Design & Crafts Council Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements
2019
Design & Crafts Council Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2019
Image: Design Ireland at Maison & Objet: Rathbornes 1488; Alan Meredith Studio; John Hanly & Co. Ltd.
Image: Work by John Rainey in Crowded Thresholds in the National Design & Craft Gallery.
Contents About
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Our Vision and Our Mission
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Our Strategy 2017 – 2020
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2019 In Review
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1 Chair and Chief Executive’s Report
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2 Our Activities
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2.1 Enterprise 21 2.2 Research and Innovation 39 2.3 Knowledge and Skills 51 2.4 Promotion and Awareness 61 2.5 Policy and Advocacy 71
3 Our Business
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
Our Clients 85 Our History 1970 – 2019 89 Overview of our Support and Development Programmes 93 Key Programme Statistics 2019 101
4 Our Governance
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9
104
Corporate Governance Update 107 Our Board 111 Our Team 116 Our Member Organisations 117 Our Committees 119
5 Financial Statements
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123
Company Information 125 Directors Report 127 Independent Auditors Report 131 Income and Expenditure Account 134 Statement of Comprehensive Income 135 Balance Sheet 136 Statement of Changes in Equity 137 Statement of Cash Flows 138 Notes to the Financial Statements 139
6 Acknowledgements
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Image: ‘Rook’, 24ct Keum-boo, oxodised silver, porcelain by Eimear Conyard.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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About Design & Crafts Council Ireland Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design-thinking and informing Government policy. Our activities are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) through Enterprise Ireland.
We aim to: — raise the standard and profile of this sector, both in Ireland and internationally; — develop e-commerce potential, and grow exports; — invest in the progression of the next generation of craftspeople through education initiatives; — advocate for the integration of design in Government policy and industry, and the development of Ireland’s design infrastructure. In Ireland, research published by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) in 2016 valued the design and craft sector at €38 billion. The overall output of craft enterprises is €498 million, with craft sector exports of €125 million. As at 31 December 2019, DCCI has 59 member organisations and 3,103 registered client enterprises. This represents an increase of 68 registered clients since 2018. dcci.ie
Our Team DCCI’s Executive Team is responsible and accountable for the leadership and dayto-day management and operation of the organisation. The team acts within the approved policies of DCCI’s Board and is consistent with the priorities of its clients.
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The Executive Team comprises the CEO and heads of departments. The heads of departments report directly to the CEO and provide regular updates to the DCCI Board on the work of the organisation. The CEO reports to the Chair and the Board of DCCI. DCCI’s office and the National Design & Craft Gallery are located in the Castle Yard, Kilkenny with 23 full time employees. The Centres of Excellence are located in Kilkenny (Jewellery & Goldsmithing) and Grennan Mill, Thomastown (Ceramics).
About DCCI
DCCI provides practical supports to emerging and established designers and craftspeople through a range of programmes and services.
Our Vision Ireland is recognised and valued for its culture of design and craft. Our Mission
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We are 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. About this report
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
This report lists our five strategic aims for the period 2017 – 2020 inclusive. It then reviews – at a glance – our work and achievements in 2019 towards these aims before it presents the detail of our work in each of our five core activities.
Our Strategy 2017 – 2020 Our strategic aims are set out below. Enterprise Drive demand for Irish design and craft by strategically investing in export, online and domestic markets. Support clients to understand and satisfy consumer needs. Research and Innovation
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To lead research and innovative practice in design and craft in order to embed both as strategic contributors to the future development of Ireland’s competitiveness, economy and society. Knowledge and Skills To collaborate with education, industry and other partners in supporting knowledge and skills development to meet current and future needs.
Promote the work of Irish designers and makers in domestic and international markets. Collaborate with strategic partners in raising awareness of the design and craft sector. Policy and Advocacy Grow awareness of the value of design and craft to society and the economy. Work with Government and stakeholders clients to integrate design thinking into Government policy and industry.
Our Vision / Our Mission / Our Strategy
Promotion and Awareness
2019 in Review
3,103
59
2018 2017 € € Cash flows from operating activities
Registered client enterprises Guilds, Associations, Networks, and Societies Surplus for the financial year 3,472 80,937 (GANS) Adjustments for: Depreciation of tangible assets 44,995 44,125 Transfer to/from capital account (20,283) (3,130) Dividend received — (20,000)
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Decrease/(increase) in debtors 37,094 (58,072) Increase/(decrease) in creditors ( 21,858
(5,199)
Net cash generated from operating activities 87,136
38,661
€25,000
Cash flows from investing activities
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Purchase of tangible fixed assets (24,712) (40,995) Total prize fund for DCCI’s Future Makers DCCI clients supported for international Awards & Supports 2019 programme — Dividend received — 20,000 development the largest prize craft and design Netfund cashfor from investing activities students and emerging makers in Europe
(24,712) (20,995)
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 62,424
17,666
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 16,053 (1,613) Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
78,477 16,053
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:
13,000
186
Cash at bank and in hand 78,477 16,053 78,477
Students and members of the public took part in outreach programmes
16,053)
DCCI clients supported through mentoring and development activities
Statement of Changes in Equity as at 31 December 2018
€160.1m
206
Profit and Capital Account Loss Account Total Equity € € €
At 1to January 2017 224,353 Yearly potential revenue the exhibitors at DCCI clients participated at17,167 Showcase 2019241,520 Showcase 2019 Comprehensive income for the year Surplus for the year — 3,472
3,472
Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets 24,712 — 24,712 Amortised in line with depreciation (44,995) — (44,995) At 31 December 2018 204,070 20,639 224,709
11 The notes on pages 127 to 136 form part of these financial statements.
306,538
157
Visitors attended National Designof&Changes Craft in Equity Statement Gallery exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring) for the year ended 31 December 2016
Makers, designers and studios represented in the exhibitions programme
Profit and Capital Account Loss Account Total Equity € € €
omprehensive income for the year C Surplus for the year Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets Amortised in line with depreciation
— 80,937 80,937 40,995 — 40,995 (44,125) — (44,125)
At 31 December 2016 224,353 17,167
€33,449
€50m
Allocated to developing 25 membership organisations through Network Support Scheme
Estimated reach through media coverage secured
The notes on pages 127 to 136 form part of these financial statements.
