£)) C r a f t s C o u n c i l of I r e l a n d
STOPRESS APRIL 1999 Retirement of Terry Kelly as Chairperson of the Crafts Council Terry Kelly, who was appointed as Chairperson of the CCol in 1996, has retired a few months earlier than her full three year term in order to concentrate on her stud ies at UCD. As a a "returnee" to full-time graduate edu cation Terry feels that she needs to give her full and undivided attention to her coursework.
Chairperson of the Crafts Council of Ireland. Dr Ruane is a lecturer in the History of Art and Design at the National College of Art and Design, where her teaching has focussed on students of graphic and industrial design, fashion, textiles and craft. Since 1980 she has been Art Advisor to AIB Bank, assisting in the formation of their collection of modern Irish art and writing their 1986 and 1995 catalogues.
However, she retires with the knowledge that the key targets she set for the Council at the start of her term have been achieved. By building on the work of the 94/96 Board, the financial position of the CCol has been secured, and the deficit which dogged the Council in recent years has been removed. In addition, while she has been in the Chair, full-time training has expanded into the west of Ireland, a regional 'life long learning' project (Outreach) has been introduced, and new link ages with Northern Ireland have been built by the On the Border Project which has been a significant success in the twelve border counties.
She has lectured and written widely on contemporary Irish art and in 1982 published a book on the artist Patrick Collins. She was a television presenter on the RTE arts programme, Exhibit A and, more recently, on the first series of the interior design programme, Beyond the Hall Door.
During her term, the criticism levelled by regional crafts people that the Council was only noticeable in Dublin and Kilkenny has been positively responded to by these developments. At the same time, the introduction of MediaStore has placed the crafts to the fore of IT devel opment, the consolidation of Council administration in Kilkenny has provided a far more productive and effec tive service to our industry, particularly in the Council's Information Section, while the new alliance with DESIGNyard maintains a quality CCol retail presence in the capital. Both the staff and Board of the CCol would like to thank Terry Kelly for her committed leadership of the Council. Her experience and vision enabled a stable platform to be built on from which future initiatives will continue to be launched in support of the Irish craft industry as it faces the challenge of a new millennium. (LR) Frances Ruane appointed as Chairperson Dr Frances Ruane has recently been appointed
A new Three Year Strategic Plan for the Crafts Council of Ireland The CCol Review of 1995, based on research amongst craftspeople and craft organisations, created a strategic plan which guided the Crafts Council over the past three year, particularly in terms of regional activity and the expansion of craft exhibitors at Showcase. As both the craft industry and CCol face into a new century, it is time once again to revisit strategic policy and amend it where necessary. On this occasion the Board of the CCol has sought an external and experienced consultant to conduct the research needed to inform policy development. Commencements Ltd., a forward thinking consultancy practice with considerable experience of research on key issues relevant to micro, and small to medium enterpris es, has been appointed to advise and assist the Council in the preparation of a new Three Year Strategic Plan. Members of the CCol Register will have already been invited to regional 'Focus' group meetings so that they can actively contribute to policy creation. The Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland thanks you for your sup port in this important process. (LR)
While every care has been taken in the compilation of this Stopress, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. To advertise in Stopress, please contact Joanna Quinn at the Crafts Council's offices in Kilkenny tel: 056 61804, fax: 056-63754, email: joanna@craftscouncil-of-ireland.ie.
Any relevant information for Stopress gratefully received!