DCCI Annual Report 2021 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Design & Crafts Council Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021

Design & Crafts Council Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 1 27/06/2022 14:42

Image: Pictured at the launch of the Made Local ‘Love Made Local’ campaign are Ailbhe Gerrard of Brookfield Farm; Sarah Carroll Kelly of Shock of Grey; jockey and Made Local ambassador Rachael Blackmore; Alanna Plekkenpol; Liz Walsh; and Elaine Kelleher of Lainey K.

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Image: ‘A Modest Variation’ by Mike Byrne, PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2021–2022 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 4 27/06/2022 14:42

Contents 1 About Design & Crafts Council Ireland 7 Our Team 7 Our Vision 8 Our Mission 8 Our Strategy 8 2021 in Review 10 Introduction by the Chair 13 Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer 15 2 Our Activities 21 2.1 Enterprise and Market Development 23 2.2 Innovation and Education 37 2.3 Digital & Communications 55 3 Our Business 69 3.1 Our Clients 69 3.2 Our History 1970–2021 73 3.3 Key Programme Statistics 2021 81 4 Our Governance 85 4.1 Corporate Governance Update 85 4.2 Our Board Members 89 4.3 Our Team 99 4.4 Our Member Organisations 102 4.5 Our Committees 104 5 Financial Statements 109 5.1 Company Information 111 5.2 Directors’ Report 113 5.3 Independent Auditors’ Report 117 5.4 Income and Expenditure Statement 120 5.5 Statement of Comprehensive Income 121 5.6 Balance Sheet 122 5.7 Statement of Changes in Equity 123 5.8 Statement of Cash Flows 124 5.9 Notes to the Financial Statements 125 6 Acknowledgements 138 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 5 27/06/2022 14:42

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DCCIAbout

1. Economic Impact Assessment of the Design and Crafts Sector of Ireland. Design & Crafts Council Ireland, 2021. 7

The Executive Team comprises the CEO and heads of department. The heads of department report directly to the CEO and provide regular updates to the DCCI Board on the work of the organisation.

The CEO reports to the DCCI chair and DCCI’sBoard.office and the National Design & Craft Gallery are located in Castle Yard, Kilkenny, with twenty-three full-time employees. The centres of excellence are located in Kilkenny (Jewellery & Goldsmithing) and Island Mill, Thomastown, County Kilkenny (Ceramics).

Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is the national agency for crafts and design in Ireland. We support designers and makers in developing their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of crafts and design. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI provides practical supports to emerging and established designers and craftspeople through a range of programmes and services.

About Design & Crafts Council Ireland

An Economic Impact Assessment of the Design and Crafts Sector of Ireland report, authored by Grant Thornton, stated that in 2019 the crafts-and-design-intensive sectors generated €2.9 billion in gross value added.1 It also showed that the sector is the eighth largest employment sector on the island of Ireland, with 18,000 enterprises supporting 54,000 employees. As at 31 December 2021, DCCI has sixty-four member organisations and 3,461 registered client enterprises. This represents an increase of 257 registered clients since 2020. Our Team DCCI’s Executive Team is responsible and accountable for the leadership and day-to-day management and operation of the organisation. The team acts within the approved policies of the DCCI Board of Directors (the Board) and is consistent with the priorities of its clients.

A roadmap was designed to navigate this period, bridging the previous strategy with the adaptability required during the pandemic and with a view to the 2022–26 strategy. Key strategic priorities in the roadmap were as follows:

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

Our Mission As the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, our mission is to stimulate innovation, champion design thinking and inform government policy.

Our Strategy In 2021 DCCI had just completed the delivery of the 2017–20 strategy under CEO Rosemary Steen, who had been appointed in February 2020, just before the emergence of COVID-19. Like many other organisations, the strategic priority was to remain responsive to the needs of the DCCI community and stakeholders, and to implement government guidelines as they were issued. In parallel, DCCI’s Executive Team focused on developing the 2022–26 strategy with KPMG.

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The following sections outline how the various departments within DCCI achieved these aims.

To grow audience engagement with crafts, enhance commercial opportunities for makers, and facilitate experiences of indigenous craft Toenterprisesbringthe best of crafts to global events through our international partnerships Leadership in Design To service the development needs of designer makers and to advocate for professional designers with government and its offices To champion the role of designers in business and social contexts, promoting design thinking methodologies, solve complex problems and to lead innovative practices Future-focused To ensure DCCI has a high-performance Toculturesupport our employees in understanding emerging trends in design and craft sectors so that the DCCI vision can be achieved 9 StrategyMission / OurVision / OurOur

Advocacy To advocate for Irish crafts and design, with a strong support service for our members and clients To promote the sector internationally and improve awareness of the work that DCCI does Digital Transformation Undertake a digital transformation of DCCI, using all of the technology available to achieve our goals To transform the client, membership and stakeholder experience, as well as bring together the craft and design communities Education and Innovation To support outstanding careers in craft by creating a Centre of Applied Learning, Skills & Innovation in Jewellery To identify new opportunities and increase the creative and innovative development of the sector The Future of Crafts To stimulate economic growth in the craft sector, regionally and nationally

3,461 Registered client enterprises 22 Graduates of DCCI's jewellery and ceramics courses exhibited in InForm exhibiton at the National Museum of Ireland 64 Guilds, Associations, Networks, and Societies (GANS) 96 DCCI clients supported for international development 8,903 DCCI clients supported through mentoring and development activities (live and on YouTube) €25,000 Total prize fund for DCCI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports 2021 programme — the largest prize fund for craft and design students and emerging makers in Europe IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 10 2021 in Review DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 10 27/06/2022 14:42

1,280 Clients took part in the Made Local campaign €45,200 Funding awarded to organisations through the Network Support Scheme 30,754 Visitors attended National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions (NDCG and touring) €50,000 Total prize fund for the Irish Business Design Challenge 50 DCCI clients participated at Showcase 2021 Virtual Showrooms 252 Makers, designers and studios represented in the exhibitions programme 11 Reviewin2021 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 11 27/06/2022 14:42

Image: DCCI Chair Andrew Bradley and ceramicist Nuala O’Donovan at the launch of ‘Conjuring Form’, a PORTFOLIO exhibition, in Doneraile Court IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 12 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 12 27/06/2022 14:42

As 2021 began, the Board worked closely with the Executive Team in the preparation and design of a new strategy for Design & Crafts Council Ireland. The aim of this five-year strategy is to make the Council more relevant to our ever-expanding member base. It also aims to quantify the contribution the crafts and design sector makes to the Irish economy and society at large. This strategy is in part informed by an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) report. By building on a previous assessment ten years earlier, it captures how our sector has grown and provides the context for our new strategy into the future.

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It is our vision that the crafts and design sector will have increased its contribution to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally. To realise this we must support designers and makers to develop their business in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. We must enable our sector to capitalise on the opportunities presented to it so that it can Specifically,grow. the DCCI new strategic plan will focus on the following pillars over the next five years:1.Building capability and capacity to deliver resilient growth 2. Championing design across Ireland 3. Leading and demonstrating sustainability 4. Delivering a future-proof Council We were delighted to launch this strategic plan at our AGM last year.

Andrew Bradley Chair, DCCI

Describing the combined crafts and designintensive sector as an ‘engine for economic growth’, the report states that if it were considered as one sector, it would be the eighth largest in Ireland by number of enterprises and tenth largest by number of employees. Not only that, but the EIA report goes on to say that there is potential that the crafts and design-intensive sectors could provide up to 100,000 employees and a turnover of almost €14 billion by 2026 if the current shortages of craftspeople and designers are addressed.

Our industry’s many accomplishments can at times go under the radar. As a sector we are not great publicists! Therefore, it is heartening to see such an emphatic endorsement of our sector’s huge achievements and potential.

Board Participates in Planning the Future

The DCCI Executive Team worked with the Board, as well as with over forty individual stakeholders, to develop this new strategic plan for DCCI. This plan aims to future-proof our combined vision for the Council through to 2027. It is an exciting and ambitious plan, to reflect both the opportunities that exist within the sector and the government’s ambition for our sector. DCCI looks forward to leading the continued growth of both the sector and the Council itself. Our New Vision

Highlighting the Sector’s Value

Introduction by the Chair

I would also like to thank Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, and his team for their support throughout the year.

I am pleased to present this annual report, and I look forward to working together to support our sector over the next twelve months.

In particular, I would like to thank An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, Minister Damien English TD and Minister Robert Troy TD for their support and participation in Showcase, the Irish Business Design Awards, Future Makers and the Made Local campaigns. I would like to thank Minister Heather Humphreys for her role in the Sessions House project in Thomastown, County Kilkenny.

Finally, this has been a pivotal year for DCCI, and everyone associated with the Council has embraced change in difficult circumstances. The Executive Team supported by the Board is excited for the years ahead. I look forward to reporting next year on our new initiatives currently under development and the achievements they shall deliver.

Simultaneously, Rosemary and the Executive Team have developed and launched a very considered and exciting new strategy that is sure to bring great things to our sector. I would also like to thank the rest of the Executive Team for their significant contributions and for providing continued support to the CEO. This year I would also like to take this opportunity to thank again President Michael D. Higgins who joined us as the guest of honour at our fiftieth-anniversary celebrations. To borrow a quote from the president, it was ‘greatly inspiring to witness how this vibrant industry is so deeply influenced by the skills once handed down from generation to generation, but also powerfully reflects the world we inhabit today’. As always, I would like to sincerely thank retiring Board members for their service and commitment: Paul McKeown, Mary Palmer, Donagh Quigley, Rachel Quinn and Eddie Shanahan. We are delighted that Mary Palmer continues to support us through her role as chair of Showcase Ireland.

Thank You I wish to conclude with some brief thanks. First and foremost, I would like to thank DCCI’s CEO Rosemary Steen. She had quite the start joining the organisation just as the pandemic hit. She has led all of us – Board, staff and stakeholders – through it with strength and empathy, delivering initiatives and support that responded to the changing and challenging times experienced by the wider community.

Andrew Bradley Chair, DCCI

I would like to offer my thanks to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for its support during the year.

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In 2021 we welcomed new Board members, Thomas Murray (ministerial appointee), Berina Kelly, Edel McBride, Kim-Ling Morris and Niki Collier, all of whom have settled into their roles. I would also like to thank the DCCI team for their continuing hard work and significant achievements during 2021, which was a challenging year for all.

2021 – Supporting the Design and Craft Sectors Through Unprecedented Times

Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer

IntroductionOfficer'sExecutiveChief

The year 2021, however, clearly showed the resilience and bravery of the crafts and design sector as we demonstrated our strong value to the Irish economy, and also to each other, through the ongoing challenges. This strength was demonstrated through the various partnerships, programmes and events delivered by DCCI – with the help of our community’s creative energy – despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Our key priority was to help makers manage both the financial and emotional impacts of the lockdowns. Central to this was providing a strong support service that responded to our members’ and clients’ Additionally,needs.we continually advocated for the value of the sector, economically, socially and culturally. We also continuously strived to support members and clients in a variety of innovative ways. I sincerely hope that our actions helped makers to navigate these unprecedented times. After two years of uncertainty, the one thing I am sure of is that, no matter what lies ahead, together we can pave the way for a strong recovery.

This strategy sets out our vision: to increase the contribution of crafts and design to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally, by 2030. Our mission is to do this by supporting designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way and by promoting the benefits of crafts and design to society.

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New Strategic Plan, 2022–26

The road to recovery will be greatly supported by DCCI’s new five-year strategic plan, which was launched at our AGM in Dublin Castle in October.

The Executive Team worked closely with the Board to develop the plan throughout 2021. This involved a series of workshops, interviews and in-depth discussions with our clients and members and with representatives from the Department of 15

Rosemary Steen Chief Executive Officer, DCCI The fiftieth anniversary of any institution or company is a proud but also a challenging time. For DCCI, 2021 was very much a year of two parts: the challenges from the pandemic in 2020 continued into the following year.

The pandemic accelerated the need for a digital transformation within the organisation. Our aim After two years of uncertainty, the one thing I am sure of is that, no matter what lies ahead, together we can pave the way for a strong recovery.

These programmes were developed to help makers adapt to a changed world, supporting various groups including designers and, of course, our Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies. Other programmes, such as Future Makers, provided a platform for emerging makers and students to develop, which in turn supports the sector’s pipeline for the future and preservation of traditions, and education.

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Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and other agencies.

I look forward to the roll-out of this strategy in 2022.

This allowed for a deep analysis of the organisation, including its strengths and the challenges it faces, which allowed for a comprehensive plan to be formed.

To help maximise our resources, DCCI partnered with various organisations throughout 2021. At the start of the year I was delighted to announce our new partnership with GalwayMayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). The work done in collaboration between the two organisations has resulted in DCCI’s courses in ceramics skills & design and jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design being raised to honours-degree-level courses.

Indeed, a testament to the level of proficiency with which graduates emerge from these courses was celebrated through InForm, the collaborative exhibition between the National Museum of Ireland and our students.

Partnerships like this support our pipeline of makers by giving them the opportunity to graduate with enhanced qualifications. Not only did we strengthen our strategic partnerships but we also continued to deliver a range of programmes that served different purposes. They resonated with wide and diverse audiences and included highlights such as Made Local, the Irish Business Design Challenge and the Sláintecare-funded Keep Well campaign.

Digital Transformation

Growing Partnerships and Programmes

Firstly, we re-evaluated and reassessed our digital platforms and initiatives. We determined that an interim website was required so as to offer an enhanced online experience and enable more connections, which was vital during these times. Events and exhibitions also required strong digital platforms.

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And, as ever, I would like to thank the DCCI Board and its chair, Andrew Bradley, and the team at the Council for their hard work and support during the last year.

was to transform the client, membership and stakeholder experience, as well bringing together the crafts and design communities.

To that end, we delivered events in digital formats, such as the virtual showrooms for Showcase 2021 as well as the live broadcast for the Future Makers 2021 awards show. Feedback to date indicates that these platforms provided positive experiences and stronger connections.

While we have set our ambitions high, I look forward to delivering on them, and laying a strong and relevant foundation for the next fifty years of Irish crafts and design.

Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive Officer, DCCI

Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d'aghaidh

Another key focus for the organisation in 2021 was ensuring that we continued to highlight the role sustainable practice plays within Irish crafts and design. Therefore, we were delighted to be appointed partner of the New European Bauhaus project. This project aims to accelerate the transformation of the sector to provide access to all citizens to goods that are circular and less carbon-intensive. As set out in our new five-year strategic plan, crafts and design play an intrinsic role in delivering the sustainability plan across the public and private sectors, and we look forward to supporting that agenda.

As I look back on 2021, one of the events I was most proud to be part of was DCCI’s fiftieth anniversary, celebrating Ireland’s designers and makers. Reaching this milestone was a great achievement made possible by our clients and members being at the heart of everything we do.

Fifty Years of Passion, Energy and Commitment

There is no doubt that our community and stakeholders have got us to where we are today.

Sustainability

IntroductionOfficer'sExecutiveChief

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who have supported us throughout the year. To Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD and his department, Minister Damien English TD and Minister Robert Troy TD, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, and his team, as well as to our colleagues across the Local Enterprise Offices. Also, sincere thanks for the support we have received from Kilkenny County Council, the RDS, the OPW, the National Museum of Ireland, Sláintecare and Creative Ireland.

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Our Activities This part of our report looks at our core activities during 2021. Below, the following core activities are each considered in turn: 2.1 Enterprise and Market Development 2.2 Innovation and Education 2.3 Digital & Communications 2.0 21 ActivitiesOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 21 27/06/2022 14:42

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Enterprise and Market Development

2.1

During 2021 our Enterprise Team continued to adapt to the challenges facing the sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the uncertainties continued through the year, our team maintained strong ongoing contact with our client base, external partners and GANS in the delivery of the key programmes. These programmes have been designed to enhance clients’ capabilities so as to enable them to develop and flourish. In 2021 our focus was to: Work in partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) nationwide to deliver excellent capabilitydevelopment programmes for both early-stage and established clients Roll out the new ECommerce Bootcamp programme in association with the LEOs Deliver 121 mentoring services and peer-mentoring services to clients Increase awareness and sales in the domestic market through the continued support for flagship programmes: PORTFOLIO, Design Ireland and Made Local Work with clients to engage with opportunities in export, online and domestic markets Work with Enterprise Ireland, LEOs and Showcase Design & Craft Fair CLG to ensure the safe delivery of Showcase Ireland in 2021 and 2022 23

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A Clockwise from top left Images: Clockwise from top Winner of the 2021 RDS Irish Craft Bursary, silversmith Cara Murphy, at the launch of ‘Conjuring Form’ in Doneraile Court Members of Original Kildare at the Kildare launch of Made Local 2021 Ceramicist Chloe Lennon, winner of the Future Makers 2021 Overall Emerging Maker award; Jamie Maguire, Notions Creative, winner of the Irish Business Design Challenge 2020 Micro Business Category; silversmith Cara Murphy, winner of the 2021 RDS Irish Craft Bursary; and DCCI Market Development Director Brian McGee at the Irish Craft at Expo 2020 Dubai. Key activities in 2021 were as follows: PORTFOLIO and RDS Irish Craft Bursary

Jennifer Hickey | Joe Hogan | Cecilia Moore Nigel O’Reilly | Helen O’Shea | Michael Rice Emer Roberts | Sasha Sykes | Joseph Walsh Grainne Additionally,Wattswork by three PORTFOLIO makers, Kathleen Walsh, Mike Byrne and Joe Hogan, was on display in the Commissioner’s DCCIOffice. recommended, procured and supplied items from DCCI clients for uniforms, soft furnishings and gifts. 25 25 27/06/2022 14:42

Thirty-nine makers were selected for PORTFOLIO Selection: Sinkevich | Anna Smyth

Irish Craft Bursary Silversmith Cara Murphy was selected as the winner of the RDS Irish Craft Bursary. Cara’s proposal was to use the coastline and beaches of County Donegal to explore working directly in the natural, rugged landscape, creating a new body of work as a result. Department of Foreign Affairs Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE, 1 October 2021–31 March 2022 DCCI worked closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs Global Irish team to communicate an impactful Irish crafts and design presence at the Irish pavilion, which included two main elements: 1. We Are the Makers, an exhibition featuring the work of thirteen makers from PORTFOLIO Critical Selection. The exhibition was curated by Lynn Scarff, director of the National Museum of Ireland. The featured makers were: Scott Benefield | Max Brosi | Edmond Byrne

The PORTFOLIO Critical Selection 2021–2022 publication was designed by Atelier Projects. It was launched at the Conjuring Form exhibition in Doneraile Estate, County Cork on 29 July 2021.

