionally. Design Ireland® and DesignIreland.ie featured in numerous print and online pieces throughout 2018: Key achievements: In the lead up to Christmas, coverage included The Sunday Independent, The Sunday Times and Irish Examiner as well as in gift guides in various publications, including Irish Country Magazine, The Sunday Independent and The Gloss Magazine’s ‘Glossy Gift Guide’. A Design Ireland® Festive Giveaway received significant coverage across online articles by The Gloss and on multiple social media platforms, as part of targeted activities to drive consumers to the site. The photocall announcement on the upgrades to DesignIreland.ie in December was covered in the Irish Examiner, Business Plus, Sunday Business Post Magazine, The Irish Times, Irish Examiner Property, Woman’s Way and on bizplus.ie as well as regional coverage in print.

DCCoI promoted the exhibitions and events programme at the National Design & Craft Gallery and provided PR support for touring exhibitions and partnerships throughout 2018. Activities included press announcements and media engagement; photocall and social diary notices; social media coverage and partnership activities. Key achievements: Touchstone was covered in The Sunday Independent and IMAGE Interiors & Living as well as across regional and national event listings. Hi! Fashion at Farmleigh was covered in a number of publications following its opening, including The Irish Times in January. Master craftsman Rudolf Heltzel was interviewed for the Artistic License column in The Gloss ahead of the opening of Rudolf Heltzel: In Precious Metal in February. The exhibition also received coverage in the Kilkenny People, IMAGE, The Gloss, The Irish Times, Irish Country Magazine and The New York Times international edition. Karen Hennessy and Mary V. Mullin (who opened the exhibition) were interviewed on The Way It Is with Sue Nunn on KCLR FM.

Bounded + Unlimited: Contemporary Jewellery was covered in an interview with jeweller Eimear Conyard in the Irish Farmers Journal and was highlighted in The Sunday Business Post, RTÉ Guide, Cara magazine and Irish Country Magazine in January. From April to June, Lasting Impressions received extensive coverage in print, radio and online, including the Irish Arts Review, The Sunday Independent Living, interviews with curator Gregory Parsons and DCCoI Exhibition & Programme Curator Susan Holland on KCLR radio and features on Image.ie, KilkennyReporter.ie; KCLR.ie; and Ondine.ie. DCCoI partnered with KCLR FM to run an outside broadcast on 18 July to cover the opening of the ceramics graduate exhibition, In Flux. It was also featured in the Irish Arts Review, The Sunday Times, The Irish Times, The Irish Daily Mail, Irish Examiner, The Sunday Business Post, IMAGE Interiors & Living, and on EVOKE.ie. DCCoI Exhibition & Programme Curator Susan Holland highlighted the showcase during her interview on KCLR’s

Our Activities

The Showcase Awards announcement was covered with accompanying images in The Irish Times, Irish Country Magazine, bizplus.ie, indulgeme.ie and regionally.

The Way It Is with Sue Nunn. .OBJ, which opened as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August, was covered by Irish Arts Review, the Irish Examiner, Social & Personal, The Irish Times, The Sunday Times, Senior Times and on KCLR FM. In October, the Lustre + In Flux joint exhibition in Farmleigh was featured in The Sunday Times, The Irish Times Magazine and winter edition of Irish Arts Review. In addition to key promotions as outlined in the previous pages, a wide range of other events and activities were featured in both Irish and international media, either as a result of DCCoI PR initiatives or in partnership with other organisations. Key achievements:

An episode of RTÉ’s Nationwide was dedicated to Homo Faber, focusing on the Irish participants in the exhibition, which aired in November. Ireland’s participation in Homo Faber was also covered in both national and regional press, including in The Irish Times, The Gloss, IMAGE.ie, IMAGE Interiors & Living and Irish Arts Review, as well as across regional media throughout September.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

In May, the Irish Craft Village at Bloom was covered in The Sunday Independent, The Irish Garden, Irish Country Magazine, and The Sunday Independent Supplement, as well as in various regional publications. In August, NY NOW® 2018 coverage included pieces in The Irish Times, Irish Examiner Property, as well as in regional press and radio, and on US website giftsanddec.com Ahead of Gifted in December, various DCCoI clients were profiled across national and print media. An episode of RTÉ’s Nationwide was dedicated to City Hall Crafts & Design Fair Cork which ran the week before Gifted. Print coverage included the Irish Examiner, The Sunday Business Post Property, The Sunday Independent Living, RTÉ Guide, IMAGE Magazine, and The Gloss. The five winners of the RDS Craft Awards (who were also Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018 recipients) were highlighted in The Irish Times as they exhibited at Gifted 2018.

OPTIMISE Design Ireland: An episode was dedicated to this programme by RTÉ’s Nationwide which aired on 15 October. The OPTIMISE programme was also promoted through an interview on The Sunday Business Show on Today FM in November and received coverage in print and online articles such as The Sunday Business Post, Business Plus, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner and on irishtechnews.ie. DCCoI’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course was highlighted in print media throughout 2018, including in IMAGE Magazine, Irish Arts Review, The Nationalist and Evening Echo. Several alumni from DCCoI’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course were also featured across media, including interviews with Nigel O’Reilly (Irish Farmers Journal), Alex Thiel (Evening Echo and floralesque.com), and Anne Chapman of Stonechat on RTÉ Radio 1. The purchase of Course Manager Eimear Conyard’s ‘Vortex’ vessel by the National Museum of Ireland was covered in The Irish Times print and online edition in June. The Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft was highlighted in the Irish Examiner in March; Cruinniú na nÓg was covered in the Kilkenny People and on KCLR’s The Saturday Show in June, and DCCoI’s Building Craft & Design Enterprise programme and pop-up shop featured in the Galway City Tribune and Galway Advertiser in July. In August, the AW18 fashion show of work produced by the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) members in collaboration with DCCoI clients and member organisations was featured in the Irish Independent, Anthology magazine, and Irish Country Magazine. DCCoI’s activities in Castle Yard as part of Culture Night 2018 in September were mentioned in The Irish Daily Mail, IMAGE and Kilkenny People and on journal.ie. The Design4Growth programme for the south east was covered across many regional newspapers, including Waterford Today, Waterford News & Star, Dungarvan Leader, Nenagh Guardian, Kilkenny People, and online at bizplus.ie

RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Folk Awards DCCoI worked with RTÉ in planning for their inaugural Irish Folk Awards. This initiative saw RTÉ commission awards to be designed and created by an Irish craftsperson for the awards ceremony which took place on 25 October at Vicar Street, Dublin. Key achievements: The call-out to designers and makers received 22 entries and three craftspeople were shortlisted: jewellers Pierce Healy, Fiona Mulholland and Jaki Coffey. Fiona Mulholland received the commission to make nine awards for the event in October. DCCoI and these clients received significant profile through an interview on Arena in August, adverts for the commission on RTÉ Radio 1 and coverage on RTE.ie Audience Engagement DCCoI uses a range of communications tools to promote Irish craft and design and engage audiences in Ireland and around the world. During 2018, DCCoI completed a data cleansing and consolidation exercise which had been initiated in 2017 with the aim of ensuring the consistency, accuracy and completeness of data in our systems relating to our registered clients and member organisations.

