The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI ), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, has announced the establishment of a new fund to assist the development of high-quality, independent exhibitions run by curators, individuals, and groups, including CCoI Guilds, Associations, Networks & Societies (GANS ).
Details of the new fund were announced by the Crafts Council of Ireland chairman, Laura Magahy, at the launch of Cork Craft Month this week.
The aim of the fund - worth in excess of €75,000 - is to stimulate and reward the development of professional exhibition skills in makers and curators of craft.
It is also hoped that the fund will help develop commercial opportunities for Irish craft makers; facilitate relationships with international galleries and collectors; increase awareness of craft through education & outreach activities and enhance the reputation of Irish craft in Ireland and abroad.
Details of the fund are available from the Crafts Council of Ireland website at www.ccoi.ie The Crafts Council of Ireland has designated 2011 as Year of Craft, with a packed events programme taking place throughout Ireland.
The initiative will be an opportunity to promote the craft profession as exciting and commercially viable, and to create a sense of excitement around craft in Ireland. The focus will be on exciting, interactive events to enthuse young people and their families about crafts.