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The judging for PORTFOLIO and the RDS Irish Craft Bursary took place in May. The judgesJeanwere:Blanchaert, director of Galleria Blanchaert, Milan and curator at Homo Faber 2018 and 2022 Alice Stori Liechtenstein, design critic, writer and curator, Austria Juliana Cavaliero and Debra Finn, Cavaliero Finn Gallery, UK

Jim Turner | Leiko Uchiyama | Richard West

The RDS representative for judging the RDS Irish Craft Bursary was Dr Audrey Whitty, deputy director and head of collections and learning at the National Museum of Ireland. applications were submitted to PORTFOLIO 39 applications were submitted to the RDS Irish Craft Bursary

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Andrea Spencer | Katie Spiers | Paula Stokes

Critical

Peter Young

Design Ireland Programme

Design Ireland is a premium brand presenting the breadth and quality of Irish design and craft to both a global and an Irish audience.

Richard Malone/Making and Momentum

National Museum of Ireland (NMI) Work from the estate of Liam Flynn was acquired for the Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft, a joint fund with the NMI. A purchasing plan was agreed with the NMI regarding acquisitions and commissions for the collection until 2023.

Uniforms for eighteen pavilion staff designed by Stable of Ireland Facemasks for all staff designed by Stable of Ireland Soft furnishings and aprons by The Tweed Project Name badges by Abbey Badges Footwear by Dubarry Rope bracelets by Bran Marion Ties and pocket squares by Irish Linen CottonHouset-shirts by Irish T-shirts

Centre Culturel Irlandais Metal artist Cecilia Moore was the overall winner of Irish Design Residency at Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris. With her residency Cecilia proposed to carry out research in relation to the design and method of her sculptural work. Her intention was to visit contemporary dinandiers2 in their workshops and to visit Villedieu-les-Poêles, a historic and contemporary village dedicated to coppersmithing.

DCCI provided support to Richard Malone for his exhibition Making and Momentum, a celebration of the work of Eileen Gray, which opened at Cap Moderne, France in June 2021.

The exhibition featured work from several artists and makers, including Richard Malone, Mourne Textiles, Sara Flynn and Ceadogán Rugs.

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As a current and informed cultural curator, Design Ireland discovers and shares the best work created in Ireland for people who want to buy and gift authentic, quality products and experiences.

2. Dinandiers are French coppersmiths or artisans who make utility and decorative objects by hammering from a sheet of copper or tin.

Selections from PORTFOLIO Critical Selection comprised works by Roger Bennett, Kathleen Walsh and Jack Doherty. Irish Embassy Chicago In February 2021 DCCI participated in the inaugural Design Month at the Irish consulate, Chicago. The theme of the event was Women in Design. The event included a panel discussion with Consul General Kevin Byrne; Nora Gainer, director of Civic Relations & Partnerships at the Art Institute of Chicago; Seliena Coyle, winner of the 2019 RDS Irish Craft Bursary; and Annemarie Reinhold, National Museum of Ireland COVID-19 Commission winner. Tourism DCCI participated in Fáilte Ireland’s Meitheal trade fair in April. As in 2020, this event took place virtually. DCCI met with international tour operators interested in including Irish craft experiences in their itineraries.

Irish Embassy Paris We worked with the team in the Irish embassy in Paris to acquire work for its collection.

Novelty socks by Sock Co-op Linen by Emblem Weavers Clothing items by Magee

Additional support by the Department of Foreign Affairs included setting up a dedicated page on the Expo website (ireland.ie/expo); promoting the makers through their own social media; creating QR codes to direct interested parties to the clients’ own websites; and commissioning a fifteen-minute video featuring several makers at work in their studios.

Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool The Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool provides an annual opportunity for a DCCI maker to feature in the In the Window exhibition during the Liverpool Irish Festival. A maker is selected through a competitive application process. Applicants are asked to propose a body of work responding to a particular theme. DCCI provides financial support for the transport of Thework.2021 theme was ‘Exchange’ and the winner was glass artist Sophie Longwill. Sophie’s work was on show in the gallery as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival in October 2021.

Subsequently, the work toured to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, where it was opened by Prince Albert of Monaco.

Jill & MadiganGill Dublin Molloy & Sons Due to US COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the clients were not permitted to enter the US. A local sales team was put in place to support the clients in staffing their stands at the show and meeting buyers. It has been reported that, while visitor numbers were lower than usual at the show, attending buyers were keen to do business and orders for the Irish exhibitors were strong.

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Funding Armoura Designs Ltd: The Celtic Show Blath Ban Ltd t/a Róisín Pierce: London Fashion Week Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes: The Celtic Show 27

In 2021 the Design Ireland Programme was redeveloped to encompass a broader grouping of clients and to facilitate easier access to a wider range of supports. In addition to gaining access to the Design Ireland site, clients could also express an interest in and potentially be selectedDesignfor: Ireland at international events –i.e. Shoppe Object in New York Design Ireland at Showcase Design Ireland retail initiatives – i.e. the Design Ireland shop in Terminal 2, Dublin Airport

The two-part selection process consisted of a panel of retail and brand experts to assess commercial viability, and a Digital Advisory Panel to offer insight and advice on the brands’ digital presence. A total of nineteen Irish and international experts took part in the selection337panels.businesses applied online 218 passed selection 157 were ready for immediate inclusion on the Design Ireland site 61 were provided with feedback and support to further strengthen their online presence in advance of inclusion on the site International Programmes Design Ireland at Shoppe Object, New York, September 2021 Shoppe Object is a curated trade show that takes place in New York in spring and autumn each year. The fair attracts a wide range of high-end independent lifestyle, gift and specialist retailers from North America. Attending buyers are interested in sourcing authentic brands that have interesting stories to tell so as to appeal to their discerning consumers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the February 2021 show was presented online only, and the August show was postponed until September. Seven DCCI client enterprises featured in the Design Ireland pavilion at Shoppe Object from 19–21 September 2021, and featured on the Shoppe Online sales platform for six months. The seven client enterprises were: BarEssential – The Art of Soap Copperfish CushendaleLightingWoollen Mills Jennifer Slattery Textiles

International Fair Fund 2021

On foot of the success of the show, four exhibitors expressed an interest in returning, and DCCI initiated a call-out for additional brands to feature in the spring 2022 show.

The International Fair Fund (IFF) supports clients who are ready to access markets abroad by offering financial support to exhibit at international trade fairs. It has been available to DCCI clients since 2011. In 2020 and 2021 many trade fairs were cancelled, postponed or switched to hybrid options. Therefore, DCCI broadened the scope of the fund to include online and hybrid shows. In 2021 two IFF call-outs were held: in March and November. €86,200 was awarded through the two selections. In total, fortyeight applications from forty businesses were successful. The summary details and full listings are as Marchfollows:IFF:38applications, with 35 approved for funding 14 different shows in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and the US 75% of the shows applied for were virtual November IFF: 13 applications, with 13 approved for funding 11 different shows in the UK, Europe and the US Full Listing of Clients Approved for IFF

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The Silver Loom: Milan Fashion Week

Black Hen Designs: Spring Fair Bláth Bán Ltd: London Fashion Week

West End Knitwear: The Celtic Show Design Ireland Shop, Terminal 2, Dublin Airport Following its eighteen-month closure due to COVID-19, the Design Ireland shop in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport reopened to the travelling public on 13 September 2021. Twentyfour brands were stocked in the store for the reopening, with an additional two brands introduced the following month. Despite significantly reduced passenger numbers, sales exceeded expectations and, as a result, store opening hours were extended to meet the demand. The Design Ireland brand is licensed by DCCI to Aer Rianta International, which owns and runs the shop.

Made Local Campaign Following the success of Made Local in 2020, the DCCI Board, together with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, decided to continue the campaign into 2021. A refined message, ‘Love Made Local’, was developed, in conjunction with the tagline ‘Love what you give’.

On 24 June 2021 the 2021 Made Local campaign was launched in Dublin by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, together with brand ambassador Rachael Blackmore, our CEO, our chair and five makers. The campaign was a nationwide event and photocalls were also held in twelve locations across Ireland. For the peak staycation season, DCCI ran a full consumer-awareness campaign including points of sale, digital advertising and radio advertising. Feedback from shops and makers across the country was extremely positive.

Julie Clarke Candles: ACE; Maison&Objet Latitude Kinsale: BOOT Liz Christy: Hand-Woven in Ireland & LizzyC Sheep; The Celtic Show Matt Smith: Expo Chicago; Art Miami McKernan Woollen Mills: MSA McPadden: Tranoi Meab Enamels: The Celtic Show Nigel O'Reilly Goldsmith: Autelier Ogham Treasure: The Celtic Show Olann: Yarndale Orla Reynolds: Milan Design Week Palm Free Irish Soaps Ltd: Shoppe Object Rathbornes 1488: Shoppe Object Rhyme Studio Inc.: Wanted Design Fair Sandia Dublin: MSA Shane Holland Design Workshops: Lighting + SiobhánBuildingDaly Designs: MSA; The Celtic TheShowClaypipe Visitor Centre Ltd (Ogham Wishes): The Celtic Show The Roots of Ireland: The Celtic Show

Celtic Gent Limited t/a Celtic Tweed: The Celtic Show, Chicago Collective Copperfish: Shoppe Object Cushendale Woollen Mills: Maison&Objet Debbie Millington: Maison&Objet; Shoppe Object Fintan Mulholland: SKMMP Gifts: The Celtic Show Hanna Hats of Donegal Ltd: The Celtic Show Harte Outdoor Lighting: Maison&Objet

Jennifer Rothwell Design Ltd: NY Now Jill & Gill: Maison&Objet John Hanly & Co: Maison&Objet; Shoppe Object; NY Now

Hearts of Ireland: NY Now Irish Handmade Glass Ltd: The Celtic Show Jayne Gillan Designs: The Celtic Show

The winter 2021 Made Local campaign was launched on 10 November 2021 by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy TD, Paul Neeson, the director of Retail Ireland at Aer Rianta International, our CEO and four makers. DCCI also partnered with thirteen GANS for thirteen regional launches around the country. 29

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Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was very strong, with good sales reported for featured products. The Made Local campaign also experienced an increase in new makers signing up to the campaign as a result of the impact of the messaging at the show.

Made Local Selected Gifts at Gifted Craft Fair

The Gifted Fair returned to the RDS in December 2021 after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. DCCI partnered with the organiser to present a curated area of Irish-made products at the centre of Main Hall in order to: Inspire visitors to the show with gift ideas and options Promote DCCI clients at the show Reinforce the Made Local message

Enterprise Development Programmes

Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme

Made Local featured in very positive media coverage both regionally and nationally.

The Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme, in partnership with the network of LEOs, is a premium package of support tailored to designers and makers so as to boost their products 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.

There was a strong response on social media, with the hashtags trending number 1 on Twitter yet again. By the end of the year the number of retail shops signed up to the campaign was 342, while the number of makers grew to 1,280.

All DCCI clients taking part were invited to submit work for inclusion and were provided with Made Local branding for their stands. Forty-seven clients expressed an interest in featuring and, in total, 140 products were selected for display.

Seventy-one companies participated in the BCDE programme across Ireland in four groups: Dublin; Galway and the west of Ireland; Donegal and the north-west; and National. The 2021 programme is currently under review, with findings expected in early Q3 2022.

ECommerce Bootcamp In 2021 DCCI held two cycles of the new ECommerce Bootcamp programme: spring and summer. In all, 181 clients took part across the two cycles. The ECommerce Bootcamp programme audited key areas of businesses’ online footprint and e-commerce capability, and presented the findings at a mentoring session that recommended action on improving their e-commerce capability, including: Brand and content: position, strategy, messaging, storytelling Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube Email: templates, list segregation SEO: Google Analytics tracking, on-page SEO, page speed, blog, sitemap E-commerce and UX: navigation, calls to action, checkout/booking process, Reactionoptimisationfromparticipants has been very positive, and a full review is currently underway, including monitoring and evaluation of participants’ progress, with findings expected in early Q3 2022.

In 2021 DCCI ran three partnership programmes with the network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs): the Get Set Programme, the Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme and the ECommerce Bootcamp. Get Set Programme This programme is an introductory support for new craft and design businesses that wish to push out their boundaries on product development and branding through the design process. Spaced with two-month intervals, it allows time for important development work in the Theinterim.ideabehind this programme is to provide a foundation of knowledge so that graduates can then be invited to apply to participate in the more in-depth Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme. In 2021 forty-seven businesses participated in the Get Set Programme.

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This programme was delivered in 2021 by means of online workshops and mentoring by industry-expert mentors.

The virtual fair was the first time that Showcase had not been held in-person since it was founded in 1976. The project was experimental and by design had a limited number of participants (buyers and sellers).

Framework for virtual negotiations Enterprise Ireland conducted a strong recruitment process with buyers in key international markets, and Showcase Ireland, with DCCI, is promoting the opportunity in the home market.

Showcase Virtual Showrooms, 2021 As a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, in September 2020 the DCCI Board took the decision to run Showcase 2021 virtually. Showcase Virtual Showrooms were held during the week of 25–29 January 2021 from 9am–7pm each day. Makers across the country opened up their studios to buyers to meet, see new products and discuss business opportunities for 2021. Although it was a period of huge uncertainty for the crafts and design community and the retail community, the Showcase Virtual Showrooms offered the opportunity to maintain relationships and share ideas and experiences for all involved. This new initiative was delivered by the new Showcase Design & Crafts Fair CLG on behalf of DCCI and with the strong support of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs nationwide.

Export Development Programme

2022 At the end of 2021 a tender was completed for the Export Development Programme that will be run in partnership with the LEOs, with the programme launching in Q1 2022. Twenty-five applications were received, which will each be subject to an export-diagnostic process. From these evaluations, a group of fifteen exportready businesses will be selected to participate in the full export programme in 2022. They will participate in a series of export workshops, supported by one-to-one mentoring that will deliver export action plans. Where appropriate, granular export-plan and market-specific research will be activated to support export activation for participants who are fully export-ready. Peer Mentoring Peer mentoring had a large response, with over 137 applications from designer and makers who wished to offer peer mentoring to DCCI clients. Following evaluation of applications in early June 2021, twenty-six peer mentors were selected across a range of disciplines, forming the Peer Mentor Panel. A further cohort was identified as having key expertise in the areas of e-commerce, heritage craft-skills transfer and business-succession planning.

The DCCI webinar series was designed as an online resource platform for crafts and design enterprise, thus offering support and connection during the COVID-19 restrictions. This webinar series was delivered weekly during February through to early December 2021, with an emphasis on commercial development, including sales, marketing, e-commerce, etc. These weekly online webinars had 971 expressions of interest, with 750 attendees.

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DCCI Webinar Series

for crafting corporate stories

There were 104 exhibitors showing their products on the platform, made up of DCCI, EI and LEO clients. Each of these had participated in a virtual-selling masterclass delivered by EI, which covered a range of topics, including: Best-practice virtual-meeting etiquette Pre-, in-meeting and post-meeting

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The Showcase

Registered exhibitors and buyers also received an authoritative research paper on The Future of eCommerce. The platform enabled personalised private meetings to be prearranged and held on the platform. Over the week, 567 meetings were scheduled through the platform, and positive engagements and business generated from the exhibitors were reported.

In December 2021, following extensive consultation with the sector, the chair of Showcase Design & Crafts Fair CLG, Mary Palmer, announced that the fair would be delayed by five weeks, to run at the end of February 2022. Virtual A Clockwise from top left DCCI's Made Local area at the Gifted Fair Design Ireland at Shoppe Object Model, Karla wears an FAO Millinery felt hat, Yvonne Ryan gold hoop earrings, Miss She's Got Knits handknit cardigan, Madigan cashmere scarf, Begley & Bowie sweater, Úna Burke leather bag and Native Denims jeans at the launch of the Made Local Christmas 2021 campaign at The Loop, Dublin Airport.

Showrooms offered the opportunity to maintain relationships and share ideas and experiences for all involved.

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A total of 316 pre-approved and selected buyers registered and took part in the event. Of these, 264 had preregistered and fifty-two registered during the week. Of the registered buyers, 127 were based in Ireland and 189 in international markets. Several buyers with significant purchasing power took part, including the British Shop (Germany), Assmus Naturtextilien (Germany), Le Comptior Irlandais (France), Hammacher Schlemmer (US), QVC (US), British & Irish Imports (Canada), English Heritage (UK), Highland House of Fraser (UK), Allegro (an online Polish retailer with twenty million users), Arnotts/Brown Thomas, Carraig Donn, Irish Design Shop, Kilkenny and Meadows & Byrne.

Showcase 2022 In September 2021 the DCCI Board agreed to launch Showcase 2022 as a physical and digital fair in January 2022. The team worked closely with LEOs nationwide and Enterprise Ireland to plan and deliver the trade fair. However, the rapid upsurge in COVID-19 in late 2021 necessitated a rethink for the partners.

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1,280 clients took part in the Made Local campaign 48 181 8,424 71 clients supported through the International Fair Fund clients engaged with webinars programme clients participated in the new ECommerce Bootcamp programme participants in the Building Craft and Design Enterprise programme 35 ActivitiesOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 35 27/06/2022 14:43

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2.2 Innovation and Education Our Innovation and Education Team continued to support our community through the second year of the pandemic. While ongoing restrictions brought many challenges, the team worked hard to support the crafts and design sector in many ways. Supports included funding opportunities, as well as educating and engaging through various programmes, activities and exhibitions. In 2021 our focus was to: — Work with European partners to secure funding to maximise DCCI resources — Engage and support our member organisations, which include GANS as well as corporate bodies — Develop engagement through National Design & Craft Gallery programmes — Support the needs of key industry sectors through centres of excellence — Develop career opportunities in design and craft — Offer learning opportunities in design and craft across all levels of education — Support the next generation of makers, designers and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise 37 ActivitiesOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 37 27/06/2022 14:43

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The WCC–E delegates and board provided positive feedback about their visit to Ireland and DCCI’s Throughouthospitality.2021WCC–E continued to host virtual meetings and webinars on crucial topics with guest speakers. These events were a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to engage with its European members and the general public, creating a platform for makers and craft organisations across Europe to discuss important issues for the craft sector.

3.applicationsDissemination of the results of the projects within Europe and beyond The project is currently in its implementation phase.

Key activities during 2021 were as follows: European and International Projects World Crafts Council–Europe DCCI hosted the WCC–Europe General Assembly (WCC–E) in-person at Dublin Castle from 13–15 October 2021. WCC–E delegates were invited to the AGM and the various activities that marked DCCI’s fiftieth anniversary, including a formal reception with President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina Higgins.

2. Development of digital skills through its iAtelier programme. The iAtelier is a programme of activities designed to encourage innovation by integrating new digital-fabrication technologies into craft practice, thereby opening up potential new markets and opportunities for craftspeople.