For more key statistics for 2018, please see page 91
241,520
2019 Year in Review
At 1 January 2017 227,483 (63,770) 163,713
Image: Still from SÓ – a film by Boo George, produced and commissioned by DCCI to promote Irish makers overseas.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Introduction by the Chair
I am delighted to present the 2019 Annual Report of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI). As President Michael D Higgins has said: “In Ireland, our heritage and culture is deeply embedded in crafted objects, symbolically rich and exquisitely rendered.”
Breege O’Donoghue
Our role in DCCI is to support designers and makers in connecting to that culture and heritage through their work, and to encourage people in Ireland and around the world to appreciate the uniqueness of Ireland’s design and crafts.
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Chair
The increased interest in the design and craft sector by national enterprise, State agencies and Government needs to be met with positive actions to ensure the design and craft community benefit as a whole. Nationally and internationally, there is increased recognition of the significant contribution that locally-based enterprises, socially engaged projects, and culture and heritage make in engaging and empowering communities. The craft and design sector is central to this and plays a vital role across the Island of Ireland, providing employment, enriching communities, preserving skills and providing sustainable alternatives that are sensitive to our environment. On behalf of the Board, I want to offer my thanks to our former Chief Executive, Karen Hennessy, who departed DCCI in November 2019 to pursue other activities. Karen and the DCCI team worked to ensure the inclusion of the design and craft sector in the Future Jobs Programme at both a national and regional
level, reflecting Government’s appreciation of the opportunities this sector offers for sustainable employment across all regions of the country. The team also oversaw the expansion of our partner network in Ireland and around the world, which included representing Irish designers and makers on the Board of the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA), to which Karen was elected Vice President in 2019. We wish Karen every success in her future endeavours. I also wish to thank our Head of Innovation, Louise Allen, who stepped in as interim Managing Executive following Karen’s departure. We are delighted now to welcome Rosemary Steen, who took over as Chief Executive in February 2020. Rosemary joins DCCI from EirGrid where she was Director of External Affairs. She has also held senior corporate affairs roles in Vodafone Ireland and Shell. Her breadth of expertise and experience of working across customer relations, regulation, public affairs and stakeholder communications is a valuable asset to the organisation. During 2019, we continued to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in relation
Chair & Chief Executive’s Report
The design and craft sector has a strong regional footprint in Ireland, and, over the years, there has been a rise in the quality and quantity of creative and contemporary products designed and made in Ireland.
to funding, corporate governance and staff resourcing. I wish to thank Minister Heather Humphreys and her officials for their support throughout the year.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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As DCCI approaches its 50th anniversary, we believe that the ability of the sector to continue to generate quality, sustainable employment throughout the island will continue to grow.
I would also like to thank DCCI’s employees, Executive team and Board of Directors for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. I am grateful for their efforts in delivering on DCCI’s considerable projects in 2019. I have no doubt they will continue to focus their energies on supporting our indigenous artisans and designers and promoting their skills and talent. We believe that the ability of the sector to continue to generate sustainable, quality employment throughout the island will continue to grow, despite the challenges we now face. We remain focused on building our internal resources to ensure that we can fulfil our strategic plan. We will support our designers and makers by ensuring that we review our role so that we are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the years to come. Breege O’Donoghue, Chair DCCI
Introduction to the Chief Executive When I began working with DCCI in February of 2020, we were facing into a considerable public health crisis, the likes of which we have never faced as a country. Like all parts of society, the design and craft sector is not immune to the effects of this crisis. Ensuring that we continue to engage with our member organisations and clients has never been more important. We are committed to supporting our makers and designers, bolstering public confidence in the sector, and advocating for buying local. 15 Rosemary Steen
As part of this commitment, DCCI launched the Made Local campaign, bringing the craft and design sector together with the common purpose of encouraging consumers to support local enterprises and connect with the wealth of designers and makers that are on their doorstep. Thanks to your support #MadeLocal was trending on social media on the day it launched, with a 500% increase in daily reach on Instagram, and over 70,000 organic impressions on twitter. It was also picked up by news and media outlets nationwide, showing just what we can do by working together.
I believe passionately in the power of communities, and the craft and design community has a unique role in Irish society. I also believe in the power of ‘digital’ to unlock opportunities in the challenging world we face, but it must be done in a way that engages our community in a supportive way. This year has shown a significant interest in digital support from DCCI for our clients and members. To those clients and members, I look forward to working with you and getting all your inputs in advance of DCCI’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2021. On my own behalf and on behalf of our employees, we would like to thank all of you for your continuing support of and engagement with our work.
Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive DCCI
Chair & Chief Executive’s Report
Chief Executive
Image: Paul McClure with his work in Crowded Thresholds in Farmleigh Gallery.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Our Activities
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Image: Showcase 2019 – ‘Rathgall’ and ‘Coppenagh’ boards by Ballyshane.
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
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This part of our reports looks at our work on our five core activities during 2019. For each activity we note our objectives, focus and strategic aims, our work and key achievements. 2.1 Enterprise
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2.2 Research and innovation 2.3 Knowledge and Skills 2.4 Promotion and Awareness 2.5 Policy and Advocacy We look at each activity in turn. Financial Statements
2.0
Our Activities
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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DCCI’s Enterprise Programme delivers innovative market and enterprise development programmes that enhance our clients’ business skills, enabling them to grow. 21
Objective
To increase demand for Irish design and craft by strategically investing in export, online and domestic markets. Support clients to understand and satisfy consumer needs.
Focus and Strategic Aims Develop client capabilities
— Identify client enterprises with growth potential. — Mentor and support clients. Invest in developing international markets
— Build the international reputation and commercial potential of Irish design and craft. — Identify and assist client enterprises with export growth potential. Help our clients to increase e-commerce
— Lead the sector to invest in developing online channels to heighten brand awareness and grow e-commerce. Continue to invest and grow the domestic market
— Support our clients who primarily sell in the home market. — Maintain awareness and appreciation with all stakeholders in Ireland.