Online Activity The organisation’s corporate website, dccoi.ie, was maintained and updated throughout 2018. DCCoI press releases, relevant sector updates, and DCCoI / industry opportunities were added and directed to via CRAFTlink, DCCoI’s ezine, and through social media channels. DCCoI clients were encouraged to log in using the self-service tool to post opportunities and classified listings and to check the opportunities section of the site and the blog. The craft events listing website, CraftinIreland.com, was also maintained and regularly updated by both DCCoI and site users via its self-service portal throughout the year, as the primary go-to directory of craft events and activities throughout the country for the general public. Updates were made to DCCoI websites and the associated privacy policy as part of the organisation’s implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into force across the EU on 25 May. E-Communications DCCoI continued to produce and issue the organisation’s ezine, CRAFTlink to subscribers, including opted-in registered clients, member organisations, and stakeholders. CRAFTlink is used as an e-marketing tool directing clients to the corporate DCCoI website. Open and click-through rates increased throughout the year with percentage clicks well above industry standards. Issues of CRAFTlink include updates from DCCoI, tradeshow and industry application information and opportunities, relevant industry reports, business information for SMEs, call-outs for programmes, funding announcements, as well as exhibition news and media highlights. Other ezines and flyers were created and distributed to key media, designermakers, and organisations on an ad-hoc basis to make announcements and highlight DCCoI’s presence at international events. Key achievements: ‘Opened by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 46% in 2018 compared to an average of 38% in 2017. The industry benchmark is 20%. ‘Clicked by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 12% in 2018 compared to an average of 10% in 2017. The industry benchmark is 3%.

Our Activities

A feature on ceramics in Ireland in The New York Times in October mentioned DesignIreland.ie, the Irish Craft Studio Experience and PORTFOLIO as well as individual makers and retailers.

Social Media Throughout 2018 DCCoI’s social media presence continued to grow steadily across its channels; social networking activities were re-focused, utilising Facebook and Instagram as primary platforms and Twitter as a secondary platform, with YouTube and Vimeo being used to share video content and engage additional audiences.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Key accounts for the year were the corporate and client-focused DCCoI account, retail and consumer-focused Design Ireland®, and the National Design & Craft Gallery channels which focused on engaging gallerists, members of the general public, and tourists. Domestic followers increased across all channels, collectively expanding the number of fans and followers of Irish design and craft and creating further awareness of the sector. DCCoI clients involved in Design Ireland® presentations at international fairs, tradeshows, and direct-selling events were provided with bespoke guidelines to aid them in promoting their presence at events; equipping them with relevant handles, hashtags, tracking details, and suggestions for online success. A year-long campaign to promote Design Ireland® and its clients to followers and engage new audiences was undertaken with monthly giveaways across both its Facebook and Instagram feeds and stories resulting in greatly increased visits to DesignIreland.ie. Regular blog posts, ‘Stories’ were posted on the Design Ireland® website featuring client interviews and monthly digests with high-quality images which were then shared through the Design Ireland® social platforms and via its ezine to subscribers to encourage multi-platform engagement. Key achievements: Followers on DCCoI’s Facebook and Instagram increased by 10% and 28% on 2017 respectively. Followers on Design Ireland® Facebook and Instagram increased by 32% and 8% on 2017 respectively. DCCoI Tweets earned 414,500 impressions in 2018 (average 1.2% engagement rate). The number of social network referrals from Design Ireland® Facebook grew to 15,568 from 4,174 in 2017. Sessions via Instagram (excluding Stories) numbered 939 up from 806.

Key Publications DCCoI’s Annual Report is produced in both Irish and English each year in compliance with our obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. During 2018, DCCoI continued to make publicly available a range of publications including the organisation’s annual reports, exhibition catalogues and research. These were added to our archive of materials such as business guides and education and industry reports, as well Kilkenny Design Workshops publications and older DCCoI materials such as Craft Review 1987–1991; Crafts Council of Ireland newsletters 1975–1993; and Stopress 1997–2010 which are all made available on the digital publishing platform ISSUU via our website. The Freedom of Information section of DCCoI’s website was maintained on an ongoing basis in compliance with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 which requires FOI bodies to prepare and publish as much information as possible in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis outside of FOI.

€4m

AVE of media coverage for all activities

46%

Media clippings for the Showcase 2018 promotional campaign

Average ‘opened by’ rate of CRAFTlink ezine (industry benchmark is 20%) by subscribers

15,568

414,500

Number of social network referrals from Design Ireland® Facebook to DesignIreland.ie

Total number of impressions DCCoI’s Tweets earned in 2018 (average 1.2% engagement rate)

Our Activities

116

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) collaborates with partner organisations to champion design thinking and ensure that design is central to the development of Government policy. Objective: To grow awareness of the value of design and craft to society and the economy and work with Government and stakeholders on the integration of design thinking into Government policy and industry. Focus and Strategic Aims: Embed design policy — Work with Government and stakeholders to embed design policy. Empower membership organisations — Support DCCoI membership organisations in building creative communities.

Develop a design society — Develop a framework for evaluating design and craft. — Grow recognition of the value and importance of design and craft to the economy and society.

Our Activities

2.5

Policy & Advocacy

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left Mini Craft Village in Castle Yard for Cruinniú na nÓg Irish designers at Homo Faber in Venice with DCCoI’s Louise Allen ( l ) and Karen Hennessy ( r ) Best of Europe pavilion at Homo Faber, Venice Mini Craft Village in Castle Yard for Cruinniú na nÓg Blacksmithing demonstration at the Irish Craft Village at Bloom in the Park

A number of DCCoI’s strategic aims align with the five pillars of Future Jobs Ireland which are: Embracing Innovation and Technological Change; Improving SME Productivity; Enhancing Skills and Developing and Attracting Talent; Increasing Participation in the Labour Force; and Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy.

Advocacy in Ireland DCCoI works closely with a number of Government Departments and Agencies to raise awareness of the contribution that designers and craftspeople make to Ireland’s economy and culture. The design and craft sector is included in the Future Jobs Ireland programme, reflecting the Government’s recognition of the significant potential which design and craft holds for the creation of sustainable employment in the regions and for growing exports. A number of DCCoI’s strategic aims align with the five pillars of Future Jobs Ireland which are: Embracing Innovation and Technological Change; Improving SME Productivity; Enhancing Skills and Developing and Attracting Talent; Increasing Participation in the Labour Force; and Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy. The design and craft sector also plays a pivotal role in raising Ireland’s international profile and reputation for excellence in creativity and innovation. Ireland’s first Ministerial-led National Design Forum was established in 2017 as a key outcome of the publication of Ireland – the Design Island: a consultation paper towards a National Design Strategy in 2017. Comprising businesses, Government agencies, third level colleges, design practitioners and design organisations, the purpose of the Forum is to drive Ireland’s capability and reputation as a source of design innovation and to make recommendations to Government Departments and Agencies. The Forum convened a number of meetings during 2018. Through the Forum, DCCoI has been working to influence the development of design infrastructure across Ireland in collaboration with relevant partner organisations. Key achievements: The establishment of a National Design Centre was included in the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 launched by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040. In December 2018, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D. announced €1,800,000 million in funding for the development of a Centre for Design for the South East under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. Based in Kilkenny’s Abbey Quarter, the Centre for Design will be the first of its kind in

Our Activities

≤

Ireland and will promote the use of strategic design as a key enabler for business. The announcement was the outcome of close collaboration in the preceding 12 months between the Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny County Council, the Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo), the Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and DCCoI in advocating for a Centre for Design in the south-east region.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