A Image: Silversmith and Irish Craft Hero Peter Donovan at the launch of the Irish Craft Heroes outdoor panel trail in Kilkenny Castle Park.

wcc-europe.org/ New European Bauhaus In 2021 DCCI successfully became a partner of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) project, an ambitious cultural movement involving a new design, art, architecture and technological movement to accompany the European Union’s New Renovation Wave and the European Green Deal. The initiative has three phases:

Crafting Europe DCCI is leading on the delivery of the Crafting Europe programme, which received funding under Creative Europe’s large-scale cooperation projects, with an associated budget of €1,828,640. The Crafting Europe programme was inspired by the need to build capacity within the craft sector across Europe. It is a partnership between nine expert organisations across Europe. The Crafting Europe programme (2019–22) focuses on three areas:

DCCI hosted a Crafting Europe partner meeting at Dublin Castle on 13 October 2021 (the meeting was held in-person). However, as in 2020, there were many delays and the postponement of Crafting Europe activities and programmes throughout 2021 due to COVID-19. Project partners have resumed organising Crafting Europe activities in their own countries. These are mainly taking place either online or in a socially distanced space, depending on the country.

craftingeurope.com/

2. Implementation: developing a minimum of five pilot projects based on successful

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1. Professional development of craftspeople through the Crafting Business programme, which provides expert training and tutorials, seminars and webinars. The key goals of Crafting Europe are to enhance new skills and to improve employability for emerging and current professionals in the craft sector.

1. Harvesting: collecting concrete ideas on what the NEB should be

europa.eu/new-european-bauhaus/index_en

3. Research: Crafting Europe will undertake research into the economic value of the craft sector in order to disseminate a clear and cohesive understanding of the impact and value of European craft.

Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) Member Organisations

3. Innovative approaches and tools to modernise the craft sector 4. Access to finance

Network Support Scheme

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On 10–11 May 2021 CRAFTS CODE held its third ITS online. The audience of over 250 people throughout the two days heard about ‘good practices’ that responded to the topic ‘How to innovate the craft sector’. This two-day hybrid seminar included presentations from craft SMEs, organisations and stakeholders in Ireland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, Italy and Spain. To research the ‘good practices’ presented, CRAFTS CODE partners hosted local-stakeholdergroup meetings. As a result of COVID-19, these meetings were held online in most partner countries. Participants in DCCI’s localstakeholder-group meetings are from a variety of backgrounds, including universities/ITs, Local Enterprise Offices, the Business Innovation Centre, the Southern Regional Assembly, county councils and craft SMEs. On 18–19 November 2021 the fourth ITS was hosted in hybrid form by Spanish partner Fundesarte in Madrid. DCCI travelled to this two-day hybrid seminar, which included presentations from all the project partners on their good practices and which responded to the topic ‘How to help the crafts sector access finance’. For this topic, DCCI presented on the soft supports available to craft SMEs in addition to grant-aid schemes offered by Local Enterprise Offices. DCCI is in discussion with the Southern Regional Assembly on the CRAFTS CODE action plan, which is due to be implemented in late 2022 and throughout 2023 as part of the CRAFTS CODE initiative. The aim of this action is to assist with the implementation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region. craftscode/projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/

The member organisations of DCCI, which include Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) as well as corporate bodies, play a pivotal role in DCCI’s activities and supports in Ireland. The engagement of DCCI’s member organisations and its registered clients is instrumental in informing DCCI’s strategic plans for developing the crafts and design sector. It enables the delivery of many DCCI initiatives across the island of Ireland. As of 31 December 2021, the total number of GANS was sixty-four.

On 30 September 2021 a CRAFTS CODE ‘matchmaking’ event was hosted by DCCI. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this event (2.5 hours in duration) was hosted online. It provided the opportunity for partners to meet with their stakeholders to discuss various good practices that potentially may be useful for their region and enhance their policy instrument.

CRAFTS CODE DCCI is the communications partner for CRAFTS CODE, with project funding secured through Interreg Europe. The total budget for CRAFTS CODE is €1.5m. The project runs from CRAFTS2019–23.

DCCI’s Network Support Scheme provided funding for several GANS during 2021. This financial support scheme, which is offered on a match-funding basis, is available to organisations that are subscribed to DCCI. The aim of the scheme is to provide funding for activities that develop and professionalise DCCI’s collective organisations.

In 2021 applications were reviewed by an internal DCCI panel consisting of Mary Blanchfield DCCI, Mary Whelan DCCI and Irene Walsh DCCI and an external panellist, Amanda Ryan, grants officer with the Heritage Council. The total amount of funding awarded was €45,200.

CRAFTS CODE held the third and fourth Interregional Thematic Seminar (ITS) events.

CODE focuses on four areas: 1. How to improve innovation in business models and process 2. Access to new markets

provide funds to support

RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary

support for

new

Irish lacemakers.

The RDS continued its dedicated Irish collaborating with DCCI on a lace bursary. Valued at €8,000 in its first the purpose of the award was to contemporary It is planned that from 2022 the RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary will be worth €2,000 annually and will be awarded via the DCCI GANS Network Support Scheme. Closing date: Friday 6 April 2021. Fifteen applications were received and were assessed on 9 April 2021. The bursary was awarded to Fiona Harrington. Residency Award, Tyrone Guthrie Centre: Awarded by Design & Crafts Council Ireland A one-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, County Monaghan was awarded by DCCI. Saidhbhín Gibson was awarded the bursary in 2020 but due to COVID-19 restrictions could not attend until July 2021. The residency period proved to be a hugely beneficial time for Saidhbhín, who focused on lace research and professional development within her practice. She also had the opportunity to meet with Máire Treanor, who provided invaluable information on Clones lace and Irish crochet lace. Saidhbhín also visited the Canal Stores Museum and Cassandra Hand Museum in Clones, County Monaghan, where she gathered additional information regarding the development of Clones lace within its historical context. DCCI Member Organisations Membership applications were submitted to the nominations committee for approval, and the following groups were approved for membership of DCCI in 2021: 10 Hands Craft Business to Arts By Design 41

craft by

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Key Achievements Twenty-two GANS were awarded funding in 2021. In total, €45,200 was granted for a range of activities, such as branding, marketing, craft fairs and festivals, photo shoots, media presentations, workshops, masterclasses, forge-ins and seminars. The list of funding awards is presented here. Name of organisation Amount granted € Benchspace Cork 4,500 Borris Lacemakers 1,000 Cork Craft & Design 5,000 Council of Irish Fashion Designers 2,000 Feltmakers Ireland 1,500 FORM Designmade in Carlow 1,500 Glass Society of Ireland 5,000 Headford Lace Project 1,000 Institute of Designers in Ireland 5,000 Irish Patchwork Society 1,000 Irish Society of Stage & Screen Designers 1,000 IrishCeramics 3,000 Louth DesignersCraftmarkNetwork 1,500 MADE in Kilkenny 2,000 Made in Sligo 1,000 Making.ie 1,500 Na Píobairí Uilleann 2,000 Society of Cork Potters 500 St.Angela’s College 600 The Leitrim Design House CLG 1,600 West Cork Craft & Design Guild 2,000 Wexford Craft Trail and Network 1,000 Total Granted 45,200 GANS Meetings 2021 These meetings provided a valuable forum for the member organisations to network and receive updates on DCCI programmes and activities. They also provided an opportunity for DCCI to receive feedback about the sector and to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Five meetings were held in 2021 (one in-person, four online). Dates 8 April 2021 (virtual) 10 June 2021 (virtual) 12 August 2021 (virtual) 12 October 2021 (Dublin Castle) 9 December 2021 (virtual) Awards 2021

year,

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Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association Quilters Guild of Ireland DCCI also worked with Kilkenny Arts Office on the Knitted Together 2 project, where volunteers knitted or crocheted squares during lockdowns. These squares were pieced together to form blankets, which were donated to charities.

dcci.ie/learners/keep-well

Keep Well Campaign

Creative

European Artistic Crafts Days 2021

A series of 30–40-minute coffee-morning talks were developed in support of European Artistic Crafts Days (EACD) 2021 and the Keep Well Thesecampaign.events were very well attended, with approximately 220 registered to attend: Talk 1: How Tradition Informs Contemporary Making Natalie B. Coleman discussed her collections, where she uses traditional techniques such as lacemaking, weaving, knitting and hand embroidery. Natalie created an exquisitely embroidered bridal gown featuring Carrickmacross lacework on the sleeves, and worked with a team of skilled craftspeople, including Carrickmacross lacemakers Marion Egan and Theresa Kelly, embroidery expert and designer Jill de Burca, and knitted-textiles designer Katie Hanlan.

The Keep Well campaign formed part of the government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020–2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 with the aim of promoting individual and community resilience. DCCI focused on the campaign’s strand titled ‘Switching off and being creative’. This programme encouraged people at home to ‘switch off, be creative, and to learn something new’. It offered people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to engage with a series of online creative activities and also with onsite activities at public locations (when possible within COVID-19 guidelines), all designed to promote well-being and resilience during the pandemic.

TheTheOriginalIrishGuaranteedSparkIrishCeramicsKildareBigIdea!MakersHouse

Ireland Glass Society of Ireland Headford Lace Project Irish Patchwork Society

The National Design & Craft Gallery held Education & Outreach events to support the campaign including the ‘Narrative Tools project’, an online and postal intergenerational project. The gallery hosted eight virtual live workshops and talks with 965 attendees, as well as seventeen pre-recorded craft-themed workshops and talks, and a school knitting project with thirty students. As part of the campaign, DCCI issued a call-out to design a collar (wearable, creative, inventive, innovative and contemporary in design) for an online exhibition of collars. The call-out generated plenty of interest and there were over 200 participants in the project. A selection of the collars was presented in a capsule exhibition in Dublin Castle as part of the events celebrating DCCI’s fiftieth anniversary.

Nine GANS projects were supported through theCorkBenchspacecampaign:Craft&

DCCI Postage Scheme DCCI negotiated a flat rate with An Post for the posting of parcels to destinations in the Republic of Ireland. The scheme was announced to GANS on 28 September 2020 and is open exclusively to GANS members. As of 31 December 2021, 20,000 labels had been ordered at a cost of approximately €100,000.

Design Cork Textiles Network Feltmakers

Talk 2: Tools of the Trade Audience members gained a general overview of the Narrative Tools project and were able to listen to and view a selection of wonderful stories and imagery gathered to date.

Talk 3: Irish Textiles Mills In this webinar Anne Kiely and Carmel Creaner shared the fascinating history they have uncovered about the Cork textile industry over the last two centuries. This research was carried out as background to a substantial installation commissioned by Cork City Libraries. Carmel and Anne A Upper image: Work by Fiona Harrington, winner of the RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary Lower imager: Work by Amy Kerr, winner of the Future Makers 2021 Sustainable Design Award in the Student & Recent Graduates category 43

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Max Brosi Ceadogán Rugs

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| Isobel

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Garvan deBruir Egan Emmet Kane Andrew Ludick Mary Neeson Robert O’Connor Aoife Soden Reed Kathleen McCormick Martin Lyttle Antonio Julio López Castro Aisling McElwain Paul Bokslag Klaus Hartmann Lexie Macleod ERA (22 July–9 October 2021) DCCI’s jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design course graduate exhibition showcased the high levels of craftsmanship and skills honed by students during the intensive

Exhibitions Programme During 2021 the following exhibitions were produced by DCCI’s NDCG: Hand to Hand (January–May 2021, online only as galleries were closed) Hand to Hand was an exhibition of new works by the graduates of DCCI’s ceramic skills & design course. The exhibition showcased innovative designs through a diverse range of finely crafted tableware and expressive sculptural forms. Although restrictions meant that the exhibition could not open to the public, huge online promotion was undertaken, with Process Videos, Virtual Visits and a Buy + Collect pages, resulting in over eighty sales.

| Rose Brettingham | Iona Crawford Topp | Claire Dooley | Antonio Julio López Castro | Lexie Macleod | Laura Matikaite | Lydia Smith | Daniel Smyth Katharina Treml | Luna Van Mierlo Curious Treasures II (26 May–8 July 2021) This was a vibrant exhibition celebrating luscious, tactile and quirky work by nineteen innovative designers and makers. Each of the selected pieces embodied a careful selection of materials and meticulous skill and creative design to create objects that communicate passion, perseverance and personality. With an emphasis on curiosity and wonder, the selection focused on highly desirable pieces for purchase. The exhibition was presented in the gallery’s large windows facing onto Castle Yard as well as within the gallery space, which ensured the exhibition could be enjoyed by visitors despite restrictions. The exhibition was curated by Susan Holland.

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discussed their project, The Woven History of Douglas, and textile artist Caroline Schofield highlighted her familial history in the woollen mills in Kilkenny, in the arts-andcraft movement and more.

National Design & Craft Gallery Established by DCCI in 2000, the National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, implementing best practice in line with international standards. The gallery’s exhibition programme represents the most inventive, skilled designers and makers in Irish contemporary craft and design. In 2021 DCCI’s NDCG focused on an indepth exploration of Irish craft: from the historic evolution of craft over fifty years to highlighting emerging makers, traditional crafts to contemporary design, and celebrating excellence in making and design. DCCI’s NDCG also produced a major international master's exhibition of innovation in patination of Duringmetalwork.theyear the NDCG developed and deepened relationships with a number of bodies through strategic partnerships so as to increase support for programmes. These included partnerships with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Museum of Ireland to tour a capsule of PORTFOLIO work to Dubai Expo; an ongoing deepening of our partnership with the Office of Public Works resulting in the launch of the PORTFOLIO exhibition Conjuring Form at Doneraile Court; What Colour Is Metal? at State Apartments, Dublin Castle; and Irish Craft Heroes at both Kilkenny Castle Park and Dublin Castle. Funding partnerships also included Kilkenny County Council supporting the production of Irish Craft Heroes; National College of Art and Design co-funding online Meet the Maker sessions for What Colour Is Metal?; and Kilkenny Arts Office supporting the gallery’s Culture Night programme. Existing relationships with cultural venues and agencies were also maintained, such as those with Kilkenny Arts Festival, Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Design and Kilkenny Civic Trust, Kilkenny Tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Yulefest.

Inga

Coolree Design

Hugo Byrne Mike Byrne

DCCI’s PORTFOLIO Critical Selection is a biennial publication and exhibition of leading Irish contemporary design and craft, with makers selected for achieving excellence by comparative international standards.

Josh Reynolds

JulianaExhibitorsAltschul Frister

ScottExhibitorsBenefield

Emma Grant Marianne Kenny |

Conjuring Form was curated by Alice Stori Liechtenstein and produced by DCCI in partnership with the Office of Public Works.

Patrick Brennan Tim Coffey |

Stuart Cairns Mary Conroy Jack Doherty Sara Flynn Jennifer Hickey Joe Hogan Alison Kay John Lee Antonio Julio Lopez Castro Alan Meredith Cecilia Moore Sadhbh Mowlds Cara Murphy Mary Nagle Nuala O’Donovan Nigel O’Reilly Helen O’Shea Annemarie O’Sullivan Annemarie Reinhold

Melissa White PORTFOLIO(Power) Conjuring Form (Launched at Doneraile Court, 30 July–12 September 2021) The makers in PORTFOLIO have reached their high standard of practice through years of refinement, and typify the best in contemporary Irish practice, with a deep understanding of their chosen materials and techniques, and mastery to conjure form.

Sophie Scullion |

Martin Breen

Michael Rice Emer Roberts Peter Sheehan & Cathal Loughnan Matt Smith Sasha Sykes Joseph Walsh Studio Kathleen Walsh

Emma Bourke

Paul Bokslag

Max Brosi

Cathy Burke Úna Burke Anne Butler Edmond Byrne

To mark this landmark occasion, DCCI’s National Design & Craft Gallery produced an outdoor touring exhibition charting the evolution of the crafts and design sector in Ireland over the last fifty years, paying homage to the many makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of crafts and design practice in Ireland. In response to restrictions, the exhibition developed a highly visual outdoor panel trail with a focus on strong images of iconic pieces and the sharing of makers’ stories through designed panels. This innovative outdoor presentation ensured the project could take place within government guidelines and ensured that the widest possible audience had an opportunity to engage with the project. Touring will continue in 2022.

Roger Bennett

two-year programme. ERA demonstrated a diverse range of jewellery and goldsmithing skills, combining traditional specialist techniques with contemporary design. The exhibition title, ERA, referenced the students’ time studying in Kilkenny and the impact of the makers who had been in the workshops before them from Kilkenny Design Workshops 1963–88 through the various DCCI courses running since the 1990s.

Gráinne Watts Zelouf & Bell Irish Craft Heroes – 50 Makers × 50 Years (Launched at Kilkenny Castle, 16 July–6 October 2021, toured to Dublin Castle, 14 October–3 December 2021) Irish Craft Heroes – 50 Makers × 50 Years, a major exhibition celebrating fifty years of Irish craft, coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of DCCI’s establishment in 1971.

Corinne Gallagher Siobhán McArdle | Róisín McCabe |

contemporary silversmithing and jewellery, with a mapping of relationships and practice in key centres internationally. It examined approaches ranging from colour achieved using the inherent property of metal to react with other chemicals or heat (or a combination); the reveal of colour as a property of the metal itself; infusing the surface of aluminium with pure colour or image; the use of enamel glazes with varying degrees of transparency and opacity – but always with a fundamentally strong relationship with the surface qualities of the metal. Curated by Sara Roberts and Cóilín Ó

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| Edmond Byrne Stuart Cairns | Alison Counsell | Christine Graf | Koji Hatakeyama | Nicola Heidemann Simone ten Hompel | Kaori Juzu | Toru Kaneko | Ruth Laird | Jose Marin | Cecilia Moore | John Moore | Cara Murphy Thanh-Truc Nguyen | Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill Rebecca de Quin | Michael Rowe | Ryuhei Sako | Adi Toch | Jessica Turrell | Roxanne Simone | Max Warren Made in Ireland (22 October 2021–30 January 2022) Made in Ireland celebrated the wealth and vibrancy of Ireland's studio crafts, with over 120 craftspeople presenting beautiful, considered objects using skills honed over many Ireland’syears.makers, working in and across different sectors, create innovative work of high quality. Makers work with local and carefully sourced materials across all regions of our island. Some makers are household names, but most work away quietly perfecting their skill and promoting their work regionally. This vibrant and diverse exhibition curated by Hilary Morley, Mary Gallagher and Stephen O’Connell celebrated the very best of what is made in Ireland. Aelst Egle Banyte Muriel Beckett Scott Benefield Roger Bennett Paul Bokslag Emma Bourke Brennan Sinéad Brennan Max Brosi Cathy Burke Anne Butler Róisín de Buitlear Hugo Byrne Janice Byrne

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Sales of work from 2021 exhibitions

DCCI’s External Exhibitions Fund (EEF) assists in developing 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 and abroad. The aims are 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; enable relationships with international galleries and collectors; increase awareness of activities associated with high-quality design and craft exhibitions through engagement and education programmes; and to enhance the reputation of Irish design and craft in Ireland and abroad.

thestoreborris.com A Breath of Fresh Air by the Glass Society of Ireland at Venice Glass Week, a Keep Well project by fifty glass makers who collaborated virtually on a large ‘Glass Quilt’ during and after the third wave of COVID-19. theveniceglassweek.com

London Craft Week exhibition by 10 Hands Crafts at Brady Mallalieu Architects together with a 10 Hands Crafts film launch at Ballydehob Arts Museum. 10handscrafts.com Lúnasa at Lavit Gallery, Cork as part of Cork Craft Month 2021. Curated by Stephen O’Connell, the exhibition showcased new work in an established contemporary gallery, illustrating the proven desire to promote Irish craft. lavitgallery.com

International KOGEI Award is a prestigious exhibition held at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design. Cathy Burke and Elaine Harrington were selected by an international jury and invited to exhibit.