Our Activities
2.1
Enterprise
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Tweed Run Tokyo 2019; Fí: Ryan Owens wears waistcoat by Bonner; shirt by Magee 1866; scarf by STABLE of Ireland; trousers by Celtic Tweed; belt by De Bruir; and shoes by Tutty's Handmade Shoes; Model Aine O'Gorman wears hat by Hanna Hats of Donegal and poncho by McConnell Woollen Mills at the launch of the new Design Ireland retail store at Dublin Airport; Showcase 2019: The Bearded Man, The Handmade Soap Company, Mourne Textiles.
Work to achieve these strategic aims in 2019 and key achievements: 2019 – 2021 Investment Programme to Grow Exports and Online Sales
In 9 October, as part of Budget 2019, it was announced that DCCI would receive additional Government funding of €1,800,000 for a new three-year (2019 – 2021) market development programme. The purpose of the programme is to assist high-potential clients to grow export and online revenues through participation in international trade fairs, collaboration with flagship retailers and enhancement of e-commerce capabilities. Showcase – Ireland's Creative Expo® 20 – 23 January
DCCI's flagship annual trade event, Showcase – Ireland's Creative Expo® is one of the country's largest trade fairs. It is a contemporary design and craft trade fair created to appeal to Irish and international trade buyers. The 43rd Showcase was officially opened at the RDS, Dublin on 20 January by then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, TD. There were 408 exhibitors taking part, of which were 206 DCCI clients. Over 4,000 buyers representing 2,580 retail businesses attended over the four days of the event. These buyers came from 26 countries worldwide, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe and the Far East. Buyer attendance at the show was 2% up on 2018, with growth coming from USA and UK. The winners of the annual Showcase Awards announced for 2019 were: Overall Best Product Award: Studio Donegal. Best Product Category Winners: — Fashion: Studio Donegal — Home: Mourne Textiles — Gift: Sam agus Nessa — Jewellery: Emer Roberts Design I nnovation and Craftsmanship Award: Colin Harris Furniture Design. Design Ireland Award: Criostal na Rinne. Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Award – Coolree Design.
Showcase hosted the première of ‘Fí’, a short film on Irish textiles and fashion by acclaimed director Perry Ogden, with fashion direction by Paula Hughes. Presenting the work of over 40 designers, the film was commissioned by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland to highlight the breadth of creative talent in Ireland’s textile sector. The word Fí means to weave a fabric or a story. It was also used in old Irish to describe interlacing and closely-knit communities. The film was well received by attending buyers and the media. Key achievements
The value of orders placed at the 2019 show was €25.1 million, up 5% from 2018. The number of buyers attending was up 2%. Feedback from buyers attending Showcase was encouraging, with positive comments on the quality and variety of the products on offer.
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Media coverage of Showcase was strong, with a PR value of €540,000. Highlights included the front cover of The Irish Times magazine and coverage by Nationwide on RTÉ. International Projects
DCCI, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) collaborated on three in-market events to: — Develop client understanding of specific markets — Promote Showcase 2020 — Build buyer and media contacts These events were: 1. Showcase Ireland Paris
The Paris Showcase in February coincided with Paris Fashion week and focused on apparel and accessories. The following companies took part: — 31 Chapel Lane — Alison Conneely — Irelands Eye — Magee — McConnell Woollen Mill — Natalie B Coleman — The Tweed Project — Triona
Our Activities
≤ Clockwise from top left
Elements to the 4-day programme were: — 1-2-1 mentoring with five Paris-based industry experts. — A reception for buyers and media which included an exclusive screening of ‘Fí’, which Ambassador Patricia O’Brien attended. — A guided “retail safari” was held for clients to research stores. — A showroom space was provided for brands to meet with buyers. Seventeen buyers attended the event including Merci and Galleries Lafayette. Five media attended including Cote Ouest and Elle. 2. Showcase Ireland Tokyo October 2019
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The Showcase Ireland Tokyo was held on the same week as the Tokyo Fashion Week and the official Ireland-Asia trade and investment mission, led by Minister Heather Humphreys, T.D. Exhibitors who were present with their work included: — Fisherman out of Ireland (Knitwear) — Magee (Tweed) — Hanna Hats (Tweed Hats) — Rueben Ave (Fashion) — Colin Burke (Knitwear) — Molloy & Sons (Tweed) — Rathbornes 1488 (Candles)
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
A further 20 brands were featured in a curated display of products. There were three parts to the programme: — A media afternoon event and an evening reception took place at Ambassador Paul Kavanagh’s residence in Tokyo on Wednesday 16 October. The Deputy Head of Mission, Peter Neary hosted the event, which Japanese Press, including Esquire, WWD, Senken and LEON attended. Minister Heather Humphreys, Ambassador Kavanagh and Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland attended the evening event. Key buyers at the event included Isetan Mitsukoshi, Francfranc Corporation, Barneys Japan and Hankyu Department Stores. 7 Showcase exhibitors presented their work.
— An Irish Textiles Seminar in conjunction with the Senken, Japan’s largest trade newspaper was held on Friday 18 October and included a talk by Yaichiro Nozawa, author of a Japanese book on Aran knit. — Tweed Run Tokyo, which featured Irish brands, took place on Sunday 20 October. This event was a celebration of tweeds in central Tokyo as part of Tokyo Fashion Week, flying the flag for Irish Tweed. Showcase will be holding a presscall for the Irish brands participating. 3. Showcase Ireland New York November 2019
The New York event was held during the pre-fall buying season in New York. Ciarán Madden, Consul General of Ireland hosted a buyer’s reception and an exclusive screening of Fí at in Soho House, New York. Twelve Irish brands presented their work, as follows: — Bernie Murphy (fashion), — Colin Burke (knitwear), — Criostal na Rinne (crystal), — Foxford (textiles), — Hanna Hats (tweed caps), — Inner Island (jewellery), — Magee 1866 (tweed), — McConnell Woollen Mills (knitwear), — Mourne Textiles (weaving), — Rathbornes 1488 (candles), — Ros Duke (knitwear) and — Reuben Avenue (fashion). Twenty other brands from Showcase were featured in a special product display. The centrepiece of the event was the screening of Fí, which was attended by Samantha Barry, editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine, who also hosted a talk on Irish fashion. Buyers and media attending included Rolling Stone, Bloomingdales, Saks, Hudson Bay and Barneys. Bank of Ireland New York provided sponsorship for the Soho event. They also gave full use of their offices for the two days of sales and mentoring opportunities.