International Advocacy At an international level, Ireland’s presidency of the World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) has been instrumental in deepening relationships between DCCoI and other craft organisations across Europe. Louise Allen, DCCoI’s Head of Innovation & Development Programmes, was elected President of WCCE in September 2016 and her current term is due to end in June 2020. The purpose of WCCE is to strengthen the status of and promote crafts as a vital part of cultural, social and economic life through their global network of members and affiliates. Membership is open to national, regional and professional bodies that have a mandate to advocate for and develop craft. WCCE’s activities have provided Irish designers and makers with opportunities to engage with peers across Europe and participate in programmes run by partner organisations, bringing further visibility to the wealth of creative talent in Ireland. DCCoI is also represented on the Board of the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA). Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of DCCoI, was elected to the Board of BEDA at the organisation’s General Assembly in June 2018. BEDA is a not-for-profit made up of 50 members across 28 European countries, all with a focus on promoting design nationally or regionally. As a collective, the organisations represent some 400,000 designers from across Europe in every discipline of work, from industrial design and interiors to digital design and branding. BEDA’s key objectives are to create shared knowledge and synergy, to develop opportunities for design and to champion designers, all through connecting with BEDA members, Europe and global partners. DCCoI’s representation on this Board gives Ireland a voice as BEDA strives to

ensure design is at the heart of innovation and education policies across Europe. Key achievements: Eight Irish makers were selected for Homo Faber, an exhibition showcasing the finest European craftsmanship that took place in Venice in September 2018. Twelve students from DCCoI’s Centres of Excellence in Ceramics and in Jewellery & Goldsmithing were selected as Young Ambassadors for the event. Homo Faber attracted 62,500 visitors during its two-week period. Seven Irish makers were selected from over 600 applications for the exhibition, Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize for Applied Arts which opened in Belgium on 21 October before touring to Kilkenny in 2019. Ireland participated in the European Artistic Craft Days in April when over 9,600 events highlighting crafts took place across Europe. Several events were held throughout the country and profiled on the Craft in Ireland and DCCoI websites. Irish makers Kevin Callaghan, Isobel Egan and Claire Curneen were selected to exhibit at Ceramics Biennale, Bornholm, Denmark from 15 September to 11 November. Guilds, Associations, Network & Societies (GANS) The member organisations of DCCoI, which include GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies) as well as corporate bodies, play a pivotal role in DCCoI’s activities and supports in Ireland. The engagement of DCCoI’s member organisations and its registered clients is instrumental in informing its strategic plans for developing the design and craft sector and in enabling the delivery of many DCCoI initiatives across the island of Ireland. As at 31 December, 2018 the total number of GANS was 59. The following GANS were approved for membership of DCCoI in 2018: Making: an Irish craft discussion forum offering an opportunity to exchange ideas, concerns and observations about Irish craft. Headford Lace Project: a community initiative to research, revive and re-imagine Headford’s lace-making heritage which dates back to around 1765.

Benchspace Cork: a group located in the Marina Commercial Park, Cork that provides space and equipment for independent craftspeople and hobbyists alike in woodworking. Network Support Scheme 2018 DCCoI’s Network Support Scheme provided funding for a number of GANS during 2018. This financial support scheme, which is offered on a match-funding basis, is available to organisations that are subscribed to DCCoI. The aim of the scheme is to provide funding for activities that will develop and professionalise DCCoI’s collective organisations. The following GANS received funding in 2018: Network name

Awarded €

Benchspace Cork

2,000

Cork Craft & Design

2,000

Cork Textiles Network

2,000

Council of Irish Fashion Designers

2,000

Craft Granary

1,000

Inside Craft

2,000

Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association

1,000

Irish Basketmakers Association

480

Key achievement: 20 GANS were awarded funding in 2018 with over €29,000 granted for a range of activities such as branding, marketing, craft fairs and festivals, photo shoots, media presentation, workshops, masterclasses, forge-ins and seminars. Consultation with Clients and GANS In late 2018, DCCoI conducted a survey among DCCoI member organisations and registered clients in order to assess potential ways to promote and celebrate excellence in Irish design and craft. This survey was carried out as a follow up to the decision by the RDS to restructure their annual RDS Craft Awards. The survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of restructuring of the RDS Craft Awards (formerly the RDS Crafts Competition) and the merit of potentially developing a future programme. It offered member organisations and clients an opportunity to provide their input and suggestions on what type of programme could be most important and beneficial to the design and craft sector. Respondents were asked to bear in mind that the development and delivery of any future programme would be very much dependent on the availability of funding. Over 500 responses were received, with 43% of respondents having previously entered the RDS Craft Awards. Key outcomes can be summarised as follows:

Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers

1,400

Irish Woodturners Guild

2,000

Leitrim Design House

1,500

Limerick School of Art and Design

1,500

An open submission exhibition.

Louth Craftmark Designers Network

1,000

An award of distinction.

MADE in Kilkenny

1,500

A heritage and traditional skills award.

Mountmellick Development Association Limited

1,000

Na Píobairí Uilleann

1,500

Spiddal Craft & Design Studios

2,000

St. Angela’s College The Quilters Guild of Ireland West Cork Craft & Design Guild

500 2,000 800 €29,180

The type of initiative respondents felt would be most beneficial to them, and to the design and craft sector going forward, include:

The value that respondents felt having a new programme would offer them, and the design and craft sector as a whole, include: Profile for individuals and for their practice. Financial award. Profile for the design and craft sector as a whole. DCCoI has undertaken to further consider the outcomes of the consultation as future strategies are developed.

Our Activities

Inside Craft: a vibrant network representing the craftspeople, artists and designers of Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon.

DCCoI facilitated two GANS information days in 2018, providing a valuable forum for the member organisations to network, receive updates on DCCoI programmes and activities, provide feedback about the sector, and discuss shared challenges and opportunities.

Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) Information Days DCCoI facilitated two GANS information days in 2018, providing a valuable forum for the member organisations to network, receive updates on DCCoI programmes and activities, provide feedback about the sector, and discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The first GANS meeting for 2018 took place on 26 April in Kilkenny to coincide with the opening of the Lasting Impressions exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery. Presentations included: An overview of the Design Ireland® programme by Emma McGrath, DCCoI Trade Development Manager. The process for nominations to the Board in 2018 by Ray Power, DCCoI Board member. A talk on Eileen Gray by Jennifer Goff of the National Museum of Ireland. The presentations were followed by a round-table discussion on collecting contemporary objects. The day ended with a visit to the National Design & Craft Gallery for a talk by curator Gregory Parsons and the opening of the Lasting Impressions exhibition. The second GANS Meeting was held on 28 November in Kilkenny. Presentations included:

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Making Craft Work: a market-focused approach for craft enterprises by Edmund Shanahan, DCCoI Board member. Product Photography: tips and advice by Evelyn McNamara, photographer. An overview of education and outreach programmes, covering Garda Vetting and Child Protection Policy, by Fiona Byrne and Caroline Ryan of the DCCoI Education team. The day concluded with a visit to ‘At the Medieval Table’ exhibition at Rothe House.

Cruinniú na nÓg 23 June DCCoI secured funding of €3,000 from Creative Ireland through Kilkenny County Council for a Mini Craft Village for Cruinniú na nÓg (Meeting of Youth) at Castle Yard, Kilkenny, to showcase Ireland’s cultural craft heritage, celebrating contemporary makers of traditional crafts. The Mini Craft Village was a tented area where children and young people could experience traditional crafts through free, hands-on drop-in workshops and live demonstrations. Three of DCCoI’s GANS – Print Block, Ceramics Ireland and Feltmakers Ireland – demonstrated and taught their craft techniques and processes to children and young people. Activities included paper flower making, textile screen-printing, pottery making, a design doodle area and more. The event in Castle Yard was attended by 150 people.

Irish Craft Village at Bloom 2018 31 May – 4 June For Bloom 2018, DCCoI once again presented an exciting range of design and craft experiences in its Irish Craft Village, which included craft demonstrations, interactive craft installations and workshops. The daily demonstrations and workshops presented by DCCoI member organisations and clients were: Blacksmithing with the Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association. Basket Making with Heike Kahle, Irish Basketmakers Association. Felting Making Techniques with Feltmakers Ireland. Textile Silk Screen Printing with Print Block. Clay Creations with Ceramics Ireland. Candle Making with Brookfield Farm.

Darkness into Light Bowl Exhibition and Auction 12 – 28 October As part of the Savour Kilkenny festival, ceramicists from throughout Ireland participated in the ‘Darkness into Light’ project to design and donate a bowl for Pieta House, a centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide. Work was exhibited in KBC Bank Ireland in Kilkenny and was auctioned for Pieta House. This project was promoted through DCCoI, Ceramics Ireland and Savour Kilkenny. Key achievements: Over 30 ceramicists participated in the project by donating a piece for the auction. €2,000 was raised and presented to Pieta House.

