Several of Westmeath’s most talented crafted designers are gearing up to take part in Showcase Ireland, the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion, and interiors trade fair, which takes places in the RDS from January 18 to 21.
A renewed emphasis on the provenance of crafted design products from Ireland's leading makers and designers will be at the centre of this year’s event and Westmeath’s best craft makers are well aware of the importance of Showcase Ireland to the €122million craft sector.
Last year’s event generated a buoyant €40million in sales orders. This year’s Showcase event will attract 450 exhibitors and 6,000 buyers from around the world. For the first time in the history of Showcase, Fáilte Ireland will participate in the initiative this year, signalling the growing importance of cultural tourism to Ireland.
The local craft makers who will be exhibiting at Showcase include: Mullingar Pewter, Mullingar; Meab Enamels, Multyfarnham; KC Leisure & Marketing, Mullingar; Genesis Fine Arts Ltd, Mullingar; Celtic Roots Studio, Athlone; Azara Jewellery, Athlone; and Anne-Marie Griffin Knitwear, Moate.
Despite the current economic challenges, more than 120 new Emerging Makers will take part in this year’s Showcase in addition to established participants such as Newbridge Silverware and Tipperary Crystal. The addition of A New Day, New Exhibitor area will give thirty emerging makers the opportunity to showcase new and innovative work over three days. A separate Source Aisle will comprise stunning products by top craftspeople, including several new names, specially chosen for their quality and design by a panel of international buyers.
For the first year at Showcase there will be an Essence of Ireland selection at this year’s event, where up to 10 products will be selected by a panel of experts. The Essence of Ireland will be awarded to products that, through their design, production methods or overall look, depict what is unique about Ireland. It is anticipated that the Essence of Ireland products will be considered as gifts for foreign dignitaries, VIPs, and corporate clients.
A series of specially commissioned downloadable DVDs, entitled Stories in the Making, will be launched at Showcase and provide a glimpse into the creative process and sources of inspiration for craft makers from different disciplines and regions across Ireland. A separate seminar area will offer presentations in branding, retailing, e-commerce, merchandising and trend forecasting. A new Buyer’s Suite will allow buyers the opportunity to network, relax and avail of pertinent information on craft.
“The number of new and existing craft makers taking part in Showcase highlights the fact that craft makers, while facing the same economic challenges as other sectors, are actively involved in promoting and selling their craft as much as ever,” said Úna Parsons, CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland. “The cautious purchasing trends of the current recession actually reflects the value system that underpins craft as new consumer trends involve investing carefully in well-made objects made to last and which will become family treasures,” she concluded.
Showcase Ireland takes place in the RDS (Main Hall ), Dublin from Sunday January 18 to Wednesday January 21.
Further details are available on www.showcaseireland.com