Throughout the year, DCCI continued to focus on one of its key strategic aims: to identify supports for clients with growth potential and develop that potential through a variety of enterprise programmes, workshops, and one-toone mentoring sessions. These included: Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme
This was a tailored seven-month programme, delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) nationwide. It provided selected clients with insights on market research, product design, production capacity, costs, business development, e-commerce trade show preparation, and the retail environment. Participants went on a research trade and retail visit to London. Driving Export Programme
This programme was delivered in partnership with LEOs nationwide and assisted highpotential brands to research their target markets, evaluate routes to market, and improve their export readiness. Participants benefited from a series of workshops, one-toone mentoring, and took part in a bespoke research retail and trade fair visit to Paris. Workshops and One-to-One Mentoring:
Clients exhibiting at Design Ireland and at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo 2019 were provided with one-to-one mentoring sessions in selling and visual merchandising. All DCCI-registered enterprises exhibiting at Showcase 2019 were offered onsite merchandising assistance and advice during set-up at the RDS. The enterprises included Design Ireland and the Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitors. Workshops on branding products and building exports were also held in partnership with Mayo LEO. Sixty brands attended.
Key achievements
4 8 clients from Dublin, Galway, Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan graduated from the Building Craft and Design Enterprise programme 2019, including Soul Engraver which had its heritage-inspired collection introduced at Weirs & Son, Grafton Street, Dublin. 3 5 clients attended MAISON&OBJET Paris, Premiere Classe, Bijorhca Paris, and Top Drawer in September as part of research missions. 1 3 clients in the Driving Export programme worked on their export development plans for completion by April 2020. 6 0 clients took part in workshops on website development, branding, export potential, and retail relations. 3 0 client enterprises benefitted from one-to-one mentoring services during the year.
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Design Ireland®
Design Ireland is a consumer brand created by DCCI to promote the breadth and quality of Irish design and craft to inspire global and Irish audiences. The accompanying website, designireland.ie, gives information on talented Irish designers and where to buy their work either online or in listed shops. designireland.ie
During 2018, we focused on search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media strategies for the website. This enhanced the performance of the site and delivered growth in key areas such as organic traffic and referrals from Facebook and Instagram. During 2019, there was continued growth on the site. It is becoming the go-to source for superior Irish design, helping to enhance the reputations of DCCI clients while also supporting quality online sellers. Additionally, with support funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), design enhancements were also carried out on designireland.ie throughout 2018. This included new features such as a 'by county' map of designers and makers and a searchable database of workshops and studio experiences for consumers (in partnership with Fáilte Ireland), particularly the Irish diaspora and
Our Activities
Expanding client capabilities
a private portal specifically for use by DFAT teams to make purchasing craft products for embassies more efficient. These new features were further strengthened through 2019, making the user experience more seamless. Key achievements
Organic/SEO traffic through designireland. ie was up by over 40% on 2018, with pages viewed per session increasing by 12%. Quarter 4 of 2019 was the highest quarter for organic traffic since the launch of the new site in 2016. There were notable improvements in: — Keywords in the top 3 positions increased by 114%. — Keywords in the top 4-10 positions increased by 118%.
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This linked to the substantial improvements in organic traffic throughout 2019. Design Ireland® at The Loop
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
A new retail venture developed by Aer Rianta International and DCCI presented contemporary Irish design and craft at the Loop in Terminal 2, Dublin Airport. The store launched with 23 Design Ireland brands for the initial collection featured in-store, with plans to introduce further brands in 2020. It showcases the best of Irish creativity through a collection of contemporary work by designers and makers from across Ireland. The store is managed and run by Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), with ongoing support from DCCI in the form of staff training, brand management and advice. Then Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market, and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD, officially launched the new retail space at Dublin Airport. Key achievements
The Design Ireland Store was officially opened on 11 December and traded strongly to December 31. Feedback from passengers and staff was positive. Aer Rianta International initially selected 23 DCCI clients, placing orders with clients of €143,000 before the store opened.
Projected 12-month sales are €800,000 for the first year. Design Ireland® at International Events
An independent panel of industry experts assessed client applications for pre-selection to participate in Design Ireland international events. The selectors focused on export readiness, capacity, suitability for market, and skills and experience. All pre-selected clients were automatically included in the list of brands presented to the juries for the trade shows MSA Forward, Shoppe Object New York or MAISON&OBJET Paris. In total, 95 clients applied, with 65 being preselected. OPTIMISE Design Ireland
The OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme, developed by DCCI in partnership with the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network continues to: empower innovative, design-led Irish brands to improve their online presence, hone their digital capabilities, grow their global e-commerce sales by bringing together best-in-class expertise across the digital, enterprise and design sectors. Following a selection process, 80 businesses completed this programme between 2017 and 2019, with 20 of these participating in 2019. Participants reported seeing strong sales growth from the programme. Key achievements
1 in ten clients saw an increase in online sales of between 80 – 100% in 2019. A quarter of clients saw an increase of between 40 – 60%. 3 in 10 saw an increase in online sales by of between 20 – 40% and almost 4 out of 10 clients experienced increases in online sales by of between 0 – 20%. Nearly 7 out of 10 changed their approach to e-commerce. The remainder made changes to their email marketing. Nearly 8 out of 10 clients edited their online content, with most of those reporting changes to social media activities.