Our Activities

Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 5 – 9 December DCCoI organises a series of craft demonstrations in the central exhibition area for the duration of Gifted each year, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to meet leading Irish craftspeople and watch them as they work. Demonstrations are extremely popular with visitors, reflecting the interest in and appreciation of the skills and craftsmanship of these talented makers. The 2018 fair took place from 5 to 9 December at the RDS, Dublin and live demonstrations by clients and member organisations included weaving, jewellery making and candle making.

Collaboration with the Council of Irish Fashion Designers A collaborative project between the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and DCCoI member organisations was launched in 2018, with CIFD hosting an initial meeting in Dublin on 15 March. The project aim was to pair the talents of GANS with Irish fashion designers. Following on from the meeting, 19 fashion designers were in talks with members of various GANS which included printing, woodturning, blacksmithing, basketmaking and textile making. The participants used heritage skills and methods to provoke and inspire innovation, creativity and design. The resulting work was showcased at the end of the CIFD annual autumn / winter collections show on 30 August. The following pairings developed work:

Wendy Louise Knight (milliner) with Colm Bagnall (blacksmith). Jill de Burca (fashion designer) with Aoife Ludlow (textile artist and designer). Niamh Daniels (accessories designer) with Ger Hassett, Ester Kiely and Anne Quinn (Headford lacemakers). Leonora Fergusson (milliner and accessories designer) with Dorota Majzer (lace maker and crochet artist). Hazel Greene (artist and accessories designer) with Jane Murtagh (blacksmith).

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Aoife Harrison (milliner) with Friederike Grace (goldsmith). Siobhan Quinn / Ballyboy Design (fashion designer) with Mark Wilson (blacksmith and coppersmith). Freya Ann Oatway / FAO Millinery (milliner) with Ann Duggan (embroiderer). Caroline Mitchell (knitwear designer) with Dolores Dempsey (Mountmellick lace). Deb Fanning (milliner) with Mary Ann Fitzpatrick (textile artist). Keira and Dairine Kennedy / KDK (accessories designers) with Caroline Ryan (textile artist). Margaret O’Connor (milliner) with James O’Toole (blacksmith). Helena Malone (goldsmith) with Angela Lavin (textile artist). Davina Lynch (milliner) with Cathy Hayden (basketmaker).

Delphine Grandjouan and Mary Hunter with quilting by Yvonne Whyte, Brenda Mohan, Aileen Hennigan, Marilyn Roantree, Sue Mulvihill, Helen Jacobsen, Joan Hayes with embroidery by Sheryl Cullen (Irish Patchwork Society and D3 Textile Group). Key achievements: 16 fashion designers and 26 GANS members and clients were involved in this innovative project which also created the potential for future collaborations. The initiative attracted significant media coverage. Exhibition at The Knitting and Stitching Show 8 – 11 November Work developed through the collaboration between the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and representatives of DCCoI’s member organisations was showcased as an exhibition at The Knitting and Stitching Show, Dublin. The response from the organisers, makers, colleges, other industry professionals and the general public was very positive. Key achievement: An exhibition of 14 collaborative pieces was presented at The Knitting and Stitching Show. A Night of Irish Fashion 4 October The latest collections by a selection of top Irish designers were presented in an exclusive fashion show for A Night of Irish Fashion on 4 October in the heart of London’s Marylebone in aid of the London Irish Centre charity. Supported by the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and DCCoI, this event provided a key opportunity to present Irish fashion in London. The show was produced by Edmund Shanahan, Chair of CIFD, in consultation with Mary Whelan of DCCoI and featured work by Úna Burke, Theo+George, Heidi Higgins, Caroline Mitchell, Niamh O’Neill, KDK, Sarah Murphy, Sara O’Neill, Fisherman Out of Ireland, McConnell Woollen Mills and Wild Cocoon. Key achievement: The latest collections from 11 Irish fashion brands were featured in A Night of Irish Fashion.

3,035

Total number of registered client enterprises

â&#x201A;Ź29,180

Total number of member organisations or GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies)

GANS members and clients involved in Council of Irish Fashion Designers and DCCoI fashion collaboration.

Information days hosted by DCCoI for member organisations or GANS

Provided for 20 member organisations in 2018 through DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network Support Scheme

Image: Textiles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cushendale Woollen Mills

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design and craft sector is vibrant, diverse and innovative. Our client enterprises provide sustainable regional jobs, making a vital contribution to Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, society and cultural offering. Our clients come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, designing and making a diverse range of objects, from jewellery and textiles to furniture and ceramics, whether conceptual pieces or functional work. The broad range of disciplines included in our client register reflects our ambition to support and build on Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craft and design heritage and traditional skills while encouraging design innovation in everything our clients do.

Our Business

3.1

Our Clients

Breakdown of register of client enterprises by county as at 31 December, 2018 Client Enterprise Register by County

Derry 17

Donegal 95

Antrim 73

Tyrone 23

Fermanagh 16

Monaghan 35

Sligo 64

Mayo 109

Leitrim 46 Roscommon 24

Cavan 22

Longford 15

Meath 71

Dublin 643

Offaly 37

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Kildare 108 Wicklow 148

Laois 44

Clare 87

Kerry 111

Louth 60

Westmeath 51

Galway 160

Limerick 59

Carlow 46

Tipperary 68

Kilkenny 118

Waterford 92 Cork 303

Down 100 100Â

Armagh 11

Wexford 115

Breakdown of register of client enterprises by county as at 31 December, 2018

Musical Instrument Making

Client Enterprise Register by County

Bookmaking/Bookbinding 16

Dublin Cork Galway Wicklow Kilkenny Wexford Kerry Mayo Kildare Donegal Waterford Clare Meath

Spinning 10

643 Tipperary 68 303 Sligo 64 160 Louth 60 148 Limerick 59 118 Westmeath 51 115 Carlow 46 111 Leitrim 46 109 Laois 44 108 Offaly 37 95 Monaghan 35 92 Roscommon 24 87 Cavan 22 71 Longford 15

Silversmithing/Holloware 16

Lettering 9 Papermaking 6 Other Slateworking/ Mosaics/Thatching/ Fresco Painting/ Horology/Flytying 23 Number of Client Enterprises with more than one discipline (220) Overall Total of Registered Client Enterprises

3,035

Northern Ireland 100 Derry 17 73 Fermanagh 16 23 Armagh 11

Island of Ireland Clients (Rep. of Ireland 2,731/ Northern Ireland 240)

2,971

International Clients

Overall Total of Registered Client Enterprises

3,035

Client Enterprise Register by Discipline Textiles 796 Jewellery 476 Ceramics

464

Woodworking 290 Furniture Making

231

Glass Making

203

Metal Working including Blacksmithing

116

Printing 100 Mixed Media Construction

Paper Working

Stoneworking 65 Candlemaking 59 Leather Working

Basketry 42 Soapmaking 42 Toymaking 34

Associate Register Students 213 Craft Enthusiasts (formerly called Hobbyists)

263

Semi Professionals (formerly called Associates)

438

Representatives of Educational Bodies (formerly called Craft Lecturers) 89 Temporarily Inactive/Dormant Overall Total of Registered Associates

63 1,066

A review of our register of client enterprises to ensure the accuracy of information on our records was commenced in 2017 and concluded in 2018. DCCoI continues to endeavour to keep all individual profiles up to date so that the organisation can effectively communicate with clients regarding all aspects, from DCCoI programmes to media opportunities, and to ensure that visitors to dccoi.ie, who use our online directory, are viewing accurate information.

Our Business

Down Antrim Tyrone

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Key dates in the history of the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited, now trading as the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.