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External Exhibitions Fund 2021

Hand to Hand 81 pieces sold with an overall value of €5,853 Curious Treasures II 26 pieces sold with an overall value of €4,466 ERA 63 pieces sold with an overall value of €8,638 Conjuring Form 4 pieces sold with an overall value of €11,000 Made in Ireland 54 pieces sold with an overall value of €10,148 Total sales for 2021: € 40,105 External Exhibitions Fund

4. Irish Craft Heroes – 50 Makers × 50 Years: (14 October–3 December 2021) toured to Dublin Castle Key Achievements There were 30,754 visitors to NDCG exhibitions in 2021, and a further 448,424 to shows on tour. There were 23,901 visitors to the NDCG website (NDCG.ie) in 2021. NDCG posted 392 times on Facebook in 2021 with a total reach of 83,212 and 13,988 engagements, and gained 261 new followers. NDCG posted 208 times on Instagram in 2021 with a total reach of 16,283 and 10,894 engagements, and gained 769 new followers.

Tension by FORM Designmade in Carlow, an exhibition of collaborative works in Kilgraney House Gallery, Kilgraney, Carlow, which included film documentation of the exhibition for network promotion.

Making and Momentum: Eileen Gray in Conversation, an international exhibition by Richard Malone celebrating the legacy of modern Irish craft and design worldwide. Launching at Eileen Gray’s E-1027 Villa in France, and returning to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History. instagram.com/makingandmomentum

tad-toyama.jp/en/exhibition-event/3899 From the Earth, presented by Cork Craft & Design for Cork Craft Month, was an exhibition aimed at inspiring creativity and nurturing talent among furniture makers. corkcraftanddesign.com

252 makers and studios were represented in the National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions programme.

The EEF support for exhibitions in 2021 was awarded to: Borris Connections 2021, a collaborative exhibition by Emma Jane Champley and Leiko Uchiyama marking the launch of a new craft gallery adjacent to their shop at Borris House, Borris, County Carlow.

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External Exhibition Fund

Key Achievements 9 DCCI External Exhibition Fund projects, of which 8 were able to go ahead in 2021. 116 makers were supported to exhibit through EEF.

National Design & Craft Gallery Education and Outreach Programme

External Assessors Liz Cooper, curator and project consultant specialising in contemporary craft and design, development manager for DesignNation, UK; Mary Gallagher, curator and director of Blue Egg Gallery, Wexford.

The National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) Education and Outreach Programme is central to the exhibition experience. This programme develops content to complement each of its exhibitions. Content such as curatorial, digital and print provides context and helps to engage audiences further. In 2020 the NDCG Education and Outreach Programme was reimagined in light of COVID-19 restrictions to engage audiences in safe ways through online platforms. These new ways of presenting the programme continued throughout 2021 alongside some socially distanced activities. The programme included a varied schedule of educational activities, both in the gallery and through virtual platforms, such as gallery tours; family programmes; adult workshops; publicengagement events; designer, maker and curator talks; production of educational resource materials; and professional-development masterclasses and seminars. Throughout 2021 the Education and Outreach Programme, directly through the NDCG, delivered many events as part of local, national and European programmes. The gallery participated in Tradfest, Narrative Tools Project, Bealtaine, National Drawing Day, Cruinniú na nÓg, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Heritage Week, Culture Night and Yulefest Kilkenny. DCCI’s Education and Outreach team developed and built on key programming partnerships with other national cultural organisations as part of the NDCG’s ongoing audience-development strategy. Local, national and international programme partnerships for 2021 included: The Department of the Taoiseach and the OfficeRTÉGovernmentofPublic Works National Museum of Ireland National Gallery of Ireland National College of Art and Design Institute of Technology Carlow Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, KilkennyKilkennyEducation Centre Kilkenny County Council Sláintecare/HealthyKilkennyYulefestBookvilleCreativeHeritageOpenKilkennyCREATETheCultureBealtaineNightArkKilkennyArtsOfficeCircleArtsCouncilIrelandKilkennyKilkennyDesignCentreIreland (Department of LocalLibrariesPobailHealth)IrelandGovernment Management Agency and craft studios and schools nationwide.

Key Achievements The NDCG developed a diverse range of digital content, resources and online events accessible on the NDCG.ie learning section, and the NDCG and relevant-partner social-media platforms. These modes of virtual engagement enhance the accessibility and experience of our varied target-audience groups while helping to contextualise our exhibitions.

CRAFTed Learning Skills for Life A suite of online education resources for primary-school children and teachers was created in 2021 to engage students during the pandemic. These resources explore clay, fabric and fibre, construction, print, drawing and Thesedesign.resources have been available on learncraftdesign.ie since the end of October 2021. Each resource was promoted through education centres and on DCCI’s social-media channels.

The DesignCIRCLE programme is run in partnership with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT). This online CPD initiative brings art teachers and designers together to develop a design project. The aim of this initiative is to provide a safe, supportive and experiential space for postprimary teachers to develop further their own design Twenty-fourprocesses.designers and ninety art teachers took part in the project. A reflection event took place on 12 June, where teachers and designer makers shared their experience of the programme. In September 2021 an open call was issued to the DCCI Education Panel for interest in participating in this initiative. The Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) also issued an open call to its members. This initiative is due to finish in April 2022. Selected designers were invited to a training session on 20 October facilitated by DCCI, the IDI and JCT. The initiative began on 6 November with a planning and prep session with teachers and designers. Design Your Life In partnership with the IDI, DCCI created a series of videos, Design Your Life, showcasing recent graduates working in medical-device design, fashion design, product design, UX design and gaming design. These videos were showcased on 17 April at the Institute of Guidance Counsellors Conference, with an introduction from DCCI CEO Rosemary Steen and IDI CEO Charlotte Barker. Promotional videos were shared across DCCI and IDI socialmedia channels. The videos were also shared on Careersportal. Passion for Design and Making Video Series In partnership with JCT, DCCI produced a series of videos showing design and craft processes. The videos were launched on 17 April to coincide with the launch of #DesignYourLife.

Second DesignCIRCLELevel

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CRAFTed Online CPD Course Workshops took place online once a week for six weeks. Hands-on exploration of drawing, painting, fabric and fibre, printmaking, clay and construction through self-reflective practice was facilitated. The course offered confidence building and an opportunity for the teachers to explore their own creativity while being mindful of transferable skills to the classroom and across age CRAFTedranges.–

Education Programmes First Level (Primary)

‘Approaching the Curriculum Through Creativity’, a continued professional development (CPD) course for primary teachers, ran online for five days from 1–7 July.

The 2021 jewellery and goldsmithing course held a very successful graduate exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery, titled ERA. There were 14,803 visitors to the exhibition from 22 July–9 October and sales of €8,638 throughout the exhibition.

Third FutureLevelMakers Awards and Supports Programme

DCCI’s Future Makers awards-and-supports programme supports students and emerging makers. It assists at a crucial early point in their design and craft careers. It is one of the largest prize-funded crafts-and-design award programmes in Europe. Divided into student and emerging-practitioner categories, it covers a broad range of disciplines. The programme recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence in making and in the creative process.

The Future Makers programme continued its partnership with the RDS Craft Awards Future Makers 2020 award recipients were eligible to apply for five RDS bursaries of €10,000 each There was extensive coverage of the awards across national and regional media

Jewellery and goldsmithing students took part in several masterclasses taught by industry specialists throughout the year, including gemmology, micro-setting and hand engraving. These skills were taught by national and international master craftspeople. Advanced goldsmithing and silversmithing techniques and their creative and contemporary application to jewellery were taught by course managers Sé O’Donoghue and Lee Harding. Live Projects

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Jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design course manager Eimear Conyard was on maternity leave for a year from November 2020. The position of course manager was jointly covered by Sé O'Donoghue and Lee Harding for the duration. Key Achievements

Stage 2 judges were Gemma Tipton, writer on contemporary art, design and culture, and Fergal O’Leary, furniture designer maker.

The jewellery and goldsmithing students took part in a collaborative retail project with the Kilkenny Group in 2021. This was the sixth year that the project took place, and the support from the staff and management teams from the Kilkenny Group was invaluable to the students and key to the success of the project. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, student work could not be showcased at the flagship store in Dublin as in previous years. This long relationship with the Kilkenny Group will be maintained with the new BA course students in 2023.

DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing and Ceramics Centres of Excellence

DCCI’s renowned Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence and its Ceramics Centre of Excellence have offered high-quality training since the early 1990s through intensive two-year programmes. This training is enhanced by the inclusion and support of industry-trained professionals who are specialists in all aspects of these crafts and are master craftspeople in their field.

Twelve students graduated with a goldsmithing and jewellery level-7 Diploma in Art from Maynooth University in July 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the pending relocation of both courses to newly developed buildings in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, DCCI has paused the next intake of students for both courses until September 2023.

The total prize fund for Future Makers 2021 was €25,000, which was divided into twenty-six awards-and-supports packages; there were over 120 applications

Key Achievements

Jewellery and Goldsmithing Coursework and Master Classes

Stage 1 judges for 2021 were contemporary crafts and design consultant Frances McDonald and the owner of Irish Design Shop, Laura Caffrey.

Graduate Exhibition

External Exhibition: InForm, at National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks InForm was a two-year-long collaborative project between the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History and DCCI’s jewellery and ceramics courses. InForm brought together the superb designs of twenty-two goldsmiths and ceramicists who trained at the DCCI jewellery and goldsmithing course from 2017–19 and the ceramics course from 2018–20. Forty-two ceramic objects and fifty-two pieces of jewellery were displayed alongside twentythree objects from the National Museum of Ireland’s collections. At its heart this exhibition explored making as an expression of culture and tradition. It highlighted the affinities between makers across millennia and continents.

Jewellery and Goldsmithing Graduates’ Employment 5 × employed full-time by jewellery and goldsmithing manufacturing and retail 16companies×self-employed ×part-timeemployed, part-time self employed 0 × progressed to further training and education Ceramic Graduates’ Employment 3 × employed full-time by ceramic production companies 7 × self-employed, running their own design maker businesses 1 × part-time employed and part-time teaching 51 ActivitiesOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 51 27/06/2022 14:43

DCCI jewellery and goldsmithing graduates

Katharina Treml: Overall winner, student/recent graduates category Claire Dooley: professional-development LaurasupportMatikaite: professional-development support

Museum objects on display in the exhibition included Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Persian decorative-art objects, a model screen made by renowned Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray, an ancient Roman glass vessel, and Irish folklife objects and scientific instruments, among them a nineteenth-century pocket globe.

The exhibition showcased the high level of craftsmanship and skills honed by the twelve students during the intensive two-year programme. ERA demonstrated a diverse range of jewellery and goldsmithing skills, combining traditional specialist techniques with contemporary design. The exhibition title, ERA, referenced the students’ time studying in Kilkenny and the impact the makers working in the studios as part of the Kilkenny Design Workshops from 1963–88 had on the various DCCI courses since the 1990s. This exhibition marked the end of an ‘era’ in the Castle Yard location and the start of a new one at the new Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence in Thomastown, County Kilkenny.

The exhibition was officially opened on 24 May 2021 by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, and was on show for the reopening of the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History after the COVID-19 lockdown had been lifted.

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Deirdre Murphy: travel training support Siobhán O’Sullivan: studio support Eve Doyle: studio support Ann Marie Reinhold: travel and training Siobhánsupport McArdle: travel and training support DCCI Ceramics Graduates

Graduate Awards Chief Executive Award: Sophie Scullion Course Manager Award: Corinne Gallagher Student of the Course Award: Juliana Altschul A number of previous graduates of both the jewellery and goldsmithing and ceramics skills & design courses received awards and supports in Future Makers Awards 2021. Future Makers Awards 2021: DCCI Jewellery and Ceramic Graduates

Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence at the Sessions House Construction work and renovations of the new Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence in Thomastown, County Kilkenny commenced in September 2021. Eimear Conyard is overseeing the interior layout and design of the workshops and the fit-out of services in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council, architects, engineers and building contractors. The building is due for handover in September 2022. This new facility will provide: BA Hons degree course workshop 2 × tutor workbenches 15 × student workbenches 1 × artist in residency photographyandBAMicroApprenticeship/part-timeworkbenchworkshop1×tutorworkbench9×studentworkbenchesstonesettingandengravingworkshop1×tutorworkbench10×studentworkbenchescourseprocessworkshop,silversmithingprocessworkshop,castingworkshop,studioandgallery. IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 52 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 52 27/06/2022 14:43

30,754 visitors to the National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions in NDCG 12 3,461 €25,000 9 jewellery students graduated from DCCI’s jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design course and exhibited their work in the ERA exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery registered client enterprises awarded to twenty-six students/ recent graduates and emerging makers in DCCI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports programme 2021 projects awarded to GANS under the Keep Well campaign 53 ActivitiesOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 53 27/06/2022 14:43

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2.3 Digital & Communications All CRM, digital & communications activities were delivered in line with the organisation’s wider strategy, which aligned with government directives regarding COVID-19. In 2021 our focus was to: — Promote the economic, societal and personal value of design and craft among all audiences — Generate positive, energetic conversation with and among audiences around crafts and design — Clarify DCCI’s role among all audiences, visually connecting the organisation with programmes — Drive engagement of key stakeholder groups, from design and maker community, to government and organisational partners, to media and general public — Champion and implement a cross-functional collaborativeprogramme approach to achieve efficiency and effectiveness — Support insight-driven decision-making and activity through tracking, measuring and reporting in campaigns and customer relationship management (CRM) — Leverage digital platforms and tools to drive value ActivitiesOur 55 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 55 27/06/2022 14:43

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Robert Troy TD attended the Christmas photocall for the campaign at Dublin Airport in MinisterNovember.of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English TD was the keynote speaker at the Irish Business Design Challenge Virtual Awards Ceremony. His contribution was greatly received by the three partner agencies, DCCI, Enterprise Ireland and LEOs, and by entrants and the public audience. He reiterated his support for the agency and sector once again at Future Makers 2021, where he was guest of honour at the awards ceremony broadcast live from a studio in the RDS. Throughout the year the Sláintecare programme run by the Department of Health funded and supported the Keep Well campaign that DCCI was a part of.

A Upper image: Master basketmaker Joe Hogan, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, with President Michael D. Higgins at DCCI’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in Dublin Castle Lower image: Pictured at the launch of the Irish Business Design Challenge 2021 are Charlotte Barker, CEO, Institute of Designers in Ireland and IBDC 2021 Judge; Daryl Regan, Programme Manager, Client Management Development at Enterprise Ireland and IBDC 2021 Judge; Cadhla O’Reilly, Model; Anna Daly, Business Owner, Broadcaster and IBDC 2021 Ambassador; Jamie Maguire, Notions Creative, Winner of the IBDC Micro Business Category in 2020; Rosemary Steen, CEO, DCCI; Breda Fox, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices and IBDC 2021 Judge; and Denis Manzke, Nufields, Runner-Up in the IBDC Micro Business Category in 2020. 57

Key activities in 2021 were as follows: Partnerships and Relationship Building 2021 highlighted the value of partnerships to our sector. As in the first year of the pandemic, we continued to foster strategic partnerships in order to create promotional opportunities for the Acrosssector.various programmes and activities we worked successfully with government departments and agencies, as well as with national and local organisations and media partners. Government Departments Our activities were supported by government departments and agencies. From strategic planning to promotion and attendance (in-person or virtual), these collaborations strengthened our development opportunities. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) funds all DCCI activities, and the personnel within the department are instrumental to DCCI as enablers, advisors and supporters.

DCCI worked alongside Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs to deliver the new, innovative Showcase Virtual Showrooms in January in response to the limitations imposed on physical Weevents.went on to deliver two national Made Local campaigns to highlight some of Ireland’s most talented craftspeople, while boosting sales and driving revenue for makers and retailers alike.

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD continued to be a most appreciated supporter of our programmes and, as in 2020, participated in the launch of Made Local in June. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation

As mentioned, DCCI also worked with both agencies to deliver a very successful Irish Business Design Challenge programme from September to December.

Organisational Partners While the breadth of activities carried out by the agency – from exhibitions to business development to education – is vast and generates many valued partnerships, there are some organisations with whom we collaborate Theregularly.RDSsupported many craft programmes and bursaries; the National Museum of Ireland was a partner in a seminal exhibition of work – InForm – by graduates of our centres of excellence; the OPW hosted many exhibitions in its beautiful buildings; and Galway–Mayo Institute of Technology (now Atlantic Technological University) became an exciting new strategic partner with the level-8 accreditation of our jewellery and goldsmithing and ceramics & design skills courses.

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On a local level, the support that DCCI receives from Kilkenny City Council and local organisations is unwavering and hugely appreciated. Government Agencies Enterprise Ireland is the administrative lead of DCCI activity on behalf of DETE and is also a key partner in many programmes, as is the LEO. We collaborated with both organisations on a number of activities throughout the year.

With physical exhibitions and trade shows unable to take place, the move to new digital formats was prioritised. ArtLogic software was selected to bring our exhibitions to life, while a new online platform was created to replace the Showcase 2021 show.

DCCI worked with RTÉ’s Nationwide team throughout 2021, and the show’s coverage of Irish designers and makers and its promotion of the sector continued throughout the year with many opportunities for Irish designer makers. Notable was Nationwide’s coverage of the DCCI area at the Gifted Fair in the RDS, as well as an episode featuring the Made in Ireland exhibition, including an interview with one of the Made in Ireland project team. This episode was planned to run one week before Christmas, thereby creating interest in the exhibition during the festive period and highlighting the many makers exhibiting. As part of the Made Local campaign, radio adverts were scripted and booked, with Made Local ambassador Rachael Blackmore lending her voice to the campaign.

A partnership with the Irish Times was also established throughout the Irish Business Design Challenge campaign.

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While CRM is an ever-evolving methodology, the first steps were to update the existing database and to design policies and roll-out to staff through a training programme. In parallel, the process of designing a longer-term CRM development roadmap was initiated.

Digital Exhibitions and Trade Shows

We developed content around clearly defined audience needs and programmes and put renewed emphasis on creating content that was genuinely valuable, with our values and objectives at the core of everything we did.

We continued to grow DCCI’s social-media footprint to reach and engage with audiences nationally and internationally. 2021 saw the introduction of Sprout Social software to help us plan, organise, schedule and deliver content as a team, with cross-network social publishing. The reporting tools also helped us shape our digital activity, build knowledge and track social trends.

The first dedicated full-time and technically skilled CRM administrator began working in the organisation in September. The objective of the role is to make the CRM system more central to the organisation’s activities, developing its functionality and supporting work processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness. The impacts will be felt internally and externally by virtue of centralised information and reporting to inform datadriven decisions and innovation.