International Fair Fund 2019
The International Fair Fund (IFF) is a key support for clients who are ready to access markets abroad by offering financial support to exhibit at international trade fairs. Selections are made in spring and autumn for shows the following year. This year, the fund received additional support from the government, allowing for a larger number of successful applicants. In 2019 the following enterprises were awarded funding: — Alan Ardiff Ltd — Aoife Mullane Design — Celtic Tweeds — Chloe Dowds — CLARE O’CONNOR — Claypipe Centre — Debbie Millington Designs — Hanna Hats of Donegal Ltd — Heirloom Seals — IdIreland.com — Jennifer Rothwell — Julie Clarke Candles — Latitude Kinsale — Lynsey de Burca — McConnell Woollen Mills Ltd. — McKernan Woollen Mills — Mullan Lighting Design & Manufacturing Ltd. — NATALIE B COLEMAN — Ros Duke — Sandia Dublin, — Shane Holland Design Workshops — The Tweed Project — Triona — Wild Goose Studio — ZELOUF & BELL FURNITURE MAKERS Key achievements:
25 enterprises were funded to participate in 32 fairs in 5 countries during the year. Significant orders were delivered by each business through these fairs.
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Our Activities
A new retail venture developed by Aer Rianta International and DCCI presented contemporary Irish design and craft at the Loop in Terminal 2, Dublin Airport.
The Optimise Design Ireland programme was featured on Newstalk’s Down to Business with Bobby Kerr on 13 April 2019. Client Áine Breen of Wexford-based jewellery business Liwu participated in the programme to talk about its benefits for clients.
Shoppe Object, New York
Shoppe Object is the newest and most relevant home and gift trade show on the East coast of the US.
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Selected by an international expert panel, DCCI’s PORTFOLIO showcases contemporary work by over 140 of Ireland’s most distinguished makers.
2019 was the 3rd year of the show, and Design Ireland's first year exhibiting. The event is well organised and has a very high standard of exhibitor. As such, it is attractive to buyers as they are confident that they will find authentic, quality brands with a high degree of hand-made and bespoke work. Design Ireland featured six brands on the group stand: — Field Apothecary — Hanna Hats — Copperfish — Caulfield Country Boards — Foxford — Thomas Diem Key achievements:
Design Ireland made a strong impact for its first show, establishing the profile of Irish craft and design amongst this discerning audience. Strong links were made with the show organisers with a commitment to work even more closely in 2020. The organisers agreed to attend Showcase to identify suitable brands for the Shoppe Object in August 2020. Orders generated at the show by exhibiting clients were on target
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
MAISON&OBJET Paris
MAISON&OBJET Paris (M&O) is Europe's leading home decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community. Design Ireland was selected to exhibit in the newly developed Today section of the fair in 2019, the contemporary area of this important trade show. The Design Ireland Pavilion had four clients exhibiting on their own stands and a central exhibition space for three up-and-coming ceramics artists. Exhibiting clients: — Rathbornes 1488, — John Hanly & Co, — Alan Meredith Studio and — Stephen Farnan
A strong contingent of buyers from Ireland and the UK visited the stand, as well as buyers from North America, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, the Middle East, and South America. The Ambassador of Ireland to France, H.E. Patricia O'Brien visited the show and took time to meet all of the Design Ireland makers, along with touring the other Irish brands at the show. Key achievements:
Orders generated at the show were in line with targets Feedback from the four Design Ireland exhibitors was good. Each brand successfully met their target buyers and influencers at the show. The three featured ceramicists learned a lot about the export market and developed excellent contacts from UK and Europe. Museum Store Association Show
DCCI exhibited at the Museum Store Association (MSA) annual conference and trade show for the second time and worked closely with Enterprise Ireland (EI) to present a joint Irish presence. The 2019 event took place in San Diego, California Five brands participated in the show: — McKernan Woollen Mills — Brendan Joseph — Danu — Jennifer Rothwell — Foxford DCCI also presented a conference break-out session to over 100 attendees on 'Storytelling: How to Create Meaningful Customer Engagement'. Key achievements
Strong orders were generated by the exhibiting brands. 442 buyers attended the MSA event and the engagement level was high. DCCI and EI also used the opportunity to promote Showcase 2020, encouraging buyers to attend the event in Ireland.
PORTFOLIO
Selected by an international expert panel, DCCI’s PORTFOLIO showcases contemporary work by over 140 of Ireland's most distinguished makers. Selected makers produce innovative objects and work to high standards of design quality and technical skills. The programme was developed to foster the reputation and commercial potential of designer-makers across all disciplines of contemporary design and craft. The PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019 – 2020 publication and exhibition launched in February 2019 in The Coach House in Dublin Castle. In this edition, 24 makers were selected by an independent judging panel following a selection process in November 2018. The selected makers were: — Alan Meredith — Annemarie Reinhold — Cara Murphy — Cecilia Moore — Ciarán McGill — Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill — David McCaul — Eimear Conyard — Emma Bourke — Grainne Watts — Jack Doherty — Jennifer Hickey — Joe Hogan — John Lee — Joseph Walsh — Mike Byrne — Nuala O'Donovan — Roger Bennett — Sara Flynn — Sasha Sykes — Stephen O'Briain — Stevan Hartung — Úna Burke — ZELOUF & BELL The judging panel comprised: — Liz Cooper, Development Manager, Design-Nation, UK; — Kim Mahwhinney, Head of Art, National Museums of Northern Ireland; and — Johan Valcke, Founder of Design Flanders and owner of Valcke Art Gallery in Ghent, Belgium.
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Our Activities
Ceramic artists: — Chloe Dowds — Rebecca Killen — Aisling McElwain
Bespoke tours of the exhibition were organised for a variety of interested parties including gallerists, Friends of the RHA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The publication was distributed to galleries, cultural institutions, curators, collectors, media, influencers, and libraries nationally and internationally. In June, the publication won a bronze bell at the Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD). Key achievements
PORTFOLIO supported ‘MAKING IN’, the third edition of a symposium organised by the Joseph Walsh Studio on 14 September. This annual event works to stimulate thinking around questions of craft, art, design, and architecture.