Our Business

3.2

Our History 1970 – 2018

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Clockwise from top left Stone Masonry – Hennessy & Byrne

≤ ≤ Lasting Impressions: work by Neil Wilkin National Design & Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Panel discussion at .OBJ exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics

1970 World Crafts Council (WCC) hosts their General Assembly in Ireland 1971 Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) set up in Dublin as a voluntary body under the auspices of the RDS 1976 CCoI becomes a limited company, receiving funding from the Minister for Industry and Commerce and from the Industrial Development Authority 1977 Showcase begins as the National Crafts Trade Fair 1980 CCoI business and skills training opens in Kilworth, Co. Cork 1986 CCoI administration moves to Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 1989 CCoI business and skills training moves to the former Kilkenny Design Workshops in Kilkenny City 1990 CCoI opens the Ceramics Skills & Design Course in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny 1993 CCoI opens the Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course in Kilkenny 1997 CCoI administration moves from Dublin to Castle Yard, Kilkenny 2000 CCoI opens the National Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Kilkenny 2011 CCoI designates 2011 as Year of Craft and celebrates the sector in partnership with Craft Northern Ireland and a network of strategic partners throughout Ireland and internationally

2013 CCoI marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW) and a proposal is made at the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrating and promoting Irish design 2014 CCoI amends its trading name to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) following the signing of a service level agreement with Enterprise Ireland and launches Irish Design 2015 (ID2015) 2015 DCCoI convenes the year-long Governmentbacked ID2015 initiative exploring, promoting and celebrating Irish design throughout Ireland and internationally to drive job creation, grow exports and increase competitiveness 2016 A study on the design sector commissioned as part of ID2015 results in the publication by Government of ‘Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland’ and DCCoI is mandated by Government to work with partner organisations in leading the development of a design strategy for Ireland

2017 DCCoI publishes Ireland – the Design Island: A consultation paper towards a National Design Strategy leading to the establishment of the country’s first Ministerial-led National Design Forum 2018 DCCoI collaborates with partners in advocating for the development of design infrastructure, leading to the provision for a National Design Centre as part of the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 and funding of a National Design Innovation Hub for the South East under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund

Our Business

≤

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Inspiring and helping clients to achieve their ambitions in developing, scaling and successful competing in Ireland and internationally is a key focus of DCCoIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy. Registering with DCCoI gives designers and makers the opportunity to avail of the many supports and development programmes that DCCoI has to offer. Currently there are four levels of registration: professional designer-maker; semi-professional designer-maker; craft enthusiast; and student. Applications for DCCoI registration are assessed by the Registration Review Panel every three months. dccoi.ie/register Call outs to apply for DCCoI programmes and supports are advertised on dccoi.ie/opportunities throughout the year.

Our Business

3.3

Overview of our Support and Development Programmes

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

← Rathbornes 1488 in the Design Ireland® area at MAISON&OBJET Paris ↙

Design Ireland® at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®: Debbie Millington; Rebecca Killen Ceramics; Scribble & Stone

↓↓ DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics ↙↙ The Irish Craft Village at Bloom in the Park

Enterprise Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® has established itself as the foremost Irish trade event for retailers from around the world to discover unique, design-led products across fashion, jewellery, and home and giftware. At the heart of the show is Design Ireland, a space dedicated to promoting leading contemporary Irish brands selected by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation, commerciality and craftsmanship, with all products in this area designed and made in Ireland. Showcase is a partnership between DCCoI and Showcase Ireland Events Limited with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the show internationally and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). showcaseireland.com Design Ireland® Design Ireland® is a brand dedicated to promoting the breadth and quality of Irish design and craft to global and Irish audiences. The Design Ireland® identity is featured on DCCoI exhibitions at trade shows, in-store pointof-sale material and promotional campaigns. The accompanying website, DesignIreland.ie discovers and shares ideas, inspiration and information on talented Irish designers and where to buy their work either online or in listed shops. DesignIreland.ie OPTIMISE Design Ireland OPTIMISE Design Ireland, a partnership between the IE Domain Registry (IEDR), DCCoI, and the Local Enterprise Office network, empowers innovative, design-led Irish companies to improve their online presence, hone their digital capabilities and grow their global e-commerce sales by bringing together best-in-class expertise across the digital, enterprise and design sectors. Each business selected to participate benefits from an extensive digital audit, a website health check, a series of mentoring days and a follow-up meeting to monitor changes and improvements. Direct-selling Opportunities DCCoI supports and promotes selected design / craft enterprises at direct-selling events. These include key shows that are open to the public such as Bloom which takes place in Phoenix Park, Dublin and Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair at the RDS.

PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO actively works to grow the reputations and potential of contemporary craft makers and designers who are seeking to develop their presence in the gallery and collector market. The jury for this prestigious programme is made up of Irish and international experts and it selects work based on high standards of design quality and technical skill. PORTFOLIO currently showcases contemporary work by over 140 of Ireland’s most renowned designer makers. PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection, which is part of the broader PORTFOLIO programme, is a biennial publication of the best of Irish contemporary design and craft in a world-class context. The publication aims to increase awareness and understanding of leading Irish makers and their current work. DCCoI.ie/portfolio International Fair Fund The International Fair Fund has been established to financially assist designers and craftspeople in reaching key export markets. The fund provides limited match-funding for wholesale trade fairs abroad.

Maker Direct Fair Fund The Maker Direct Fair Fund provides financial support on a match-funding basis to makers in the PORTFOLIO programme who wish to participate in direct-selling fairs outside Ireland. Craft, Design & Business Mentors The DCCoI mentoring programme provides craft and design businesses with tailored support from a range of experts in design, production, business, marketing, branding and craft-specific technical expertise. Mentoring is delivered one to one or in group settings. Client enterprises can apply for mentoring throughout the year. Enterprise Development Workshops Enterprise Development Workshops cover topics that have been identified by DCCoI as relevant to the ongoing development of craft and design enterprises. These workshops are organised by DCCoI, often in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and advertised on specific dates and times in various locations in Ireland.

Our Business

←← Clockwise from top left OPTIMISE Design Ireland one-to-one mentoring

Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices The Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme, in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices, is a package of support tailored for designer-makers to boost their product in the marketplace through a series of design-led workshops. During the programme, participants undertake market research, engage in design-focused workshops and learn about branding, costing, promotion and strategies to expand existing market channels. Driving Export This is a DCCoI / LEO partnership programme focused on export development for client enterprises to ensure export readiness and explore different routes to overseas markets.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Irish Craft Studio Experience The Irish Craft Studio Experience features some of Ireland’s best studio experiences. Featured sites are either craft studios open to visitors on a full-time basis or craft galleries and retail spaces offering visitors the opportunity to meet or interact with the maker. For a complete listing of approved locations and for information on applying to be assessed for the scheme, visit: craftinireland.com/explore Research & Innovation Strategic Planning for Membership Organisations DCCoI has partnered with Business to Arts to offer expertise to our Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) to help them devise strategic plans to assist in their ongoing development and professionalisation. This programme includes workshops, advice sessions, site visits and business plan content review, analysis and delivery. FUSE FUSE Clinics offer access to a range of design and business mentors in a speed-networking session over a one- or two-day period. Mentors assess and provide advice relating to different aspects of craft and design products, including merchandising, branding, production, design and the use of innovative materials and technology. FUSE Clinics enable clients to network with one another and with mentors who identify the necessary next steps for developing and growing a craft and design enterprise.