Live Video

Central to this was a new interim website (launched in June 2021) that offers an improved user journey and an enhanced online experience.

From educational COVID-19 business support webinars and entertaining ‘how to’ craft videos to ‘made local’ promotions and designer spotlight e-newsletters, we produced more personal, authentic content that resonated with our audience.

Digital Content

CRM

Media Partners

New Interim Website

Digital The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a world in which digital channels became the primary customer-engagement model. With physical contacts kept to a minimum, digital provided a lifeline, allowing design and craft businesses to continue to operate online from home offices and studios. Travel restrictions resulted in people staying in their localities, making ‘shopping local’ and ‘community’ more valuable, and encouraging creativity and innovation on a whole new level. Re-evaluating the Digital Landscape Responding to the changing habits of our audiences and new practices within the digital landscape, we re-evaluated our digital platforms and initiatives. We looked at what was working, what was not and why. This allowed us to streamline our digital activities to make the best use of new technologies.

Data-driven Social Strategy

The consumption of live video content has climbed exponentially in the past few years, and this trend continues to grow. For our Future Makers 2021 awards show, we used the virtual broadcast studio at the RDS, with HD broadcastquality multi-camera set-up, studio lighting and LED backdrop. The awards were streamed live via our social channels, reaching a new audience of students and emerging makers.

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Work with key partners including Enterprise Ireland and LEOs to promote the event Key Achievements

Communications Objectives Use digital and media channels to: Raise awareness of the new Showcase Virtual Showrooms as a must-see virtual expo to trade and buyers Generate awareness in the public domain that Showcase is running, flexible and supporting Irish crafts and design makers and businesses

An article on the Lace Bursary was featured in the Independent.ie and KilkennyNow.ie., as well as on KCLR and in the Irish Times Weekend magazine (‘What’s Hot’ section) 69,568 impressions on Instagram grid posts 1.1k visits to the Branchardiere landing pages on the DCCI website Keep Well Campaign We partnered with Healthy Ireland to deliver the Sláintecare-funded Keep Well campaign, which provided funding to nine GANS projects.

The campaign was featured in the RTÉ Guide. The Irish Independent, the Belfast Telegraph and the Irish Examiner covered the campaign Online publications that featured the campaign included BreakingNews.ie and RegionalMSN.comcoverage of the campaign featured on KCLR and in the Kilkenny People, KilkennyNow.ie, the Waterford News & Star, the Carlow Nationalist, the Roscommon Herald, the Kildare Nationalist, the Western People and the Laois Nationalist 59

This was carried out across various channels, including PR, advertising, social media as well as the DCCI website.

The return of a physical Showcase in the RDS was covered by Irish Country Magazine 29,978 impressions on Instagram grid posts RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary Through PR and social-media channels, we promoted this new bursary, which was funded by the RDS, to support contemporary lacemakers and celebrate Ireland’s rich history of needlework.

Communications

Our communications continued to support the recovery of the crafts and design sector in 2021 across a range of programmes and activities. As with 2020, it was vital that we supported the recovery of the sector by: Generating publicity and raising awareness of the quality and diversity of the work of Irish designers and makers both in Ireland and abroad, so as to support the recovery of the Promotingsector the work of Irish designers and makers in domestic and international markets Collaborating with strategic partners in raising awareness of the crafts and design sector

Communications Objectives

Key Achievements

Programmes and Activities Showcase Virtual Showrooms 2021 We promoted Showcase Virtual Showrooms (which replaced the physical trade fair due to COVID-19 restrictions) through PR and digital channels.

Highlight the impact that creativity through craft and design has on overall well-being Promote the various educations and outreach opportunities – e.g. the Headford Lace Project and the Spoonville project Use social channels to encourage, support and highlight the collaboration and interaction that the programme generated Highlight the pivotal role that GANS play in DCCI’s activities in Ireland

Coverage of Showcase Virtual Showrooms included articles in the Irish Examiner Property section, the Sunday Independent Business section, the Business Post supplement, as well as in regional press

Communications Objectives Create awareness of the bursary and encourage applications Highlight how the bursary supports the sector through the preservation of traditional Irish craft skills and keeps them relevant through innovation Key Achievements

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The campaign was also covered by the Kilkenny People and the Tuam Herald 380k impressions on Instagram grid posts –the Collars, Ruffs and Cuffs really caught hold of people’s imagination and generated great participation and conversation 10.5k video views on YouTube 4.5k visits to the Keep Well landing pages on DCCI website

The launch of Conjuring Form and the announcement of Cara Murphy as the winner of the RDS Irish Craft Bursary featured in the IrishTimes.com, the Irish Examiner, IrishExaminer.com, the Irish Independent, the Cork Independent, the Avondhu and the Business Post

Design Ireland

Target the US and the UK in particular to tap into the known market for Irish-made gifts

The Irish Examiner featured a piece on the Spoonville project with Benchspace The Keep Well Spoonville project was also covered by the Cork Independent, Ondine, YayCork.ie, Corkbeo.ie and by thesun.ie

DesignIreland.ie was included in an Irish Independent article, GoWild Magazine and The Gloss magazine Website traffic from the US increased from 4% to 26%, with 47,819 visitors Website traffic from the UK increased from 7% to 12%, with 22,442 visitors Made Local Campaign We delivered two Made Local campaigns (summer and winter) through PR and socialmedia channels, and a digital advertising

Key Achievements

Lower image: Pictured at a photocall to announce the winners of the Irish Business Design Challenge 2021 are Daryl Regan, Programme Manager, Client Management Development at Enterprise Ireland and IBDC 2021 Judge; Paul Lyons, Bo Steel Ltd, IBDC 2021 Winner; Gráinne Mullins, Grá Chocolates, IBDC 2021 Winner; Damien English, TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail; Anna Daly, Business Owner, Broadcaster and IBDC 2021 Ambassador; Rosemary Steen, CEO, DCCI; Kieran McKenna, Aqueduct - The Well Water Ltd, IBDC 2021 Winner; and Charlotte Barker, CEO, Institute of Designers in Ireland and IBDC 2021 Judge. 61

Communications Objectives Engage and encourage makers to apply to the programme Raise awareness among all audiences of the PORTFOLIO programme and the internationally regarded levels of craftsmanship on which selection is based Develop relationships and generate greater reach through working with key partners, the RDS and the OPW Generate footfall to the Conjuring Form exhibition in Doneraile House Media Coverage Press pitching resulted in an article/interview in the Irish Times on the exhibition curator, Alice Stori Lichtenstein

The Keep Well campaign was featured on RTÉ.ie, with a video, for the May bank holiday

PORTFOLIO Critical Selection and Conjuring Form Exhibition We raised awareness of and promoted the PORTFOLIO programme, including Critical Selection, its Conjuring Form exhibition, and the RDS Irish Craft Bursary, through PR and digital channels.

The campaign ran across Facebook and Instagram, targeting areas in the US, UK and Ireland, and achieved over 60k clicks to the Trafficwebsitereferrals from social-media channels to the website increased by 56% during the campaign period Traffic referrals from PPC to the website increased by 35% during the campaign period

A Upper image: Pictured at the launch of the Made Local ‘Love Made Local’ campaign are DCCI Chair Andrew Bradley; Jockey and Made Local ambassador Rachael Blackmore; Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD; and DCCI CEO Rosemary Steen.

In the run-up to the Christmas period, we ran a digital advertising campaign, paid social and PPC, across social media to drive traffic to the Design Ireland site in the gifting season.

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Communications Objectives

The PORTFOLIO exhibition Conjuring Form was featured in the Irish Examiner Property section, with images taken in situ in Doneraile Court Conjuring Form was included in the Business Post Property section events listing PORTFOLIO was noted in Image Interiors in an article on knife maker Hugo Byrne and his parents, ceramicist Mike Byrne and visual artist Mary Nagle 132k impressions on Instagram grid posts 5.9k visits to the PORTFOLIO landing pages on the DCCI website 500 views of the PORTFOLIO virtual showroom on the ArtLogic website

Build awareness of the Design Ireland brand (and website) as a collective of high-quality Irish crafts and design producers Drive traffic through to makers’ websites

Communications Objectives

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ERA: DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing Graduate Exhibition

Communications Objectives Drive greater awareness, interest, support and revenue at national and local level for Irish retailers and makers Build on the consumer appetite for buying locally, sustainable products and staycationing Encourage all stakeholders to work together to build the presence of the brand Work with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and LEOs to promote the campaigns

The opening of InForm was featured by the Irish Independent and the Irish Times and on RTÉ.ie InForm at the NMI was included in a cultural round-up by IrishTimes.com

Made Local was featured in Broadsheet. ie, the Irish Times Weekend magazine, the Irish Examiner, the Herald, RTE.ie, Irish Country Magazine, Evoke.ie, the Irish Field, bizplus.ie, shemazing.net, Nationwide, mummypages.ie, Farmers’ Journal, RTÉ Guide and Woman’s Way

The exhibition and associated events were promoted through PR and social-media channels. We also supported graduates in promoting their work and delivered a professional-practice workshop. The graduates also undertook a takeover of the National Design & Craft Gallery’s Instagram account, introducing audiences to their work and brands. This was run under the guidance of the Digital & Communications Department.

The campaign and Rachael Blackmore as the ambassador was featured in Woman’s Way Made Local coverage following regional outreach included Independent.ie, the Kilkenny People, the Echo, Carlow Live, the West Cork People, the Clare Echo and the Connacht Tribune We achieved number-1 trending of #LoveMadeLocal on Made Local launch day 181k organic impressions on Instagram grid posts

Returning visitors accounted for 18.9% of traffic at Christmas, indicating the popularity of the movement InForm Exhibition Through PR and digital channels, we promoted InForm, an exhibition driven by a two-year collaboration between the National Museum Ireland (NMI) and DCCI. Traffic was driven to the NMI website to drive bookings.

campaign, as well as partnership activity. We also managed the launch of Made Local Winter 2021 Campaign in Dublin Airport.

The summer Made Local campaign was officially launched by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD and jockey Rachael Blackmore. As the ambassador for Made Local Summer 2021, a photoshoot to accompany the campaign launch took place with Rachael and some participating makers in Merrion Mews.

Key Achievements

The summer campaign achieved 11.7 million impressions, reaching 654k people and resulting in 71k clicks on the website

Key Achievements

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy TD launched the Made Local campaign for Christmas 2021 at The Loop, Dublin Airport, where the Design Ireland shop is located in Terminal 2. The campaign aimed to encourage Irish people at home and overseas to think about giving Irish-made crafts as they travelled at Christmas time.

The winter campaign achieved 9.1 million impressions, reaching 888k people and resulting in 57k clicks on the website

Participating makers were featured in press and on radio programmes including the Jen Zamparelli show on 2FM on a weekly basis over the summer Made Local was covered by the Sunday Times

131k impressions on Instagram grid posts

Create awareness of the exhibition and makers Generate footfall to the exhibition and engagement with supporting webinars Drive awareness of the level of craftsmanship and design attained on DCCI's skills courses

Communications Objectives

To commemorate DCCI’s fiftieth anniversary, we organised and promoted a series of events and exhibitions at Dublin Castle, including: The World Crafts Council Europe General DCCI’sAssemblyAGM

We supported the launch of the Irish Business Design Challenge through PR, social media and a targeted online advertising campaign.

Communications Objectives

Create awareness of the exhibition Highlight the calibre of the exhibitors, who have completed the intensive two-year programme Key Achievements The ERA exhibition in DCCI’s National Design & Craft Gallery was featured in the Kilkenny People We received positive feedback from students following the ‘Professional Practice’ presentation to graduates on how to promote oneself online as a professional business 36,536 impressions on Instagram grid post 1.5k visits to the ERA landing pages on the National Design & Craft Gallery website DCCI Fiftieth Anniversary

Irish Craft Heroes exhibition launch at Dublin Castle What Colour Is Metal? exhibition launch at the State Apartments, Dublin Castle Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to basket maker Joe Hogan We worked with partners from Dublin Castle and the Office of the President on the hosting of President Michael D. Higgins as the guest of honour.

Leverage the benefits to the MSMEs sector of three agencies (DCCI, EI and LEOs) collaborating in the shared space, supported by our governing Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 63

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Communications Objectives

The competition was run by DCCI in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and LEOs and supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Rosemary Steen, chief executive officer of DCCI, launched the competition alongside Daryl Regan, programme manager for Enterprise Ireland’s Client Management Development, Breda Fox, head of LEOs Craft & Design, and IBDC 2021 ambassador, business owner and broadcaster Anna Daly. Anna Daly presented the awards at the IBDC 2021 virtual ceremony, with Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English TD speaking on the night.

Raise awareness of the value of incorporating design into business strategy

What Colour Is Metal? exhibition in Dublin Castle was covered by The Journal.ie Irish Craft Heroes was covered in the Irish Times and the Kilkenny People 900 visits to the DCCI 50 landing pages on the DCCI website Irish Business Design Challenge

Leverage the events to raise awareness of the Irish crafts and design sector Create awareness of the agency’s AGM in public and stakeholder domains Drive footfall to both exhibitions Key Achievements Tribute to the work of Ireland’s craft makers over the past fifty years was paid by public figures, including President Michael D. Higgins and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD. DCCI’s fiftieth-anniversary campaign was covered in the Irish Independent (page lead with display), the Irish Times (Pictures of the Day) and the Irish Examiner Coverage was included in the Kilkenny People and KilkennyNow.ie., as well as on RadioWeAreIrish.ie.coverage was secured in the following weeks and months

Highlight businesses that are actively using SupportdesignMSMEs through profiling across different channels

The exhibition launch was covered by the Kilkenny People KCLR interviewed Rosemary Steen and Mary Gallagher for The Bottom Line following the launch Made in Ireland featured on RTÉ’s Nationwide in December The exhibition was covered in The Gloss.ie magazine in an interview with Rosemary TheSteen

ThisThreeincluded:informative sectoral webinars to explore how Ireland can benefit from this landmark new initiative that will shape the future of OpportunitiesEuropefor members who were interested in becoming involved with the Europe-wide co-design process

The launch of Irish Business Design Challenge and call for entries was covered in BizPlus, the Irish Examiner, the Irish Times, breakingnews. ie, the Echo, the Irish Daily Mail, Extra.ie, Evoke.ie and the Irish Independent Irish Business Design Challenge was covered twice by the Kilkenny People and in the Connacht Tribune

Communications Objectives

Highlight the calibre of design and craft talent across various disciplines in Ireland Celebrate and profile the many makers, disciplines and regions of Ireland represented in this colourful and varied exhibition Key Achievements

Irish Examiner and Lyric FM’s Culture File featured the exhibition It was also covered by the Clare Champion, Visual Artists Ireland, the Irish Times, the Connaught Telegraph, the Nationalist, the Western People, the Kilkenny People, the Derry People and Independent.ie 70k organic impressions on Instagram grid posts 5.4k visits to the Made in Ireland landing pages on the National Design & Craft Gallery website

Social-media campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn reached 399k Campaignpeopleresulted in 7,973 visits to the website and 50% more public votes than for the previous year Economic Impact Assessment Report

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Communications Objectives Drive awareness of DCCI’s role as a partner in the New European Bauhaus project Highlight how this initiative is a huge opportunity for the crafts and design sector to play a role in shaping the future of the European Union Key Achievements

Communications Objectives Drive awareness of the crafts and design Generatesectorgovernment, national-agency and broader stakeholder funding and support for the crafts and design sector Reinforce DCCI’s role as industry thought leader

The publication of the Economic Impact Assessment Report resulted in articles on the sector in the Irish Times and the Irish Independent The report has been referenced by sectoral stakeholders to drive agendas New European Bauhaus Project We promoted a series of industry events, through PR and social-media channels, to support the New European Bauhaus project.

Key Achievements

The CEO and Executive commissioned a major sectoral research report to identify key insights of the crafts and design sector, and its existing and potential economic and employment value.

The Irish independent covered DCCI’s role in the New European Bauhaus project 1.2k visits to the New European Bauhaus landing pages on the DCCI website Made in Ireland Exhibition Through PR and social-media channels we promoted the Made in Ireland exhibition, including promotion of the open call, the exhibition itself, and the meet-the-makers series of talks.

Communications Objectives Raise awareness of DCCI’s Future Makers as an innovative and creative programme, engaging with younger and dynamic cohorts Highlight the talent and creativity of emerging and future makers Encourage students and emerging makers to apply for the competition Highlight our partnership with the RDS Key Achievements Future Makers was covered by the Sunday Times; Chloe Lennon featured in the Irish Examiner, in the Irish Times and on the cover of the Business Post 8.4k visits to the Future Makers website in 2021 (includes January 2022, when the award ceremony took place) 1.9k visits to the Future Makers landing pages on the DCCI website

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201k impressions on Instagram grid posts Bootcamps and Webinars

Key Achievements DCCI’s group show at Shoppe Object was covered in features in the Irish Times and in the Irish Examiner Positive engagement across social channels on export programmes 700 visits to the export-programmes landing pages in 2021 65

Key Achievements The webinar series was included in a number of articles on digital supports The series was noted on government websites as a support to the crafts and design sector throughout the pandemic Audiences remained engaged with content 188k organic impressions on Instagram grid posts 7.8k visits to the various webinar landing pages on the DCCI website International Fund and Export Programmes/Shows (Maison&Objet; Shoppe Object; NYNow; Dubai) DCCI’s export programmes help established Irish craft and design businesses access international markets by reducing costs of participation in shows and by offering support and advice for the next steps in growing businesses. Communications Objectives Inform craft and design businesses of opportunities to expand their overseas marketing strategy by offering participation in DCCI group shows Promote DCCI’s International Fair Fund – a fund established to financially assist designers and craftspeople in reaching key export markets

Future Makers

We launched and promoted the Future Makers programme, and managed the awards ceremony.

DCCI’s webinar series for designers and makers continued throughout 2021 to support the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars offered expert advice in areas such as government supports, creating social media and digital content, e-commerce, how to pitch a brand to media, and more. The Digital & Communications Department continued to promote the online webinar series through a fortnightly ezine and on DCCI social media, along with promoted posts. Communications Objectives Support makers throughout the COVID-19

PromoteopportunitiesOfferpandemicprofessional-developmenttoDCCIclientswebinarstokeyaudiences

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ActivitiesOur 4.5m Estimated reach through media coverage secured 90 4,348 41.5% 1,512,200 Pieces of coverage achieved for Showcase 2021 Number of social-network referrals from Design Ireland® Facebook to DesignIreland.ie Average ‘opened by’ rate of DCCI Connect ezine (industry benchmark is 20%) by Tweetsubscribersimpressions in 2021 (a decrease of 7.7% since 2020 due to a reduction in craft-community active usage of Twitter) 67 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 67 27/06/2022 14:43

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3.1

Our Clients Ireland’s crafts and design sector makes a vital contribution to our culture, society and economy. It is diverse, vibrant and innovative. Our client enterprises come from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines, producing an eclectic range of work, whether abstract pieces or functional objects. Located throughout the country, these enterprises provide sustainable regional jobs. Our ambition is to support and build on Ireland’s crafts and design heritage and traditional skills while encouraging design innovation in everything our clients do.