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DCCI continued its relationship with the Bluecoat Display Centre and Liverpool Irish Festival in selecting a contemporary Irish craft maker to exhibit ‘In the Window’ at the Bluecoat Display Centre for the month of October. Portfolio member Rory Shearer was selected for the 2019 exhibition.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
An exhibition featuring the work of Cathy Burke, Mike Byrne, and Cecilia Moore called ‘Quirky, Vibrant and Not so Familiar Stories’, opened at the Valcke Art Gallery in Ghent, Belgium on 31 August. The exhibition was officially opened by Helena Nolan, Irish Ambassador to Belgium. DCCI started working with Flow Gallery, London, to organise a dedicated collector tour in Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2020. The itinerary includes studio, gallery, and museum visits in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, and Belfast over eight days.
The annual Artists in Craft exhibition at Cill Rialaig Arts Centre in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry opened in July. This exhibition featured new work from 10 makers: — Scott Benefield — Paul Bokslag — Anne Butler — Frances Crowe — Hugh Cummins — Zsiri Dempsey — Ayelet Lalor — Alan Meredith
— Susan O'Byrne — Aoife Soden The PORTFOLIO Critical Selection publications were displayed at the Contemporary Irish Arts Centre in Los Angeles (CIACLA), USA, a new venue showcasing Irish arts and culture. The presentation ran for three months. Glass artist Paula Stokes was invited to exhibit as a result of the DCCI involvement. Sybil Curley, curator, and Eithne Verling, Director, Galway City Museum, used PORTFOLIO to select makers for Monument, an exhibition programmed as part of Galway 2020, in Galway City Museum. The selected makers were: — Cóilín O Dubhghaill — Joe Hogan — Alan Meredith Market Development in Ireland
DCCI worked throughout the year with associated retailers providing marketing support, staff training, branding, point-of-sale material, and information on registered clients. Key achievements
DCCI worked with the Kilkenny Group, to showcase the work of 10 designers in Scéal 2019, the retailer’s annual celebration of Irish craft and design. This year, 6 new designers were added, as follows: — Sookyoung Song — Dee Mangan of Kinsale Leather — Pearl Reddington — Jill & Gill — Reuben Ave — the Beaded Gem Sales were up by 10% on 2018, with the highest performers being Jill & Gill, Emma Manly, Rueben Avenue, Bernie Murphy, and Triona. During 2019, work started with Enterprise Ireland and eBay on their National Retail Expansion Programme to bring DCCI clients into the marketplace. Avoca approached DCCI to help source Irish made brands and products for their stores to roll out in 2020. The Kilkenny Group launched a ‘Green Friday’ initiative in response to Black Friday to encourage consumers to buy Irish to
DCCI, using assets from Design Ireland, used a special Christmas editorial and digital package with The Gloss magazine to encourage consumers to explore the breath of brands and products available for Christmas gifting. Appearing in the December print edition and digitally on TheGloss.ie and across all Gloss social channels. Bloom in the Park
Bloom in the Park is organised each year by Bord Bia and is held in Phoenix Park, Dublin over the June bank holiday weekend. It is Ireland’s largest garden and lifestyle festival, attracting over 110,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds over the five days of the show. Bloom is an excellent way for Irish brands to get exposure to this varied and engaged audience, enabling exhibitors to product-test ideas and to generate sales. The DCCI Irish Craft ‘Village’ consists of a selling space for makers, a demonstration space for Guilds and a Learning space for children’s classes. The Irish Craft Village was a key feature of the show and was, once again, situated in the heart of the activity. The area featured 29 retail exhibitors from a broad variety of disciplines, including basketry, ceramics, felt-making, soap-making, candlemaking, textiles, and jewellery. In addition to the retail exhibitors, the Irish Craft Village featured guilds and workshops. Key achievements
The Irish Craft Village featured 29 retail exhibitors across 25 outdoor stands.
9 of these businesses showcased their products at Bloom for the first time: They were: — Oxmantown Skincare, — Siobhán Daly Designs, — Airmid Natural Irish Skincare, — Kaiko Studio, — Coolree Design, — Kopper Kreation, — Hey Bulldog! Design, — Cupán Cré and — Emma's So Naturals.
Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 4 – 8 December
Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair – remains one of the strongest direct-toconsumer shows in Ireland, with 145 DCCIregistered clients exhibiting, and over 400 exhibitors in total. In addition to supporting the Design Ireland consumer campaign, DCCI's purpose at this event is to promote its clients, each of whom is provided with the DCCI logo on their stand signage so that consumers can easily identify Irish-made products. DCCI created a central Selected Gifts area in the Main Hall, a display of work from exhibiting makers which is a strong added-value service them and provides inspiration and ideas for visitors. Key achievements
1 45 DCCI-registered clients exhibited at Gifted 2018. 1 20 products were featured in the DCCI Selected Gifts display area.
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RDS Craft Bursary
The RDS Irish Craft Bursary of €10,000 is awarded to an established maker and can be used for further education and training; research; development of new work; mentoring; buying equipment; studio improvements; technology; website developments and residencies. To be eligible for this award, applicants must be members of the PORTFOLIO programme. For full details on PORTFOLIO, see page 95. There were 32 applications for the inaugural RDS Irish Craft Bursary which were assessed by an independent expert panel in November 2018. The panel comprised the three judges for PORTFOLIO, who were joined by Dr Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland, as the representative for the RDS. The winner of the inaugural RDS Irish Craft Bursary Edmond Byrne, was announced at the ‘Surface Matters’ exhibition in Dublin Castle in February by Dr Phillip Dodd, Chairman of the RDS Arts Committee. A video on Edmond’s proposal to collaborate with metal artist Adi Toch, and panels showing the bursary process were included in the exhibition. Edmond and Adi’s aim was to explore the synergies between glass and metals to discover a new visual language in
Our Activities
support both the economy and the environment. DCCI supported the Kilkenny Group to help with publicising and promoting the drive.
contemporary craft. In November, Edmond Byrne and Adi Toch were selected for Collect Open: International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design, taking place in February 2020. Collect Open is a platform for new, ambitious craft-led installations. Edmond and Adi were invited to present a body of new work, the creation of which was a direct result of the bursary opportunity. Judging for the second RDS Irish Craft Bursary took place in October. Eleven applications were received. The judging panel comprised: Liz Cooper, Development Manager, Design-Nation, UK; Dr Maureen Bampton, former Director of Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool, UK; and Dr Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland, who was the representative for the RDS.