Network Support Scheme DCCoI makes moderate financial support available to member organisations. Funding is offered on an annual basis and those applying must be in a position to provide match-funding. To access DCCoI’s Network Support Scheme, individuals can submit an application form on behalf of their network or association. It should be noted that the minimum number of craftspeople required to form a guild, association, network or society is six. Design4Growth Design4Growth aims to incentivise microbusinesses to engage with designers and assist participating companies in applying the effective use of design in developing their businesses. The programme is delivered on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. External Exhibitions Fund  The External Exhibitions Fund has been established to assist in the development of high-quality, independent exhibitions run by individuals, organisations or groups. This annual fund supports a small number of professionally produced exhibitions featuring Irish craft and design in Ireland or abroad. The National Design & Craft Gallery The National Design & Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, inspiring appreciation, creativity and innovation through exhibitions, events and education programmes. The National Design & Craft Gallery plays a critical role in building an understanding of craft, design and material culture in Ireland. Programmes feature leading Irish and international designers, artists and makers across a variety of disciplines through in-house and touring exhibitions. ndcg.ie

CRAFTed DCCoI’s CRAFTed programme gives primary school children and teachers an exciting opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working with professional designers and craftspeople. It provides collaborative training with 10 hours of inclassroom contact time and access to highly skilled craftspeople giving both teachers and students the opportunity to explore new materials such as clay, print, fabric and fibre, as well as metal, wood and willow construction. DesignSKILLS DesignSKILLS is an art-and-craft-room actionresearch initiative for post-primary art students and their teachers across Ireland. Delivered over six one-hour sessions of in-classroom contact time, DesignSKILLS encourages collaborative skills and problem solving. It complements curricular learning in the visual arts by enhancing imaginative composition, design and craftwork, and is an enjoyable hands-on approach to making. DesignSKILLS provides funding bursaries to enable post-primary schools to engage in creative projects with professional craftspeople and designer-makers in the classroom setting. Future Makers Launched in 2009, DCCoI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports offers a range of awards and supports to students and emerging makers. It is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe. Its aim is to support the next generation of makers, designers and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise. Divided into student and emerging practitioner categories and covering a wide range of disciplines, the Future Makers programme recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence in both making and the creative process among students and recent graduates. futuremakers.ie

Centres of Excellence in Ceramics and Jewellery The Ceramics Skills & Design Course is a two-year intensive skills-based programme accredited through National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The course specialises in production skills, clay and glaze technology, kiln theory and operation, surface treatments, drawing and design, the history of ceramics and contemporary practice. Located at Island Mill, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, the programme accommodates up to 12 students. The combination of environment, facilities and expertise in training, and the relevance of the course curriculum to the ceramics industry make it unique within ceramics training in Ireland. ceramicscourse.ie The Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course specialises in the tradition of working with precious metals and gemstones, equipping graduates with the practical skills needed to develop careers in the jewellery industry in Ireland and internationally. Graduates emerge from the course not only with technical abilities but also with experience of the commercial realities of running a craft business such as working to deadlines and commissioning budgets. This intensive two-year programme accommodates up to 12 students and is located at the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s headquarters in Kilkenny. jewellerycourse.ie

Our Business

Knowledge & Skills Education & Outreach Programmes The education and outreach programmes aim to develop public awareness of craft mediums, techniques and design processes through workshops with professional makers, craft installations, making demonstrations, talks, discussion forums and object-handling opportunities. Outreach programmes often form part of DCCoI’s presence at national platforms or are devised as projects to connect with specific groups.

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

The information in this section presents a summary of the involvement of member organisations, clients, partners and others in DCCoI programmes and events during 2018.

Our Business

3.4

Key Programme Statistics 2018

Enterprise: Orders placed at Showcase 2018

€23,900,000

Clients participating at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® 217 Design Ireland® clients at Showcase Buyers attending Showcase Businesses participating in OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme

76 4,357 20

Makers supported through the International Fair Fund

Flagship direct-selling events with a key presence for Irish craft and design

Registered clients participating at Gifted – the Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 180 Registered clients exhibiting at Bloom in the Park

Registered clients exhibiting in Design Ireland® at NY NOW®

Registered clients exhibiting at MAISON&OBJET, Paris

Registered clients exhibiting at Museum Store Association Show, Washington D.C. 4 Locations included in the Irish Craft Studio Experience programme

Makers featured in PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017 – 2018 28

Makers featured in PORTFOLIO overall programme (Critical Selection plus wider programme) Number of Building Craft & Design Enterprise workshops delivered

Over 140 6

Total number of participants on the Building Craft & Design Enterprise programme 6 2 Total number of enterprise and innovation workshops (excluding one-to-one mentoring sessions) delivered Client enterprises participating in Enterprise and Innovation Workshops

3 24

Enterprises selected for Driving Export Programme 11 Clients who benefitted from one-to-one mentoring sessions

Showcase exhibitors receiving merchandising mentoring

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Research & Innovation: Number of European funding applications submitted Number of visitors to National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions Number of visitors to exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring) Exhibitions included in the 2018 programme (Kilkenny and touring) Exhibitions toured to other galleries

4 55,717 109,430 10 4

Designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme

Irish designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme

Number of External Exhibitions Fund recipients

Knowledge & Skills: Total prize fund for Future Makers Awards & Supports 2018

€23,500

Regional Education Centres partnering with DCCoI for delivery of CRAFTed

Individual Primary Schools participating in the CRAFTed programme

Pupils participating in the CRAFTed programme

1,865

Craftspeople participating in the CRAFTed programme

Teachers participating in the CRAFTed programme

Teachers participating in CRAFTed-based CPD workshops

119

DCCoI Skills Courses embedded with L7 standards achieved Students and general public participating in outreach programmes including workshops, masterclasses and talks

2 11,140

Promotion & Awareness: Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE) of media coverage for all activities Media clippings for the Showcase 2018 campaign

€4,000,000 116

Followers on DCCoI’s Facebook (+10% compared to 2017)

9,487

Followers on DCCoI’s Instagram (+28% compared to 2017)

4,484

Followers on Design Ireland’s Facebook (+32% compared to 2017)

6,185

Followers on Design Ireland’s Instagram (+8% compared to 2017)

14,482

Total number of impressions DCCoI Tweets earned in 2018 (average 1.2% engagement rate)

414,500

Total number of Member Organisations

Number of registered client enterprises

3,035

Makers demonstrating at Gifted – the Contemporary Craft & Design Fair

Makers demonstrating at Bloom in the Park

GANS demonstrating at Cruinniú na n’Óg

Information days for GANS hosted by DCCoI

GANS and clients participating in Council of Irish Fashion Designers Autumn/Winter Collections Show

Participants involved in FUSE workshops

Clients availing of Network Support Scheme funding

Total funding awarded in Network Support Scheme €29,180

Our Business

Policy & Advocacy:

Image: Basketry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Joe Hogan tools

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

DCCoI is a company limited by guarantee without share capital. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and operates under the aegis of the Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation. 97

Our Governance

4.1

Corporate Governance Update

Image: Jewellery – DCCoI’s Centre of Excellence in Jewellery & Goldsmithing

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

The Board of DCCoI maintained a strong focus on corporate governance during 2018 to ensure that its standards of corporate governance operate to the highest level. A two-year internal audit plan was developed in 2017 covering strategic development and implementation, corporate governance compliance, risk management frameworks and internal control reviews. Induction for new DCCoI Board members took place in Cork on 2 August, 2018 before the new membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first Board meeting. New members were briefed on their responsibilities as a Board member among other relevant matters. The Board commenced and completed an external Board Effectiveness and Evaluation Review in Quarter 4 2018.

Our Compliance DCCoI is committed to complying with its responsibilities as a Government-funded body. Our expenditure complies with the Public Spending Code which sets out the obligations of public bodies to treat public funds with care, and to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested. We are also committed to meeting our current obligations under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, 2016; the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995; the Freedom of Information Act, 2014; and the Official Languages Act, 2003. We are continuing to understand and fulfil our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). DCCoI is also committed to improving energy efficiency in line with our obligations under The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), the European Communities (Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services) Regulations 2009, and SI 426 of 2014. The Board is responsible for overseeing the broad strategy and policies for the organisation. It is responsible for the systems of internal financial control in the company and for ensuring that the company has in place processes and procedures for the purpose of ensuring that the systems are effective. It performs these functions directly and through the operation of specific Board committees in accordance with approved terms of reference. There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the decision of the Board in accordance with best practice. Responsibility for the implementation of policy rests with the Executive Management Team of DCCoI. The Board provides the appropriate level of skill and experience to support the strategy of DCCoI.

Our Governance

Our Board The Board is responsible for the governance of the company in line with best practice and for adhering to the obligations of the company as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. DCCoI is required to comply with the provision of the Code insofar as applicable to the structure and nature of the company.