Breakdown of Register of Client Enterprises by County as at 31 December 2021 Client Enterprise Register by County WexfordWicklow170Dublin732129Carlow53 Kilkenny260 TipperaryWaterfordWestmeathCavanMonaghanKildare125Meath83Louth7041Armagh102856Laois519585Limerick69Cork347Kerry124 Clare96 Galway194 Mayo115 Sligo64Roscommon33DonegalLeitrim49Fermanagh16109 Tyrone26 Derry21 Antrim83Down110 OffalyLongford2041 IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 70 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 70 27/06/2022 14:43

Breakdown of Register of Client Enterprises by County as at 31 December 2021 Client Enterprise Register by County Republic of Ireland Carlow 53 Cavan 28 Clare 96 Cork 347 Donegal 109 Down 110 Dublin 732 Galway 194 Kerry 124 Kildare 125 Kilkenny 260 Killkenny 1 Laois 51 Leitrim 49 Limerick 69 Longford 20 Louth 70 Mayo 115 Meath 83 Monaghan 41 Offaly 41 Roscommon 33 Sligo 64 Tipperary 85 Waterford 95 Westmeath 56 Wexford 129 Wicklow 170 Northern Ireland Antrim 83 Armagh 10 Derry 21 Down 110 Fermanagh 16 Tyrone 26 Rep. of Ireland clients 3,112 Northern Ireland 266 International clients 83 Total of registered client enterprises 3,461 Client Enterprise Register by Discipline Disciplines Textiles 785 Textile Making 819 Ceramics 517 Jewellery Making 513 Woodworking 270 Furniture Making 248 Glass Making 198 Printing 105 Mixed Media Construction 90 Metalworking + Blacksmith 120 Other (plus mosaic, horology, designer, thatching, fresco, fly) 98 Paperworking+Paper Making 90 Candle Making 71 Stoneworking 61 Soap Making 46 Leatherworking 48 Basketry 44 Musical Instrument Making 33 Toy Making 24 Book Making 19 Fashion Design 12 Silversmithing/Holloware 14 Spinning 9 Lettering 12 Other 0 Total of registered client enterprises 3,461 Associate Register Students 397 Craft enthusiasts 510 Client Enterprises Semi-professionals 712 Professionals 2,749 71 BusinessOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 71 27/06/2022 14:43

Image: ‘A Balancing Act’ by Cecilia Moore, and collaborative work by the TIMELINES on the Edge group of tapestry artists in the Made in Ireland exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 72 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 72 27/06/2022 14:43

3.2 Our History 1970 – 2021 Key dates in the history of the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited, now trading as Design & Crafts Council Ireland. 73 BusinessOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 73 27/06/2022 14:43

1977 Showcase begins as the National Crafts Trade Fair 1980 CCoI business and skills training opens in Kilworth, County 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, County 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 fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Kilkenny Design Workshops, and a proposal is made at the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrate and promote Irish design

G Image: ‘Fin.5’ Brooch by Annemarie Reinhold in the InForm exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History G Image: Pictured at the launch of the ERA exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery are graduates of the Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course; Patrick Brennan, Corinne Luck, Melissa White, Emma Grant, Róisín McCabe, Sophie Scullion, Marianne Kenny, Joshua Reynolds, Tim Coffey and Martin Breen. Missing from the image are: Siobhán McArdle and Juliana Altschul.

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1970 World Crafts Council hosts its 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

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 government publication 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

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 2018–27 and funding of a National Design Innovation Hub for the south-east under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund

2014 CCoI changes 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)

G Image: Architect drawing of Sessions House, Thomastown, the future location of DCCI’s School of Excellence in Jewellery and Goldsmithing G Image: What Colour is Metal? curator Sara Roberts puts the final touches to a piece in the exhibition in the State Apartments, Dublin Castle. 75

2019 DCCoI updates its trading name to Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI). The Design Ireland shop is officially opened at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport. It is operated by The Loop, with the store-name brand under licence by DCCI.

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

2020 2020 saw some changes in personnel in DCCI. The Board chair, Breege O’Donoghue, departed, and Andrew Bradley was appointed chair. Louise Allen (acting managing executive, 2019) left to pursue an exciting opportunity in the Office of the Attorney General, and John Tynan (head of

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Image: ‘Balance in Blue’ by Cecilia Moore, PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2021 – 2022 IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 76 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 76 27/06/2022 14:43

education) took early retirement. We thank them sincerely for their service, and we wish them all the best for the future.

G Image: ‘Finding Beauty’ by Isobel Egan, in the Made in Ireland exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery

The fiftieth anniversary of DCCI was marked through a series of events held in Dublin Castle in October celebrating the many makers, partners and supporters who have contributed to the rich tapestry of crafts and design practice in Ireland. DCCI held its AGM with keynote speaker Dr Orla Flynn, president of GMIT, and the World Crafts Council Europe held its general assembly fifty-one years after the auspicious general assembly at which it was decided to establish the Crafts Council of Ireland. President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, attended a reception to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Hogan, and several exhibitions were opened, including Irish Craft Heroes; What Colour Is Metal?; Collars, Ruffs and Cuffs; and a host of GANS members’ work in the Keep Well exhibition. It concluded with a small reception in the RDS, reflecting the central and valued role the Society has played in the Council since its inception.

COVID-19 required us to make significant changes throughout the organisation. We had to adapt to different ways of working and different ways of engaging with our clients. This included increased support for designers and makers through an enterprisedevelopment programme of webinars, a Made Local nationwide retail campaign, and the Irish Business Design Challenge. We also enabled all DCCI staff to work remotely, and, for the first time ever, we had a virtual AGM. All DCCI Board meetings were held online Anotheralso.very significant event in 2020 was our leasing of Sessions House in Thomastown, County Kilkenny. DCCI has plans to develop this former courthouse into the first purposebuilt property – jewellery and goldsmithing school – acquired in DCCI’s history. 2021

G Image: Artist and sculptural furniture maker Sasha Sykes with her work at the launch of ‘Conjuring Form’, a PORTFOLIO exhibition, in Doneraile Court 77

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Image: ‘Autumn Arrives’ by Jennifer Hickey, in the Made in Ireland exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 78 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 78 27/06/2022 14:43

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Image: 'Marigold' by Róisín McCabe, graduate of DCCI's Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course, exhibited in the ERA exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 80 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 80 27/06/2022 14:43

3.3 Key Programme Statistics 2021 In this section, we present a summary of the involvement of member organisations, clients, partners and others in DCCI programmes and events during 2021. 81 BusinessOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 81 27/06/2022 14:43

Enterprise and Market Development 2021 Webinars held 40 Clients viewing webinars (live and Youtube) 8,424 Clients opting in to the Made Local campaign 1,280 Retailers taking part in Made Local campaign 342 Clients participating at Showcase Virtual Showrooms 50 Businesses attending Showcase to buy 316 Businesses participating in OPTIMISE Design Ireland® programme 5 Makers supported through the International Fair Fund 48 Registered clients exhibiting at MAISON&OBJET 0 Registered clients exhibiting at Shoppe Object 7 Makers featured in PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection, 2020–21 39 Makers featured in PORTFOLIO overall programme (Critical Selection plus wider programme) 93 Building Craft and Design Enterprise workshops delivered 24 Participants on the Building Craft and Design Enterprise programme 71 Enterprise and innovation workshops (excluding one-to-one mentoring sessions) delivered 47 Client enterprises participating in Enterprise and Innovation workshops 71 Enterprises selected for Driving Export programme 15 Clients who benefitted from one-to-one mentoring sessions 20 Showcase exhibitors receiving merchandising mentoring 121 DCCI clients supported for international development 96 DCCI clients supported through mentoring and development activities 391 Clients participated in the new ECommerce Bootcamp programme 181 Clients in the Design Ireland Shop, Dublin Airport 26 Education and Innovation 2021 Visitors to National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions in NDCG 30,754 Visitors to exhibitions (offsite/touring) 448,424 Exhibitions included in the 2021 programme (Kilkenny and touring) 7 Exhibitions toured to other galleries 4 Designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme 252 Irish designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme 229 External exhibitions fund recipients 12 Sales from exhibitions in 2021 228 Culture Night Engagement onsite Over 350 Viewers of RTÉ Six One News Segment on NDCG Culture Night 600,000 Applicants registered to compete in Irish Business Design Challenge 205 Prizes awarded in the Irish Business Design Challenge 6 Total prize fund for the Irish Business Design Challenge €50,000 IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 82 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 82 27/06/2022 14:43

Total prize fund for Future Makers Awards and Supports 2021 €25,000 Teachers participating in CRAFTed-based CPD workshops 39 DCCI skills courses embedded with level-7 standards achieved 1 Member organisations 64 Registered client enterprises 3,461 Registered associates 907 Information days and online meetings for GANS hosted by DCCI 4 Projects awarded to GANS under the Keep Well campaign 9 Clients availing of Network Support Scheme funding 23 Funding awarded in Network Support Scheme €45,200 Craft and design residency bursaries awarded 2 EU-funded programmes 3 Jewellery students who graduated from DCCI’s jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design course and exhibited their work in the ERA exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery 12 Graduates of DCCI's jewellery and ceramics courses exhibited in InForm exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland 22 Views of Design Your Life videos showcasing the work of recent graduates 1,506 Digital & Communications 2021 Media clippings for the Showcase 2021 campaign 90 Followers on DCCI’s Facebook (+46% compared to 2020) 18,690 Followers on DCCI’s Instagram (+31.5% compared to 2020) 15,388 Impressions DCCI tweets earned in 2021 1,512,200 Followers on Design Ireland’s Facebook (+12% compared to 2020) 9,784 Followers on Design Ireland’s Instagram (+10.3% compared to 2020) 17,598 83 BusinessOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 83 27/06/2022 14:43

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DCCI is a company limited by guarantee the of the Minister

4.1 Corporate Governance Update

without share capital. It is governed by its memorandum and articles of association, and operates under

aegis

for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 85 GovernanceOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 85 27/06/2022 14:43

Image: ‘Here, on the edge of what we know’ cocktail cabinet by Zelouf & Bell, PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2021 2022 IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 86 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 86 27/06/2022 14:43

There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the decision of the Board in accordance with best practice. Responsibility for implementing policy rests with the Executive Management Team of DCCI. The Board provides the appropriate level of skill and experience to support the strategy of DCCI. 87

Our Board The DCCI Board is responsible for the governance of the company in line with best practice and by adhering to the obligations of the company as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. DCCI is required to comply with the provisions of the code insofar as is applicable to the structure and nature of the company. Four of the twelve Board members are appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the broad strategy and policies of the organisation. It is responsible for the systems of internal financial control in the company and for ensuring that the company has processes and procedures in place to ensure 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.

The Board maintained a strong focus on corporate governance during 2021 to ensure that its corporate governance operated to the highest standards. Induction of new Board members took place with the Institute of Public Administration on 1 December 2021 prior to the new members’ first Board meeting. New members were briefed on their responsibilities and other relevant matters. During 2021 the Board developed a five-year strategy for DCCI for 2022–26, with a key focus on supporting designers’ and makers’ businesses in a sustainable way and to advocate for the societal benefits of crafts and design. Our Compliance DCCI 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 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 and 2001 The Freedom of Information Act, 2014 The Official Languages Act, 2003 Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 The General Data Protection Regulation, 2018 DCCI is also committed to improving energy efficiency in line with our obligations under: the National Energy Efficiency Action thePlanEuropean Communities (Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services) Regulations 2009, and SI 426 of 2014 DCCI Promotes and Values Diversity Across All Our Sectors

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4.2 Ministerial Appointees Andrew Bradley (Chair) Paul McKeown (resigned 23 July 2021) Toby ThomasScottMurray (appointed 30 September 2021) Elected Representatives Trish Brennan Niki Collier (elected 14 October 2021) Breda BerinaFoxKelly (elected 14 October 2021) Edel MacBride (elected 14 October 2021) Kim-Ling Morris (elected 14 October 2021) Maeve Murphy Neil MaryReadPalmer (resigned 14 October 2021) Donagh Quigley (resigned 19 May 2021) Rachel Quinn (resigned 14 October 2021) Edmund Shanahan (resigned 16 June 2021) Board Attendance The table below summarises the attendance of directors at Board meetings that they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December 2021. Seven Board meetings were held in 2021: Director Board attended/eligiblemeetings Andrew Bradley 7/7 Trish Brennan 6/7 Breda Fox 6/7 Paul McKeown 3/4 Maeve Murphy 6/7 Mary Palmer 6/6 Donagh Quigley 4/4 Rachel Quinn 6/6 Neil Read 7/7 Toby Scott 6/7 Edmund Shanahan 4/4 Niki Collier 1/1 Berina Kelly 1/1 Edel MacBride 1/1 Thomas Murray 1/1 Kim-ling Morris 1/1 Board members also participated in a number of committees and sub-committees. For details, please visit section 4.5 Our Committees on page 104. Our Board Members 89 GovernanceOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 89 27/06/2022 14:43

Andrew Bradley, Chair In 2017 Andrew was a ministerial appointment to the Board of DCCI and became chair in 2020. Throughout his career he has been an active member of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and was president from 2013–15. In 2016 he led the establishment of Design Skillnet and chaired this enterprise-led training initiative for three years.

Toby is also a team member of Knowinnovation, a creative company that works with academics, NGOs and businesses to solve ‘wicked problems’ (difficult social or cultural problems) through collaborative problem solving. He led Knowinnovation’s first virtual Ideas Lab, with 100 people, and is passionate about the power of creativity and technology, with a desire to share this widely.

As an entrepreneur, he is co-founder and learning director of FRAMLABS, which uses design thinking to create future value for progressive companies.

In addition to his professional practice, Andrew is a skilled leader with significant chair and board experience. Alongside his DCCI role, in 2020 he was appointed to the board of Irish Sailing, the national governing body for the sport.

Previously, Toby was a director of the UK Design Council, a director of Arts Council England, and head of Creative Industries for the UK government. He established the Irish Centre for Design Innovation and led the Design4Growth pilot programme.

Ministerial Appointees

Toby Scott Toby Scott is currently Innovator in Residence at the United Nations Population Fund, where he applies design thinking to some of the most challenging problems relating to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and infant mortality.

Soon after qualifying as an industrial designer in 1984 from the National College of Art and Design, Andrew realised that his career interests lay in mentoring companies to promote the potential of design. As he set out on a career in design management, he secured a scholarship for an MA in Environment Design at the University of Calgary, Canada, graduating in 1989. An entrepreneur in the Irish design sector, Andrew has been creating, developing and communicating brands for the past twenty-five years. Today, his company Bradley: The Brand Agency specialises in working with SMEs using creative-thinking processes to create brands that drive businesses forward.

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Paul McKeown

He previously served for a number of years at Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels as Ireland's Trade Counsellor and on the EU's Trade Policy Committee where he was responsible for a number of EU trade negotiations and for pursuing Ireland's trade policy interests.

Thomas Murray

A career Civil servant, Thomas Murray currently has responsibility at Principal Officer level at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a number of policies and programmes related to the development of indigenous industry in Ireland including oversight of Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.

Paul McKeown is an executive director at Enterprise Ireland, leading a directorate that incorporates its People and Policy, Corporate Services and Regional Development divisions. He is also the agency’s chief financial officer. Before joining Enterprise Ireland, Paul was director of finance at St Vincent’s University Hospital. He started his career in KPMG, and during his five years with the firm managed a wide portfolio of clients.

Paul is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Accounting from University College, Dublin.

His brief includes working with stakeholders to drive a national policy for design, and to develop plans for a national design centre in support of innovation and competitiveness. Through the oversight and provision of various business supports by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, he has responsibility for supporting EI and the LEOs in pursuing their strategies for developing enterprise, growing exports and job creation and in achieving strategic targets in these areas.

Paul resigned from the DCCI Board on 23 July 2021.

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Prior to joining the Enterprise Board, Breda was finance director at The Point (now the 3 Arena) in Dublin throughout the 1990s. During this time she was also one of the youngest people ever appointed to a state board, serving as a non-executive director at An Post for five years. In 1999 she took on the role of finance director at Transitions Optical, and two years later became supply chain and customer service director for Europe.

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Elected Representatives

Breda is particularly passionate about the crafts and design sector, and works tirelessly to support the sector in her day-to-day work.

Trish studied photography at Westminster University (1991), and graduated with an MA in Art in the Digital World from NCAD (2002). Alongside working in education and photography, she has broad experience of community arts, acting as programme manager and producer for several projects and events.

Trish has strong experience of serving on committees and boards, having served on the National Sculpture Factory Board of Directors for over ten years. She has also represented CIT Crawford College at DCCI’s GANS in recent years.

Trish Brennan Trish Brennan was elected to the DCCI Board in September 2020. She is currently head of fine art and applied art at CIT Crawford College, where she has developed and supported several new programmes, including a BA in Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Textiles and Glass), an MA in Art and Process, and a Certificate in Art Textiles. She is also involved in hosting the annual symposium MAKE, which celebrates making, craft and materiality.

In 2006 she started her own business advising start-up and established businesses in the west, including input on projects for locally based multinationals and helping clients with funding, efficiencies, cost-cutting and positioning for growth/recovery.

Trish has also worked with large institutions, including CIT, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s Arts Office (Festival of World Cultures, Poetry Festival) and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (Education & Community).

Trish believes that creative practice, engagement and heritage link strongly to our quality of life, and aims to support GANS to further a culture of excellence in craft and design. Breda Fox Breda Fox was elected to the DCCI Board in September 2020. She joined the Galway County and City Enterprise Board (now the Local Enterprise Office, Galway) in 2010, and has led the service delivery of the agency since then. During her time in this role, training and advisory supports have increased threefold, and thirty-seven clients’ businesses have transitioned to Enterprise Ireland to continue to develop and grow.

Maeve Murphy Maeve Murphy was elected to the DCCI Board in September 2020 and brings a wealth of experience to the role, including managerial experience, having had involvement with local-authority arts offices, national resource organisations and national festivals of international repute. Through establishing an SME, Forest & Flock, and successfully managing it from a vision to a thriving Irish crafts and design enterprise, Maeve gained a comprehensive understanding of management, finance, planning and development in business.

While working with Cork Craft & Design as the operations manager and programme coordinator of Cork Craft Month, she gained first-hand insight into the experience of the many challenges facing small creative industries and start-ups in Ireland today from a maker’s perspective. Over the course of her career, Maeve has fostered relationships with a broad range of individuals, organisations and community groups. She is a dedicated supporter of craft makers and businesses, and believes that networking and sharing ideas helps makers and businesses to develop and compete in today’s global market. Maeve aims to represent small creative industries working in today’s challenging marketplace to continue delivering excellence in Irish craft to customers and admirers nationally and globally. Niki Collier Niki Collier is a Dublin-based award-winning visual artist and designer working in fibre art and wearable technology. Niki’s work uses scale to spark empathy and empowerment. Niki disrupts science and art to elevate the viewer to a protagonist. Niki’s practice blends many sources. She says: ‘Forged as an academic makes me relentlessly curious. Grown as disabled woman I look for resilience with die hard attitude.’ Niki’s practice is nurtured by the meaningful connections with folk with various ability and diverse backgrounds. All is done with wool. Niki’s work has been curated in national and international shows – most recently at the World Crafts Council exhibition – and Niki had a very successful solo show at University of Atypical, UK.