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The winner was Seliena Coyle, a Derry based jeweller. Seliena's proposal was the production 100 contemporary icons inspired by and dedicated to women. The collection intends to present a selection of female characters – the historical, fictional and contemporary female – through visual storytelling. It will involve researching institutions such as the National Museum of Women’s History (USA), The East End Women’s Museum (UK) and The Women’s Museum (Denmark). Dr Philip Dodd, RDS Chair of the Committee of Arts, officially acknowledged the presentation of the award at the opening of Surface Matters at the National Design & Craft Gallery in November 2019. Mentoring
The inaugural Continuous Professional Development (CPD) event for PORTFOLIO makers took place in Dublin Castle on 3 May to coincide with the Surface Matters exhibition. 23 makers participated in one-to-one sessions lasting 60 – 90 minutes covering: — Critiquing of work, — Recommendations for further investigations and artistic development, — Creative collaborations, — Costing and pricing, — Approaching galleries and museums, — Selling internationally and — Submitting to exhibitions, awards,
and bursaries. The mentors for these areas were: Gregory Parsons; Clive Fiddis, Liz Cooper and Frances McDonald. An additional topic, Digital Marketing and Social media, was covered by digital marketing specialist, Clyde Genie. Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft
The Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft (CCDC) was established in 2003 as a joint purchase fund between the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) and DCCI. This Fund aims to collect contemporary high-quality works from Ireland's leading designer-makers, for the National Museum of Ireland (NMI), to preserve tomorrow's antiques for future generations. Its acquisitions since 2003 are featured on an online gallery: portfolio.DCCI.ie/museum. Acquisitions made in 2019 were: — ‘A Dressed-up Life’ by Cecilia Moore. — ‘Pod on rowan wood, still point of the turning world, no. 3’, — ‘Venus figure pod’ and ‘Pouch with imbedded stones’ by Joe Hogan which will be displayed in the Irish Folklife Division at Turlough Park House, Co. Mayo. — Wool coat and silk crepe printed scarf by Natalie B Coleman. — ‘J. Lyng’, hand crochet sweater by Colin Burke. — Textured Slub Skirt by Ros Duke. Partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
DCCI and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place for a joint purchase fund entitled The International Contemporary Collection of Irish Design & Craft. DCCI and DFAT work together to acquire top Irish design and craft for gifting and use in embassies in multiple locations. The pieces bought under this agreement in 2019 were: — Three mirrors by Elements of Action — ‘Paratin Form iii’, ceramic piece by Cathy Burke — A commission of several skibs (baskets) by Joe Hogan for the UN mission in New York
— ‘Guardian Vessel’ ceramic piece by Jack Doherty, — ‘Dearcán Diptych’, two wooden vessels by Alan Meredith and — ‘Ink Sky Bindu Vessel’, ceramic piece by Grainne Watts. DCCI continued work on a portal on the Design Ireland website (designireland. ie) specifically for use by DFAT, presenting recommended products at discounted or wholesale prices and making the selecting and acquiring of gifts more efficient. Irish Design Residency at Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris
DCCI's partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais continued in 2019 with the fifth annual Irish Design Residency. Following a call-out for applications, a residency was awarded to ceramic artist, Kevin Callaghan. Tourism
The Irish Craft Studio Experience, initially launched in partnership with Fáilte Ireland in 2013, continued to identify and promote the best of Ireland's craft experiences throughout 2019, and present them to visitors in a compelling, coherent, and user-friendly way. The initiative was presented at Meitheal, the Fáilte Ireland travel trade fair for international tour operators in April. The Crowded Thresholds opening at Farmleigh featured in The Irish Times, Business Post Magazine, Herald, The Gloss magazine, The Sunday Times and on RTE.ie and irishtimes.com. Aurea, the jewellery graduate exhibition and award winners, was covered across national and regional print and online media, including Irish Arts Review, Business Post Magazine and The Irish Mail on Sunday. An outside broadcast of KCLR Lunch took place in the Gallery during the exhibition. Other festivities such as Bealtaine, Culture Night 2019 and National Drawing Day at the National Design & Craft Gallery were promoted in local and national media and gig guides. In addition to key campaigns as outlined
on previous pages, a wide range of DCCI programmes, initiatives and events were featured in the media. This was either as a result of DCCI PR initiatives, or partnerships with other organisations. Key achievements
The announcement of an initiative by eBay to partner with Enterprise Ireland and DCCI to support 50 Irish SMEs to participate in a retail pilot scheme was covered in The Irish Times and InBusiness and on RTE.ie, womenmeanbusiness.com, BusinessWorld.ie, siliconrepublic.com and bizplus.ie The Irish Craft Village at Bloom 2019 was covered in the Sunday Independent special supplement, Irish Country magazine, horticultureconnected.ie, as well as extensively in regional media. Shoppe Object was covered in Sunday Independent Living and on IMAGE.ie as well as regionally.