Ministerial Appointees

Breege O’Donoghue Chair Breege O’Donoghue was, until recently, a Board member and Group Director (Business Development and New Markets) at Primark and, after 37 years, continues in an ambassadorial role and is a trustee of Primark Better Lives Foundation and of the Primark Pension Plan. A graduate of UCD, a Chartered Director, Breege is Chair of the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, Chair of Real World Analytics, Non-Executive Director of Fáilte Ireland, Non-Executive Director of Shaw & Sons Limited, a Board member of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, and a member of the Outside Appointments Board (Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour).

Andrew Bradley

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Andrew Bradley qualified as an Industrial Designer at the National College of Art and Design and, recognising that his interests lay in assisting companies realise the potential of design, he set out on a career in design leadership. His company, Bradley Brand, specialises in working with owner-managed companies to help them to fulfil the commercial potential of a

She has held Government-appointed positions on the Board of a number of state companies, including An Post, Aer Rianta, Chair of Shannon College of Hotel Management, Chair of the Labour Relations Commission, and was a Trustee and a Council Member of IBEC. Breege has received many accolades for her work, including being honoured as UCD Business – Smurfit Patrons of Excellence in 2017; and awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy (honoris causa), Technological University Dublin; Most Distinguished Leader at The Irish Times Business Awards 2019; and the Chevalier of The Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur by President François Hollande in 2016.

strong brand in delivering a competitive advantage and customer loyalty. Throughout his career, Andrew has been an active member of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and was President from 2013 to 2015. He led the team to establish the IDI’s Design Enterprise Skillnet and chairs this training initiative. He also works with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Enterprise Office as a mentor.

Paul McKeown

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Paul McKeown is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Enterprise Ireland. As CFO, he is responsible for the strategic financial management of Enterprise Ireland. In addition to finance, Paul is Secretary to the Board and provides senior leadership and oversight to a range of functions in Enterprise Ireland, including Human Resources, Policy, Planning & Government Relations and

Corporate Governance & Risk Management. Prior to joining Enterprise Ireland, Paul was Director of Finance at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. He started his career in KPMG and managed a wide portfolio of audit clients including some of Ireland’s largest commercial semistate organisations. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Paul holds Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) and Master of Accounting (M.Acc) qualifications from University College Dublin.

Toby Scott Toby Scott is currently Innovator in Residence at the United Nations Population Fund where he applies design thinking to address some of the most challenging problems relating to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and infant mortality. Previously, he was a director of the UK Design Council, a director of Arts Council England as well as head of Creative Industries for the UK Government. He established the Irish Centre

for Design Innovation and led the Design4Growth pilot. As an entrepreneur, Toby is co-founder and Learning Director of FRAMLABS which uses design thinking to create future value for progressive companies and Knowinnovation which works with academics, NGOs and businesses to solve ‘Wicked Problems’ through collaborative problem solving.

Elected Representatives

Fiona Deegan Fiona Deegan works as Head of Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Kilkenny and was formerly CEO of the Kilkenny County Enterprise Board. Fiona has an in-depth understanding of the needs of designers and craftspeople in terms of developing enterprise capacity from her many years

involved with small businesses. She was instrumental in the development of the original concept in 2009 for MADE in Kilkenny, which was set up to foster excellence in crafts and to encourage the growth of the professional craft industry. Fiona is experienced in developing and implementing strategy, managing budgets, setting high standards and delivering results.

Mairéad McCorley Mairéad McCorley is a founding member of Cork Craft & Design, a multi-disciplinary group of over 100 members. Within the group she has acted as Treasurer, Administrator and Coordinator of Cork Craft Month. Mairéad set up the first Cork Craft & Design retail space in 2011 and has been actively

involved in many facets of the Irish craft sector over the past 20 years. Developing a business, Silverstone Dimensions Handmade Jewellery, through inception, boom and recession has given her first-hand experience of the many challenges of running a craft business.

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John C. O’Connor degree programme to be delivered on an offshore island in Ireland, the BA in Visual Art on Sherkin Island. The new TU Dublin city centre campus at Grangegorman will provide potential opportunities for collaboration with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland in relation to training, education, hothousing, workshops and exhibition space.

Mary Palmer Mary Palmer is a multi-award-winning maker who teaches and provides a professional quilting service. She has been involved with Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) for many years, initially as a committee member with the Irish Patchwork Society. Mary is one of the founders of

Cork Textiles Network and the cross-border initiative, Quilters Guild of Ireland. She has been an active committee member of both as well as with Cork Craft and Design, a multi-disciplinary group for designers and makers based in Cork.

Our Governance

John C. O’Connor is a Director of Technological University Dublin and Dean of the College of Arts and Tourism. He previously served as Head of the Dublin School of Creative Arts. He was responsible for establishing the first professional design practice Masters programme with the Design, Print and Packaging Skillsnet in 2008. Prior to this, John led the development of the only full-time honours

Elected Representatives Donagh Quigley Donagh Quigley has a background in traditional music. After finishing a traineeship in thatching in his early 30s, Donagh started out by himself as a thatcher and began growing his own straw. Once the recession hit, Donagh was forced to re-evaluate and come up with something new; it needed to be scalable and of benefit to the end user. Donagh and his wife Gemma began creating handmade soap in their kitchen using only

natural ingredients before launching The Handmade Soap Company at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® in 2010. The Handmade Soap Company now employs 21 people in an upcycled mill in Slane, Co. Meath. The product range has expanded over the years and the company now exports widely. Donagh has extensive real-world experience of building and scaling a craft business.

Rachel Quinn Rachel Quinn graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from Sligo IT in 1995 and gained work experience in a variety of contexts before starting her own award-winning ceramics business. A founding member of Made in Sligo, she worked closely with the Sligo Local Enterprise Board and the Sligo Leader partnership to initiate a network

of 15 micro-craft producers. Rachel has been involved in several projects at local and national level, including festivals, teaching, community-initiated projects and is a member of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s CRAFTed programme.

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Elaine Riordan

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

For the past 27 years, Elaine Riordan has been actively involved with craft and design at a local, national and international level. She has been Chair of Ceramics Ireland, an organisation of approximately 260 members throughout Ireland, since 2009. In this capacity, she organises workshops, curates exhibitions and organises other fundraising activities annually along with coordinating the three-day biennial International Ceramics Festival. She has taught across the disciplines

of ceramics, fashion knitwear and textiles, and animation and motion design in Limerick School of Art & Design since 2004. She is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) and was part of the Local Organising Committee for the International Academy of Ceramics 46th General Assembly that took place in Dublin in 2014. She was also the National Commissioner for European Ceramic Context, Bornholm, Denmark in 2014.

Edmund Shanahan Edmund Shanahan specialises in business and product development for the fashion, textiles, craft and retail sectors. His clients include designers, craft makers, retailers, state agencies, blue chip corporations and emerging talent in both the Irish and international marketplaces. He is Chair of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers and a Board member of the Leitrim Design

House. He lectures on Retail Ireland’s Retail Management Practice Degree Programme. Edmund developed the CREATE project with Brown Thomas to identify and develop Irish designers and makers with the potential to sell in store alongside the world’s leading brands. He is a regular commentator on business and lifestyle issues across various media channels.

4.2 Our Board Members

Board Attendance

Ministerial Appointees Breege O’Donoghue (Chair)

The table below summarises the attendance of Directors at Board meetings which they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December, 2018.