Niki is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and her aim is to diversify funding to cater for all needs so as to lift the Irish creative community through digital experiences globally.

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Niki has developed products and experiences in the last ten years with various collaborators. She exports her products to the US, Europe – including the British Museum Shop – and Milan. The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic provided her with an opportunity to combine her PhD in computer science with her understanding of craft. Niki had the opportunity to create online educational engagements commissioned by CI, DCCI and RTÉ.

Edel MacBride Edel MacBride is an experienced creative with a demonstrated history of working in the world of crafts and design for many decades as a maker, business owner, educator and volunteer.Edel’smain skills are textiles, knitwear, e-commerce, small-business management, social media and community building, craft retail and cultural tourism. She graduated from Limerick School of Art and Letterkenny Institute. She has entrepreneurship and business training from Ulster University and Boston College. She has exhibited frequently at home and internationally, from 1991–2019.

Berinas desires that small studios feel heard and supported, and can engage with all that DCCI has to offer as they are the highly skilled design leaders of tomorrow.

As a maker, Berina understands a client’s needs, from aspects of design and fabrication to customer satisfaction. As a mentor, she brings experience to makers, from setting up a studio, creating collections of a high standard for competitive target markets, to packaging, marketing and all that is involved with running a business.

Edel has a award-winning craft brand in handmade luxury knitwear, and works with many knitters, crocheters and textile artists countrywide to create authentic ‘Made in Ireland’ clothing with a clear ethical and eco footprint.

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Berina Kelly Berina Kelly has exhibited nationally and internationally. Born into an entrepreneurial family, she has over twenty years’ experience in retail. She has also staffed the jewellery departments of high-end retailers. As a retail manager, she has gained invaluable experience as a buyer and working with colleagues to provide the best possible experience for our customers.

by the history and value of traditional skills and is passionate about developing opportunities for makers and GANS. Edel has mentored many craft makers and worked collaboratively with craft businesses, and is familiar with the many challenges facing them. Edel aims to advocate for others, helping them advance their skills and ambitions.

Edel founded Knitfield in 2012 to inspire new or aspiring textile makers. She is a a founding member of Number 19 Craft and Design retail outlet at the Derry Craft Village.Edelisdirected

With its roots firmly set in the west of Ireland, Making.ie has played a role in highlighting the challenges, successes and stories of makers across Ireland. Berina is drawn to the network’s desire to celebrate all aspects of the community and, as a member, she is cognisant of issues that are important to makers.

Prior to coming to Cork, Kim-Ling had worked in ceramics in Paris and Lyon. After taking the textiles night class in the Crawford College of Art and Design, Kim-Ling joined the Cork Textiles Network, where she is currently the treasurer.

Kim-Ling Morris Kim-Ling Morris has a strong appreciation of elegant design and well-crafted work.

Neil studied ceramics and stained glass at Edinburgh College of Art and, after gaining a postgraduate qualification, established a studio in Edinburgh. From 1978–80, he was photographer and supervisor of cataloguing at Edinburgh City Museums.

In 1980 Neil exhibited at the Trinity Arts Workshop. In 1982 he moved to Dublin to take up a position as ceramics lecturer at the National College of Art and Design, becoming head of the department of ceramics, glass and metals (1987–2010).

Kim-Ling was one of three founding directors of Sample Studio, which is among the biggest artist-led studio groups in the country. Starting off as treasurer from its inception in 2011, with her experience in engineering project management Kim-Ling has continued to guide its finances through its various challenges, such as the loss of premises and COVID-19. While not from an accounting background, Kim-Ling believes she has the budgeting experience to contribute positively to the financial governance of DCCI. The sharing of passion and skills is what Kim-Ling believes makes work stronger, and she will advocate for cross-group technical and peer support of all makers, particularly those emerging. Kim-Ling does not believe there is a line between art and craft, but a gradation. She feels that Irish craft is currently undervalued and is looking for ways for the component groups of DCCI to be brought to the fore.

Over the course of his career, Neil has been chair of the Royal Dublin Society’s craft competition, Irish Contemporary Ceramics and the Golden Fleece Awards. He was also a member of the committee of the Glass Society of Ireland (GSoI) (1993–98) and the Crafts Council of Ireland (1994–96). He currently serves on the board of the GSoI.

Neil Read Neil Read was elected to the DCCI Board in September 2020. A practising maker with a studio in Dublin, his work is showcased in the National Museum of Ireland, the Office of Publics Works, the Royal Museum of Scotland and the Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute and FuLe International Ceramics Museum, China.

With substantial experience in the sector, Neil also served as an external examiner at the Glasgow and Crawford Schools of Art, and DCCI’s pottery-skills course. He sees his DCCI role as an opportunity to support individual makers and help raise the profile of small businesses of quality and excellence at home and internationally.

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Rachel resigned from the DCCI Board on 14 October 2021 having completed two terms on the Board.

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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 LEO and the Sligo Leader partnership to initiate a network of fifteen micro-craft producers. She has been involved in several projects at local and national level, including festivals, teaching and community-initiated projects, and is a member of DCCI’s CRAFTed programme.

Donagh resigned from the DCCI Board on 19 May 2021.

Donagh Quigley Donagh Quigley has a background in traditional music. After finishing a traineeship in thatching in his early thirties, he started out by himself as a thatcher and began growing his own straw. Once the recession hit, he 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, which led to them launching The Handmade Soap Company at Showcase–Ireland’s Creative Expo® in 2010. The Handmade Soap Company now employs twenty-one people in an upcycled mill in Slane, County 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.

Mary Palmer Mary Palmer is a multi-award-winning maker who both teaches her craft and provides a professional quilting service. She has been involved with GANS for many years, initially as a committee member with the Irish Patchwork Society. She is one of the founders of Cork Textiles Network and the cross-border Quilters Guild of Ireland. She has been an active committee member of both, and is also active with Cork Craft & Design, a multidisciplinary group for designers and makers based in Cork.

Mary resigned from the DCCI Board on 14 October 2021 having completed two terms on the Board.

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.

Edmund resigned from the DCCI Board on 16 June 2021. 97

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Edmund is chair of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers and chair of Showcase Ireland. He lectures on the Retail Ireland Skillnet Retail Management Practice Degree Programme at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. He 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 outlets.

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Emma O’Brien, Communications Manager

Mary Dunne, Market Development Officer

Market Development

Joanna Sammons, Digital Marketing Manager

Amanda Walsh, Education, Training & Development Administrator

Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital &

Julie Jackman, Finance Assistant

Nikola Tomic, European Programme Project Manager 5 Shauna Sweeney, Innovation Projects Co-ordinator

Ciara Gannon, Communications Officer

Ellie Cullen, European Projects Administrator (maternity cover) 6

and

Nuala McGrath, HR

Ciara Garvey, Development Manager, Collector & Tourism Programmes

& Corporate Services Manager Notes 1 1 February–4 October 2 up to 22 October 3 up to 31 August 4 up to 30 July 5 up to 10 December 6 from 6 December 7 from 1 November 8 up to 30 July 9 up to 20 September 10 up to 19 February 11 from 1 February 12 11 January–19 March 13 4 May–8 June 14 from 8 December 15 from 4 May 16 from 15 September 17 12 April–16 September 18 from 22 November We also recognise the contributions of interns and short-term contractors who assisted the organisation during the year. 4.3 Our Team GovernanceOur 99 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 99 27/06/2022 14:43

Susan Holland, Exhibition & Programme Curator Brian Byrne, Gallery Co-ordinator Public Affairs and Communications

Digital & Communications

Shane Doran, Communications Manager

Tan Christhoper Cristian Susanto, Salesforce/ CRM Administrator

16 Operations

Terre Duffy, Head of Education & Innovation

Emer Ferran, Business Development Programme Manager

Alison Bough, Communications Manager 13

James Walsh, Digital Assistant

Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations & Company

Marie Wilgaard Kelly (Independent Contractor), Jewellery Course Technician (p/t) Mary4 Whelan, Client Liaison Officer

Education & Innovation

Secretary

Jennifer Walsh, Executive Assistant to CEO and Data Protection Officer

Aisling Clancy, Education Manager

Communications 11

Susan Brindley, Head of Public Affairs Communications

Deirdre O’Reilly, Communications Manager

Irene Walsh, Management Accountant

Brian McGee, Market Development Director Maria Couchman, Senior Market Advisor Nicola Doran, Retail Programme Manager

Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive Officer

Eimear Conyard, Jewellery Skills & Design Course Manager Seamus O’Donoghue and Lee Harding, Jewellery Skills & Design Course Managers (maternity cover) 3 Caroline Loughman, Education & Outreach Co-ordinator

Seamus Murtagh, Finance Manager

National Design & Craft Gallery

Rosemary Steen was appointed CEO of DCCI in January 2020. She came to DCCI after successful team leadership roles with EirGrid and Vodafone Ireland.

Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive Officer

Executive Team

In his career Brian has worked in design and marketing roles with leading consumergoods companies, including Newell Brands, Krups and Waterford Crystal. As market and enterprise development director at DCCI, he is responsible for the commercial development of Ireland’s crafts and design sector, with a particular focus on e-commerce and export growth.

Mary Blanchfield joined DCCI in 1998 as finance manager and has led the Operations Team as head of operations since 2014. She is a senior executive tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organisation.

Mary works closely with the DCCI Board as company secretary, and is responsible for overseeing the company and its directors in line with relevant legislation. She is also company secretary of Showcase Ireland Events Ltd (a DCCI joint-venture company) and Showcase Ireland (a wholly owned DCCI subsidiary company).

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Brian is an honours graduate in industrial design from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and holds an MBA (Hons) from the University of Limerick, along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland.

Brian McGee, Market and Enterprise Development Director

Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations

Earlier in her career she worked with IBEC, where she served as director of the Irish Textiles Federation, and was also a member of the National Economic and Social Council.

Outside of her work with DCCI, Rosemary also works in roles to support inclusion and diversity in the voluntary and education sectors.

DCCI, Suzy consulted to Design Skillnet, an organisation cofunded by government, that fuelled her interest in contributing to sector development.

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As a ceramicist herself, Suzy has a deep affinity with the members and clients of DCCI that adds value to her role in supporting DCCI’s growth of the Irish crafts and design sector.

Terre Duffy, Head of Education & Innovation

Terre Duffy has delivered projects in innovation, culture, tourism, enterpise and education sectors in Ireland and abroad. In 2019 she was appointed senior programme manager in design-led education and innovation at Tangent, Trinity College’s Innovation Academy, where she delivered a new postgraduate Diploma in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship specifically targeted at the Irish creative sector.

Suzy O’Keefe Suzy joined DCCI in February 2021 as head of digital and communications. A graduate with degrees from NCAD, TU Dublin and CCT, and professional experience in creative, commercial, teaching and data-analytics disciplines, Suzy has had senior strategic and management roles in a variety of industry sectors. She has led marketing and communications departments and organisational change through digital transformation.Shortlybeforejoining

The members of the company include: Subscribers to the Memorandum of Association (also known as founder Unincorporatedmembers) GANS that the Board admits to membership Bodies corporate that the Board admits to membership Founding Members DCCI had four founding members: Patsy Duignan (RIP) Mary V. Mullin Blanaid Reddin (RIP) Betty Searson (RIP) In addition to the four founding members, as at 31 December 2021, DCCI had sixty-four member organisations, thirteen corporate members, twenty-four member organisations by discipline and twenty-seven member organisations by region. 4.4 Our Member Organistaions The Crafts Council of Ireland is a Company Limited by Guarantee, trading as Design & Crafts Council Ireland. It comprises member organisations and institutions that share DCCI’s aims and objectives and are involved in the promotion of contemporary and traditional crafts and design. IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 102 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 102 27/06/2022 14:43

Corporate Members Business to Arts Crawford College of Art and Design Creative IrishGuaranteedSpark CLGIrishCountrywomen’s Association Limerick School of Art and Design Na Píobairí Uilleann National College of Art and Design New Ross Needlecraft Limited (The Ros RoyalTapestry)Dublin Society School of Art, Design and Printing at Dublin Institute of Technology St Angela’s College University of Ulster Member Organisations – by Region/Other 10 Hands Craft Network of Local Enterprise Offices Benchspace Cork Bridge Street Studios Ceardlann, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios Clare Crafts Cork Craft & Design Cork Textile Network Group Craft DonegalGranary Designer Makers FORM Designmade in Carlow Headford Lace Project Inside LouthInstituteCraftofDesignersCraftmarkDesigners Network Made in Kilkenny Made in Sligo Made in Westmeath Making (Irish Craft Discussion Forum) Offaly SouthOriginalOriginalCraftyKerryKildareWexfordCraft Network The Design Tower The Leitrim Design House The Makers House West Cork Arts Centre West Cork Craft & Design Guild Member Organisations – by Discipline Blackstack Studios Ceramics ContemporaryIrelandTapestry Artists 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 Irish Ceramics Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association Irish Basketmakers Association Irish Guild of Embroiderers Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Irish Patchwork Society Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers Irish Woodturners’ Guild Mountmellick Development Association Ltd SocietyPeannairíof Cork Potters The Quilters Guild of Ireland The Big Idea House Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland Nine New Member Organisations Nine new member organisations joined DCCI in 2021; two were removed. 10 Hands Craft Business to Arts By TheTheOriginalIrishGuaranteedCreativeDesignSparkIrishCeramicsKildareBigIdea!MakersHouse 103 GovernanceOur DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 103 27/06/2022 14:43

Donagh Quigley – Resigned 11 March 2021

Tony BrianGerryDoneganMurphyMcGee Subsidiary Company Showcase Design & Crafts Fair CLG

Edmund Shanahan – Chair Resigned 11 March 2021

Mary Blanchfield – Company Secretary Seán Davis (Enterprise Ireland) – Resigned 25 February 2021

Andrew Bradley – from 22 March 2021

Edmund Shanahan – Chair

Audit, Risk & Remuneration Committee

4.5 Our Committees

Breda Fox – Committee Chair (9/9) Mary Palmer (9/9) Maeve Murphy (4/4) Donagh Quigley (5/5) Strategy Development Sub-committee

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 2021. Each committee and sub-committee reports to the Board after each meeting.

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 to make recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes.

This sub-committee is convened by DCCI to review and assist the implementation and delivery process of the DCCI’s current Strategic Plan

Mary Blanchfield – Company Secretary

Rachel Quinn – Resigned 11 March 2021

Rachel McHugh – Resigned 11 March 2021

The role of the Audit, Risk & Remunertion Committee is to support the Board in relation to its responsibilities including audit, financial planning, remuneration, Board evaluations, governance codes of conduct and risk appraisal. It ensures internal control systems are monitored actively and independently.

Toby Scott – Committee Chair (3/3) Paul McKeown (3/3) Nominations Committee

Rosemary Steen – from 22 March 2021

Mary Palmer – Chair (2/2) Edmund Shanahan (2/2) Rosemary Steen (2/2) Joint Venture Company Showcase Ireland Events Ltd Board

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This sub-committee works with the DCCI team to assist and review the activities and programmes, where relevant, in support of the cultural and social value of craft. The focus of the sub-committee is to represent DCCI members and is in recognition of the wider impacts and values of the craft sector.

Neil Read –Sub-committee Chair (2/2) Rachel Quinn (2/2) Client & Member Support Taskforce Committee This committee was convened in March 2020 and continued into 2021 as part of DCCI’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Trish Brennan –Sub-committee Chair (2/2) Andrew Bradley (2/2) Maeve Murphy (2/2) Eddie Shanahan (2/2) Community, Education & Heritage Sub-committee

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Image: Ceramicist Chloe Lennon, winner of the Future Makers 2021 Overall Emerging Maker award IrelandCouncilCrafts&Design 106 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_270622_.indd 106 27/06/2022 14:43

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Company Information 111 Directors’ Report 113 Independent Auditors’ Report 117 Income and Expenditure Statement 120 Statement of Comprehensive Income 121 Balance Sheet 122 Statement of Changes in Equity 123 Statement of Cash Flows 124 Notes to the Financial Statements 125 Directors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2021 Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee T/A Design and Crafts Council Of Ireland 109 StatementsFinancial DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 109 27/06/2022 13:20

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Company Information Directors Andrew Bradley (Chair) Patricia Brennan Niki EdelBerinaBredaCollierFoxKellyMacBride Kim-Ling Morris Maeve TobyNeilThomasMurphyMurrayCReadScott Company Secretary Mary Blanchﬁeld Registered number 56542 Registered Office Castle Yard, Kilkenny Bankers Allied Irish Banks plc 52 Baggot Street Dublin 4 Solicitors SirRiversideBeauchampsTwoJohnRogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Independent Auditors Crowe CharteredIrelandAccountants and Statutory Audit Firm 40 Mespil Road Dublin 4 D04 C2N4 5.1 111 StatementsFinancial DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 111 27/06/2022 13:20

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The Crafts Council of Ireland Limited by Guarantee, which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. The Crafts Council of Ireland Limited by Guarantee activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. 113

The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial Thestatements.Directors

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Directors’ Report

are responsible for ensuring that the Company keeps or causes to be kept adequate accounting records which correctly explain and record the transactions of the Company, enable at any time the assets, liabilities, financial position and surplus or deficit of the Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy, enable them to ensure that the financial statements and Directors' Report comply with the Companies Act 2014 and enable the financial statements to be audited. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, identify those standards, and note the effect and the reasons for any material departure from those standards; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with Irish law and regulations. Irish company law requires the Directors to prepare the financial statements for each financial year.

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Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied they give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company as at the financial year end date, of the surplus or deficit for that financial year and otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2014.

Under the law, the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2014 and Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

5.2

Principal Activities

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

The measures taken by the Directors to ensure compliance with the requirements of Sections 281 to 285 of the Companies Act 2014 with regard to the keeping of accounting records, are the employment of appropriately qualified accounting personnel and the maintenance of computerised accounting systems. The Company's accounting records are maintained at the Company's registered office at Castle Yard, Kilkenny.

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The Directors are satisfied with the Company's performance during the year considering the challenging circumstances faced by the company arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The surplus for the year, after taxation, amounted to €124,669 (2020 - deficit €9,060).

The Directors do not recommend the declaration of a dividend. Directors

For the year ended 31 December 2021 Business Review

Directors’ Report (Continued)

Results and Dividends

At the end of the year the Company has assets of €1,461,313 (2020: €622,806) and liabilities of €1,185,272 (2020: €452,303). The net assets of the company have increased by €105,538 (2020: decreased by €9,669) and the Directors are satisfied with the level of retained reserves at the year-end.

