SEPTEMBER/OCT. '78
NEWSLETTER
CRAFTS COUNCII OF IRELAND.. Thomas Prior House, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Telephone 01 680764
CRAFTS SURVEY Christmas Crafts CONFERENCE Promotion Without facts it is difficult to argue the craftsman's case with any conviction. It is difficult to show as simple a thing as growth and therefore the importance of the sector without basic facts such as the value of crafts being produced. Equally difficult to assess is the potential, and thus the likely returns in terms of, say, employment for an investment which may be made officially. ^\ postal survey will be made. The questionnaire is a simple one and it is to be hoped that every craftsman and woman earning their living through their craft skills will complete it.
Absolute confidentiality will be maintained and while there may be reluctance to disclose certain information, Crafts Council is most anxious on behalf of every craftsman that the survey be as complete as possible, for with only a small percentage of replies the information gained will be of little value. It is in the craftsman's interest. A worthwhile report will depend on them.
Irish Theme in Washington Textile Museum The Photographic Section of the Crafts Council 1977 exhibition "CENTURIES OF WOOL — IRELAND", some 60 large prints with graphics, has been loaned to the Washington D.C. Textile Museum where it is part of the cultural attractions connected with the CTT/ Julius Garfinkel Inc. store promotion of Irish goods. The exhibition has been mounted interspersed with examples of woollen textiles.
At the time of going to press, most craftsmen will have had details of the Conference in Wexford in November.
Crafts Council will this Christmas be undertaking a special promotion of crafts and craft shops to help to stimulate the home market shopper to think in terms of handcraft as presents. The theme is "Pick a Perfect Present Irish made Handcrafts". Merely to encourage the purchase of handcrafts this Christmas without helping the buying public to find them would, it was felt, be insufficient, so every craft shop or store selling handcraft will be issued with a window sticker identifying it as a source of Irish made handcraft. This attractive sign carries the message "Irish Handcraft Sold Here". The same theme is also produced as a point of sale tent card which can be used in the shop at the place where crafts are promoted, or where a special display is put on.
The main theme of "Pick a Perfect Present" is carried on posters which are in two sizes and which can be used as window bills in conjunction with the identification symbol, as well as inside the store to carry the message strongly to the shopper.
For the craftsmen it is important to ensure that retailers have their products prominently displayed, and for the retailer important that they are not only well stocked to make the most of this promotion, but make a strong impact by using the material and the goods to their best advantage.
Speakers will include Mr Victor Margrie, Chief Executive of the U.K. Crafts Advisory Committee, a craftsman who has done a great deal for the crafts in the U.K.; Ms. Kerstin Wickman, the Editor of the Swedish design magazine, Form, and a sensitive judge of the present state of the craftsman and his objectives, not only in Sweden, but elsewhere; Mr Aneuran Thomas, Director of the Welsh Arts Council, and also responsible for crafts in Wales and not unfamiliar with the problems there and here; Ms. Sally Smith of the Scottish Develop ment Agency, equivalent to the IDA Small Industries Division and someone who is close to the whole question of marketing crafts; Mr Niall Montgomery, the noted Irish architect whose contribution will undoubtedly stimulate thought. Subsidiary speakers will include both craftsmen and others involved in the craft sector who will enunciate sometimes opposing views, but in all giving food for
It is at the point of deliberation that the attending craftsmen will be able to make their own contribution, for this is what this Conference is about. The key speakers in effect will state a position and stimulate thought, but it is those who participate who can direct the Conference towards the ends which they themselves can best see as not only protecting, but enhancing their future as craftsmen. They will be listened to for it is their Conference.