Andrew Bradley

Seven Board meetings were held in 2018:

Stephen Hughes 1 Paul McKeown 2 Toby Scott

Director

Board Meetings Attended / Eligible

Breege O’Donoghue

7 / 7

Andrew Bradley

5 / 7

Fiona Deegan

6 / 7

Mairéad McCorley

Stephen Hughes

2 / 4

John C. O’Connor

Mairéad McCorley

6 / 7

Mary Palmer

Paul McKeown

2 / 3

Ray Power 3

John C. O’Connor

6 / 7

Donagh Quigley 4

Mary Palmer

7 / 7

Rachel Quinn

Ray Power

4 / 4

Elaine Riordan

Donagh Quigley

3 / 3

Edmund Shanahan

Rachel Quinn

4 / 7

Elaine Riordan

6 / 7

Toby Scott

5 / 7

Edmund Shanahan

7 / 7

Elected Representatives

1 retired 26 June 2 appointed 24 July 3 retired 13 June

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4 appointed 13 June

Our Governance

Board members also participated on a number of committees and sub-committees. For details, please visit section 4.5 Our Committees on page 107.

4.3 Our Team Karen Hennessy Chief Executive

Susan Holland Exhibition & Programme Curator

Tanya Jones Executive Assistant to CEO and Policy & Protocol Executive Officer

Brian Byrne Gallery Co-ordinator

Education, Training & Development

Public Affairs & Communications

John Tynan Head of Education, Training & Development

Susan Brindley Head of Public Affairs & Communications

Fiona Byrneâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; Education Manager

Ciara Gannon Communications Officer

Eimear Conyard Jewellery Skills & Design Course Manager

Dominique Dumecz 3 CRM & Client Services Administrator

Klaus Hartmann (Independent Contractor) Ceramics Technician

Deirdre Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Communications Manager

Gus Mabelson (Independent Contractor) Ceramics Skills & Design Course Manager

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National Design & Craft Gallery

Operations

Caroline Ryan 1 Education & Outreach Officer

Mary Blanchfield Head of Operations and Company Secretary

Amanda Walsh Education, Training & Development Administrator

Julie Jackman Finance Assistant

Marie Wilgaard Kelly (Independent Contractor) Jewellery & Goldsmithing Technician

Nuala McGrath HR & Corporate Services Manager Notes

Innovation & Development Programmes Louise Allen Head of Innovation & Development Programmes

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Mary Rhatigan 2 Client Services Administrator Mary Whelan Client Liaison Officer Market Development Brian McGee Market Development Director Nicola Doran Retail Programme Manager Mary Dunne Market Development Officer Emer Ferran Business Development Programme Manager Ciara Garvey Development Manager, Collector & Tourism Programmes Emma McGrath Trade Development Manager

1 part-time 2 part-time, up to 26 September 3 from 20 February DCCoI acknowledges the valuable contribution of: Dylan McDonald, Market Development Assistant; Shauna Sweeney, WCCE and Innovation Development Co-ordinator; Carrie Lynam, National Co-ordinator for CRAFTed and Polly Minett, CPD & Research Projects Co-ordinator for CRAFTed, as well as the many short-term contractors and volunteers who assisted at DCCoI events and activities.

4.4 Our Member Organisations

23 Member Organisations – by Discipline Blackstack Studios

The Crafts Council of Ireland is a Company Limited by Guarantee, trading as the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. It comprises member organisations and institutions which share DCCoI’s aims and objectives and are involved in the promotion of contemporary and traditional crafts and design. The members of the company include: Subscribers to the Memorandum of Association (also known as founder members) Unincorporated Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) which the Board admits to membership Bodies corporate which the Board admits to membership 4 Founding Members Patsy Duignan (RIP) Mary V. Mullin Blanaid Reddin Betty Searson In addition to the four Founding Members, as at 31 December 2018 DCCoI had 12 Corporate Members, 23 Member Organisations by Discipline and 20 Member Organisations by Region and 4 new members.

Ceramics Ireland Contemporary Tapestry Artists (CTA) Council of Irish Fashion Designers Feltmakers Ireland Filament Fibre Artists Glass Society of Ireland Guild of Irish Lacemakers Handweavers Guild of Cork Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association (IABA) Irish Basketmakers Association (IBA) Irish Guild of Embroiderers Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Irish Patchwork Society

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Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers (ISSSD) Irish Woodturners’ Guild Mountmellick Development Association Ltd. Peannairí Print Block Society of Cork Potters The Quilters Guild of Ireland Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland

12 Corporate Members Fire Station Artist Studios Irish Countrywomen’s Association Limerick School of Art and Design Na Píobairí Uilleann National College of Art and Design New Ross Needlecraft Limited (The Ros Tapestry) National University of Ireland, Maynooth Royal Dublin Society School of Art, Design & Printing at Dublin Institute of Technology St. Angela’s College University of Ulster

Our Governance

Crawford College of Art and Design

24 Member Organisations – by Region / Other Association of LEOs Benchspace Cork* Bridge Street Studios Ceardlann, Spiddal Craft & Design Studios Clare Crafts Cork Craft & Design (CAD) Cork Textile Network Group Craft Granary Donegal Designer Makers FORM Designmade In Carlow Headford Lace Project* Inside Craft* Louth Craftmark Designers Network MADE in Kilkenny

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Made in Sligo Made in Westmeath Making (Irish Craft Discussion Forum)* Offaly Crafty Original Kerry South Wexford Craft Network The Design Tower The Leitrim Design House West Cork Arts Centre West Cork Craft & Design Guild

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

*Member organisations that joined DCCoI in 2018

Note: Figures in brackets below indicate the attendance of Directors at Committee and Sub-Committee meetings for which they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December 2018. Each Committee and Sub-Committee reports to the Board after each meeting.

National Design Forum Sub-Committee This committee is convened by DCCoI to report on the wider stakeholder National Design Forum at national level and focuses on key objectives in line with DCCoI’s Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020. Toby Scott Sub-Committee Chair (6 / 9) Breege O’Donoghue (6 / 9)

Audit & Finance Committee

Andrew Bradley (9 / 9)

The role of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee is to support the Board in relation to its responsibilities for issues of risk, control and associated assurance. It ensures the internal control systems, including audit activities, are monitored actively and independently.

Edmund Shanahan (7 / 9)

Fiona Deegan Committee Chair (3 / 4) Stephen Hughes 1 (2 / 2)

Karen Hennessy* (9 / 9) Strategy Development Sub-Committee This Sub-Committee is convened by DCCoI to review and assist the implementation and delivery process of the DCCoI’s current Strategic Plan.

John C. O’Connor (3 / 3)

Andrew Bradley Sub-Committee Chair (1 / 1)

Paul McKeown (2 / 2)

John C. O’Connor (1 / 1)

Mairéad McCorley (1 / 1)

Karen Hennessy* (1 / 1)

Mary Blanchfield* (4 / 4)

John Tynan* (1 / 1)

Nominations Committee

Heritage Sub-Committee

The role of the Nominations Committee is to regularly review the structure, size and composition (including the balance of skills, experience, independence, knowledge and diversity, including gender) of the Board and make recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes.

This Sub-Committee works with the DCCoI team to maximise opportunities in the heritage and traditional craft sector as a means of preserving skills and knowledge.

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Mary Palmer Sub-Committee Chair (3 / 3) Ray Power 2 (2 / 2)

Elaine Riordan Committee Chair (1 / 1)

Rachel Quinn (3 / 3)

Breege O’Donoghue (1 / 1)

Elaine Riordan (3 / 3)

Ray Power 2 (1 / 1)

Edmund Shanahan (1 / 1)

Mairéad McCorley (1 / 1)

Louise Allen* (1 / 1)

Louise Allen* (1 / 2) Joint Venture Company Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. Board Karen Hennessy Chair and Company Secretary Tony Donegan Gerry Murphy Brian McGee*

*Executive in attendance 1 retired 26 June 2 Committee Chair until retirement on 13 June

Our Governance

4.5 Our Committees

Image: Stone Masonry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hennessy & Byrne

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

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109

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

110

Financial Statements

For the financial year ended 31 December 2018 Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

Company Information Directors’ Report Independent Auditors’ Report Income and Expenditure Statement Statement of Comprehensive Income Balance Sheet Statement of Changes in Equity Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements

113 115 119 122 123 124 125 126 127

Financial Statements

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Image: Glassmaking – Jerpoint Glass Studio

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

112