The Directors who served during the year were: Andrew Bradley Patricia Brennan Niki Collier (appointed 14 October 2021) Breda BerinaFoxKelly (appointed 14 October 2021) Edel MacBride (appointed 14 October 2021) Paul McKeown (resigned 23 July 2021) Kim-Ling Morris (appointed 14 October 2021) Maeve ThomasMurphyMurray (appointed 30 September 2021) Mary Palmer (retired 14 October 2021) Donagh Quigley (resigned 19 May 2021) Rachel Quinn (retired 14 October 2021) Neil C Read Toby EdmundScottShanahan (resigned 16 June 2021) Accounting Records

The Directors note the significant impact of the coronavirus outbreak in Ireland, and around the world. The Directors have reviewed the impact of this on its future funding. Based on knowledge to hand, the Directors consider while there are significant risks to be managed, the Company expects to be able to trade through this period of uncertainty and has the financial resources to do so.

The Company has budgetary and financial reporting procedures, supported by appropriate key performance indicators, to manage credit, liquidity and other financial risk. All key financial figures are monitored on an ongoing basis.

Director Date: 3 June 2022 Toby Scott Director Date: 3 June 2022

The auditors, Crowe Ireland, are eligible and have expressed a willingness to continue in office in accordance with section 383(2) of the Companies Act 2014.

There have been no significant events affecting the Company since the year end.

Post Balance Sheet Events

Directors’ Report (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 115 StatementsFinancial DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 115 27/06/2022 13:20

Future Developments

Financial Risk Management Objectives And Policies

Andrew Bradley (Chair)

Statement on Relevant Audit Information

Each of the persons who are Directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that: so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware, and the Director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.

The main activities of the Company remain unchanged with additional funding received in 2021 to include digital transformation and marketing campaigns, the Directors anticipate that any future developments would relate to these activities.

Auditors

IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 116 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 116 27/06/2022 13:20

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements: give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2021 and of its surplus for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'; and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014. Basis For Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (ISAs (Ireland)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical Standard issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

5.3 117 StatementsFinancial DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 117 27/06/2022 13:20

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 December 2021, which comprise the Income Statement, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish law and Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

Conclusions Relating To Going Concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Report On The Audit Of The Financial Statements

5.3 cont.

DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 118 27/06/2022 13:20

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (Continued) Other Information

Based on the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Directors’ Report.

IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 118

The Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ remuneration and transactions required by sections 305 to 312 of the Act are not made. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion On The Other Matters Prescribed By The Companies Act 2014

Based solely on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, we report that: in our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements; and in our opinion, the Directors’ Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal Werequirements.haveobtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion the accounting records of the Company were sufficient to permit the financial statements to be readily and properly audited, and the financial statements are in agreement with the accounting records. Matters On Which We Are Required To Report By Exception

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the IAASA's website at: https://www.iaasa.ie/Publications/Auditing-standards. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors’ Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Independent

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Respective Responsibilities And Restrictions On Use Responsibilities Of Directors

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement on page 113, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Signed by: George Kennington for and on behalf of: Crowe Ireland Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 40 Mespil Road, Dublin 4, D04 C2N4 Date: 3 June 2022 Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (Continued)

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Auditors’ Responsibilities For The Audit Of The Financial Statements

119

The Purpose Of Our Audit Work And To Whom We Owe Our Responsibilities

5.4 Note 2021 2020 € € Income 4 5,074,123 3,834,236 Expenditure (4,949,454) (3,843,296) Suplus/(Deficit) Before Tax 5 124,669 (9,060) Tax on surplus/(deficit) 8 Surplus/(Deficit) For The Financial Year 124,669 (9,060) All amounts relate to continuing activities. There were no recognised gains and losses for 2021 or 2020 other than those included in the Income and Expenditure Account. Income and Expenditure Statement For the year ended 31 December 2021 IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 120 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 120 27/06/2022 13:20

Note 2021 2020 € € Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year 124,669 (9,060) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 124,669 (9,060) The notes on pages 125 to 135 form part of these financial statements. Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended 31 December 2021 5.5 StatementsFinancial 121 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 121 27/06/2022 13:20

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2021 Note 2021 2020 € € Fixed Assets Tangible assets 179,217 198,348 Financial assets 10 1 1 179,218 198,349 Current Assets Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 11 433,904 171,405 Cash at bank and in hand 12 848,191 253,052 1,282,095 424,457 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (1,185,272) (452,303) Net Current (Liabilities)/Assets 96,823 (27,846) Net Assets 276,041 170,503 Capital And Reserves Capital reserve 179,218 198,349 Income and expenditure account 96,823 (27,846) Shareholders’ Funds 276,041 170,503 The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board: Andrew Bradley Toby Scott (Chair) Director Director Date: 3 June 2022 Date: 3 June 2022 The notes on pages 125 to 135 form part of these financial statements. 5.6 IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 122 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 122 27/06/2022 13:20

Statement of Changes in Equity For The Year Ended 31 December 2021 At 1 January 2021 198,349 (27,846) 170,503 Comprehensive income for the year Surplus for the year 124,669 124,669 Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets 25,530 25,530 Amortised in line with depreciation (44,167) (44,167) Profit/ loss on disposal of fixed assets (494) (494) At 31 December 2021 179,218 96,823 276,041 At 1 January 2020 179,620 (18,786) 160,834 Comprehensive income for the year Deficit for the year (9,060) (9,060) Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets 63,136 63,136 Amortised in line with depreciation (44,407) (44,407) At 31 December 2020 198,349 (27,846) 170,503 The notes on pages 125 to 135 form part of these financial statements. Income Expenditureand Capital Account Account Total Equity € € € Income Expenditureand Capital Account Account Total Equity € € € 5.7 Statement of changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2020 StatementsFinancial 123 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 123 27/06/2022 13:20

Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2021 2021 2020 € € Cash flows from operating activities Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year 124,669 (9,060) Adjustments for: Depreciation of tangible assets 44,167 44,407 Transfer to/from capital account (19,131) 18,729 Loss on disposal of tangible assets 494 (Increase)/decrease in debtors (262,499) 186,876 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 732,969 (327,014) Net cash generated from operating activities 620,669 (86,062) Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets (25,530) (63,136) Net cash from investing activities (25,530) (63,136) Net Increase/(Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents 595,139 (149,198) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 253,052 402,250 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year 848,191 253,052 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise: Cash at bank and in hand 848,191 253,052 848,191 253,052 5.8 IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 124 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 124 27/06/2022 13:20

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).

2.2 Foreign Currency Translation

The income shown in the income and expenditure account represents amounts invoiced during the period and grants received during the year.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and Irish statute comprising of the Companies Act 2014.

The Company’s functional and presentational currency is Euros Transactions and balances

StatementsFinancial 125 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 125 27/06/2022 13:20

2.4 Tangible Fixed Assets

2. Accounting Policies

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Nonmonetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income Statement except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

1. General Information

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. 5.9

2.3 Revenue

The Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee ("CLG"), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. The Crafts Council of Ireland CLG activities are predominantly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. The company registration number is 56542 and its registered office is Castle Yard, Kilkenny.

The company is a company limited by guarantee incorporated and domiciled in Ireland. The Company is tax resident in Ireland.

Functional and presentation currency

2.1 Basis Of Preparation Of Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 5.9 cont.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis: Long Term Leasehold Property — 15 years Office Equipment — 3 years Workshop Equipment — 20 years Computer Equipment — 5 years Other Fixed Assets — 5 years

The Company adds to the carrying amount of an item of fixed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the Company. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to income and expenditure account during the period in which they are Depreciationincurred.

In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Company’s cash management.

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

Investments in unlisted Company shares, whose market value can be reliably determined, are remeasured to market value at each Balance Sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Income Statement for the period. Where market value cannot be reliably determined, such investments are stated at historic cost less impairment.

Accounting Policies (continued)

2.5 Valuation of Investments

is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

2.6 Debtors Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Income and Expenditure Account.

IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 126 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 126 27/06/2022 13:20

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment. Where merger relief is applicable, the cost of the investment in a subsidiary undertaking is measured at the nominal value of the shares issued together with the fair value of any additional consideration paid.

2.7 Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investments in listed company shares are remeasured to market value at each Balance Sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the surplus or deficit for the period.

The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.

Financial

(continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 StatementsFinancial 127 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 127 27/06/2022 13:20

2.9 Government Grants

Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Income Statement in the same period as the related expenditure.

2.12 Taxation Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

Grants are accounted under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants relating to expenditure on tangible fixed assets are credited to the Income Statement at the same rate as the depreciation on the assets to which the grant relates. The deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income.

Accounting Policies (continued)

2.10 Pensions Defined contribution pension plan

2.8 Creditors

Notes to

2.13 Financial Instruments

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.

2.11 Interest Income Interest income is recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest method.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.

The Company only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in non-puttable ordinary shares. the Statements

The Company operates a defined contribution PRSA scheme for certain employees. The company operates two contributory, unfunded defined benefit schemes which are now closed to new members, details are set out in note 15 of the financial statements.

For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. If a financial asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. For financial assets measured at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset’s carrying amount and best estimate of the recoverable amount, which is an approximation of the amount that the Company would receive for the asset if it were to be sold at the balance sheet date.

Judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the Thecircumstances.companymakes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates, will by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

(a) Establishing lives for depreciation purposes of property, plant and equipment Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment, comprise a significant portion of the total assets. The annual depreciation charge depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of assets and estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these asset lives and change them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset lives can have a significant impact on depreciation and amortisation charges for the period.

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 5.9 cont. IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 128 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 128 27/06/2022 13:20

Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortised cost are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the Income Statement.

Accounting Policies (continued)

Debt instruments (other than those wholly repayable or receivable within one year), including loans and other accounts receivable and payable, are initially measured at present value of the future cash flows and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments that are payable or receivable within one year, typically trade debtors and creditors, are measured, initially and subsequently, at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received. However, if the arrangements of a short-term instrument constitute a financing transaction, like the payment of a trade debt deferred beyond normal business terms or in case of an out-right short-term loan that is not at market rate, the financial asset or liability is measured, initially at the present value of future cash flows discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument and subsequently at amortised cost, unless it qualifies as a loan from a director in the case of a small company, or a public benefit entity concessionary loan.

3. Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.

Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies.

2021 2020 € € Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 4. Income An analysis of income by class of business is as follows: Enterprise Ireland - Core grant 2,919,000 2,919,000 - Other grants 1,675,000 675,000 - Pension contribution 21,881 23,719 Killkenny County Council 62,150 13,150 Crafting Europe 73,604 32,876 Department of Foreign Affairs 70,479 Other income 167,321 189,220 Movement in deferred income 65,555 Transfer (to)/from Capital Account 19,133 (18,729) 5,074,123 3,834,236 All income arose in Ireland. 5. Surplus/(Deficit) on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation The operating surplus/(deficit) is stated after charging: Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 44,167 44,407 National travel and subsistence 1,967 35,406 International travel and subsistence 2,042 Hospitality 636 Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 494 6. Employees Staff costs, including Directors’ remuneration, were as follows: Wages and salaries 1,490,801 1,298,695 Redundancy costs 15,312 65,000 Social insurance costs 148,447 132,042 Pension contributions 34,241 44,636 1,688,801 1,540,373 Capitalised employee costs during the year amounted to €NIL (2020 - €NIL). The average monthly number of employees during 2021 2020 the year was as follows: No. No. Staff 26 23 There were 11 Directors in 2021 (2020: 12). StatementsFinancial 129 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 129 27/06/2022 13:20

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 8. Taxation Current tax on surplus for the year Factors Affecting Tax Charge For The Year The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2020 lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland of 12.5% (2020 12.5%). The differences are explained below: Surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities before tax 124,669 (9,060) Surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland of 12.5% (2020 12.5%) 15,584 (1,133) Effects Of: Utilisation of tax losses (15,584) 1,133 Total Tax Charge For The Year Factors that may affect future tax charges There were no factors that may affect future tax charges. 5.9 cont. 2021 2020 € € 2021 2020 € € 7. Directors’ Remuneration Directors' emoluments 54,100 61,026 54,100 61,026 Key Management Remuneration Key management personnel include the directors and the senior management team for whom the total remuneration cost was €389,056 (2020: €491,884). IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 130 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 130 27/06/2022 13:20

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 Long-TermLeasehold Office Computer Investment Property Equipment Equipment Collection Total € € € € € 9. Tangible Fixed Assets Cost or Valuation At 1 January 2021 564,996 372,500 192,480 41,983 1,171,959 Additions 3,263 22,267 25,530 Disposals (24,309) (24,309) At 31 December 2021 564,996 375,763 190,438 41,983 1,173,180 Depreciation At 1 January 2021 492,886 336,894 143,831 973,611 Charge for the year on owned assets 8,171 12,656 23,340 44,167 Disposals (23,815) (23,815) At 31 December 2021 501,057 349,550 143,356 993,963 Net Book Value At 31 December 2021 63,939 26,213 47,082 41,983 179,217 At 31 December 2020 72,110 35,606 48,649 41,983 198,348 10. Financial Assets Cost or Valuation At 1 January 2021 1 At 31 December 2021 1 Investments In Joint Ventures€ StatementsFinancial 131 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 131 27/06/2022 13:20

Aggregate of share capital and reserves Surplus / (defecit) € € Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 Registered Class of Office Shares Holding 5.9 cont. The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 30 April 2021 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the joint venture undertaking were as follows: Subsidiary undertaking: Showcase Design & Crafts Fair Company Limited By Guarantee 4,867 4,867 Showcase Ireland Events Limited was placed in member’s voluntary liquidation on 23 April 2021. Financial Assets (Continued) Joint Venture And Subsidiary Undertakings The following were joint ventures and subsidiary undertakings of the Company: Joint ShowcaseVenture:Ireland Events Limited Century House, Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6w, D6WDublin,P993 Ordinary 50% Subsidiary undertaking: Showcase Design and Crafts Fair Company Limited By Guarantee Castle Co.KilkennyYardKilkenny 100% IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 132 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 132 27/06/2022 13:20

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2021 11. Debtors Trade debtors 95,199 99,405 Amounts owed by joint ventures and associated undertakings 19 10,000 Amounts owed by group undertakings 19 211,130 Other debtors 25,609 31,703 Prepayments 23,887 30,297 Accrued income 433,90478,079 171,405 12. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at bank and in hand 848,191 253,052 848,191 253,052 13. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Trade creditors 339,174 161,603 Taxation and social insurance 42,071 37,131 Other creditors 8,878 20,465 Accruals 774,704 147,104 Deferred income 20,445 86,000 1,185,272 452,303 Other Taxation And Social Insurance Payroll taxes 42,071 37,131 42,071 37,131 14. Financial Instruments Financial Assets Financial assets measured at fair value through income or expenditure 848,191 253,052 Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost 331,938 141,108 1,180,129 394,160 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (339,174) 161,603 Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure account comprise cash at bank and in hand. Financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise trade debtors, amounts owed by joint ventures and other debtors. Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors. Note 2021 2020 € € StatementsFinancial 133 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 133 27/06/2022 13:20

16. Pension Commitments

15. Company Status The company is limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital..

17. Deferred Tax Asset There is a potential tax asset of €30,520 (2020: €46,850) arising from trading losses. These losses are offsettable against potential future taxable trading surpluses.

The Directors believe that the State has a responsibility to the Company and the members of the scheme to meet the obligations of the Scheme as they arise.

5.9 cont. Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

On 15 December 1986 the then Minister for Industry and Commerce established the Crafts Council of Ireland Staff Superannuation Scheme 1986 and on 11 April 1990 the then Minister for Industry and Commerce established the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme 1990. These schemes are administered by the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee on behalf of the Minister. These two pension schemes are now closed to new members. These two schemes are contributory unfunded defined benefit schemes. Contributions deducted from staff over the years are used to fund ongoing pension liabilities.

The directors believe that the company has an asset of an equal amount to any unfunded deferred liability for pensions on the basis of the assumptions detailed below and a number of past events. These events include the statutory basis for the establishment of the superannuation schemes and the policy and practice currently in place in relation to funding public service pensions including contributions by employees to the annual estimates process. The company has no evidence that this funding policy will not continue to meet such sums in accordance with current practice. Based on the above the company has accounted for the contributions as if it were a defined contribution scheme.

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Pension contributions deducted from employees during the year 18,944 19,258 Benefits paid to members of the schemes during the year 40,825 42,977 Costs of pension contributions recoverable from the state at year end total €Nil (2020: €23,719).

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Details of the pensions deducted from employees, employer contributions and the benefits paid to former employees during the year are as follows: 2021 2020 € €

In addition to the above the Company operates defined contribution pension schemes (PRSA) in respect of employees not eligible to enter the above scheme. The assets of the PRSA schemes are held separately from those of the company in independently administered funds. The pension costs represent contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to €24,216 (2020: €20,916).

At the beginning of the year, a balance of €10,000 was owed to the Company at year end from Showcase Ireland Events Limited. During the year this amount was written off and balance owed to the Company was €NIL at the year end.

The Board of Directors approved these financial statements for issue on 3 June 2022 ended 2021

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year

From time to time, Directors of Crafts Council of Ireland Limited may be involved in other membership organisations that may have transactions with Crafts Council of Ireland Limited with no benefit accruing to the Directors. Post Balance Sheet Events

During the year ended 31 December 2021, Crafts Council of Ireland transferred €263,630 to Showcase Design and Crafts Fair Company Limited by Guarantee, a subsidiary company. DCCI also purchased services from Showcase for €52,500. A balance of €211,130 was owed to the Company at the Balance Sheet date.

20.

19.

18. Commitments Under Operating Leases

31 December

2021 2020 € € StatementsFinancial 135 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 135 27/06/2022 13:20

There have been no significant events affecting the Company since the year end. Approval of Financial Statements

21.

At 31 December 2021 the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods: Not later than 1 year 75,000 75,000 Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 200,000 275,000 275,000 350,000 Related Party Transactions

IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 136 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 136 27/06/2022 13:20

StatementsFinancial 137 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 137 27/06/2022 13:20

Design Atelier TypoGraphic Design (atelier.ie) Cover Image 'Setting Forth', designed by Shane O'Driscoll and created by Ceadogán Rugmakers. Setting Forth was on show in the Made in Ireland exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery. Photographer: Dylan Vaughan Image Credits Leon MichaelFarrellMcLaughlin Studios Daragh McSweeney Rory DesignDylanRolandMoorePaschhoffVaughan&CraftsCouncil Ireland Castle Yard, Kilkenny, R95 CAA6, Ireland T. +353 ( 0 ) 56 776 1804 dcci.ie Acknowledgements IrelandofCouncilCrafts&Design 138 DCCI_AR2021_ENGLISH_Financials_270622.indd 138 27/06/2022 13:20

dcci.ie Design & Crafts Council Ireland Castle Kilkenny,YardR95 CAA6 T.Ireland+353 ( 0 ) 56 776 1804

DCCI Annual Report 2021

Articles inside

Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer

Introduction by the Chair