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Scéal 2019 (in partnership with the Kilkenny Group) was covered in The Irish Times, Irish Independent Weekend, The Irish Mail on Sunday, The Gloss magazine, IMAGE magazine, Irish Country magazine, Irish Tatler (including a competition). It was also featured online on fashion.ie, evoke.ie and indulgeme.ie. As part of Scéal 2019, the participation of the four DCCI Jewellery & Goldsmithing graduates in the ‘Bench to Business’ programme was covered in IMAGE magazine and the Irish Examiner as well as regionally and on indulgeme.ie Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Show in Cork and Dublin was covered widely in national and regional media, including on RTÉ’s Nationwide. Print coverage included the Business Post Magazine, Irish Country magazine, Irish Examiner, Irish Independent, Irish Farmers Journal and on RTE.ie. The ARC Fashion Show, a collaboration between the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and DCCI, received extensive coverage, including in Irish Examiner Weekend, Sunday Independent Life, Irish Independent, The Irish Daily Mail and on evoke.ie. It was also covered regionally.
Our Activities
— ‘Three Palettes’ by Sasha Sykes
Ceramicist Babs Belshaw was profiled in IMAGE Interiors as part of a piece on
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Northern Ireland’s creative scene about her time honing her craft while attending DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics. DCCI Jewellery & Goldsmithing Course graduates Ann Chapman and Michael O’Dwyer were featured in the Sunday Independent Living. Audience Engagement
Throughout 2019, DCCI used various communications tools to promote Irish craft and design, and engage audiences both in Ireland and globally. Our systems continued to be updated as required following a data cleansing and consolidation exercise in 2018. Data relating to our registered clients and member organisations was edited, if requested, under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Online Activity and E-Communications
DCCI maintained and updated our corporate website (dcci.ie) throughout 2019 to ensure consistency, accuracy and efficiency in delivering information to website visitors. It remained the hub for DCCI news, events, opportunities and activities. Our clients were directed to the website from social media and our ezine, CRAFTlink. This ezine provides information on DCCI, industry opportunities including funding and call-outs to take part in programmes, press releases, government announcements and sector updates, as well as updates from strategic partners. CRAFTlink also directs subscribers to the National Design & Craft Gallery website for information on exhibitions. Partners of the organisation, DCCI clients, and those within the craft sector were encouraged to log on to dcci.ie to post opportunities and classified listings. The craft events listing website, CraftinIreland. com, was also maintained and updated throughout the year. This was done by DCCI and site users through its self-service portal, so as to remain as the go-to directory of craft events and activities throughout the country. Clients were reminded to regularly check the opportunities section of the site for awards call-outs and funding opportunities. We also reminded them to check the blog for industry notices. The Communications team co-ordinated social media activities and PR, and created microsites on dcci.ie as needed to
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Our Activities
≤ Work by Joe Caslin for Crowded Thresholds in the National Design & Craft Gallery, Castle Yard.
support projects across the organisation. Key achievements
‘Opened by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 47% in 2019 and 46% in 2018. The industry benchmark is 20%. ‘Clicked by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 12% in 2019 and 2018. The industry benchmark is 3%. Social Media
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DCCI has many different audience sectors to target and uses different digital platforms as part of its reach. Social media is an integral element of this communications strategy. The purpose of DCCI’s various social networks is to: — communicate and engage with DCCIregistered clients, member organisations, the design and craft sectors, DCCI stakeholders and partner organisations, and the public — promote discussion and informationsharing about the design and crafts sector in Ireland — provide links to information about DCCI client membership and GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies) — inform followers about industry and funding opportunities, events and exhibitions — promote the design and crafts sector as a whole, sharing news updates, announcements, successes and events. In 2019, DCCI reviewed and audit its social media presence. We drafted a clear and concise social media strategy incorporating overall objectives. This strategy included: — a profile of DCCI’s target audience for each channel; — tone of voice for each channel; — targets — a policy on frequency of posts; — specific online tactics; and — a template planning calendar and budget requirements. Following a strategic review of our social media channels, we took the following actions. — Facebook: Irish Design 2015, PORTFOLIO, Irish Craft Studio Experience, some apps and DCCI Events pages were archived and closed. — Twitter: Craft in Ireland, KDW App,
Irish Design 2015, PORTFOLIO, and National Design & Craft Gallery accounts were archived and closed. — Instagram: PORTFOLIO focused attention on Instagram and built a following on this platform. (PORTFOLIO works to grow the reputations and potential of contemporary craft makers and designers who are seeking to develop their presence in the gallery and collector markets.) Throughout the year, DCCI’s social media presence continued to grow across all its channels, collectively expanding the number of fans and followers of Irish design and craft, and creating further awareness of the sector nationally and further afield. Facebook and Instagram were used as primary platforms, with Twitter as a secondary platform. YouTube and Vimeo were used to share video content and engage additional audiences. Key accounts for the year were the corporate and client-focused DCCI account, retail and consumer-focused Design Ireland, and the National Design & Craft Gallery which focused on engaging gallerists, members of the general public, and tourists. DCCI clients involved in Design Ireland presentations at international fairs, tradeshows, and direct-selling events were provided with bespoke guidelines to promote their presence at events. Clients were equipped with relevant handles and suggestions for online success. Design Ireland giveaways were promoted across social media platforms to increase the visibility and follower numbers of Design Ireland makers, and to direct the general public to designireland.ie. Key achievements
DCCI tweets earned 239,900 impressions in 2019 (average 0.9% engagement rate). The number of followers on Design Ireland Instagram grew to over 15k. Key Publications
DCCI’s Annual Report is produced in both Irish and English each year in compliance with our obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. We make a range of our publications publicly available. This includes our annual reports, exhibition catalogues
â‚Ź25.1m
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4,000+
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Irish and international trade buyers attended Showcase
DCC`I clients participated in Showcase
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DCCI clients took part in workshops on website development, brand, export potential and retail relations
Client enterprises graduated from the Building Craft & Design Enterprise programme
Our Activities
Orders placed at Showcase 2018
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DCCI’s Research and Innovation programme supports the growth and development of the design and craft sector in several ways. Supports include sourcing additional funding nationally, and through European funding applications, to maximise DCCI’s resources. The Research and Innovation programme also focuses on developing exhibitions that profile the skills and talent of the sector through the National Design & Craft Gallery. Profiling Irish craft internationally through strategic relationships with the World Crafts Council – Europe, the Michelangelo Foundation, and the LOEWE Foundation is essential to building Ireland’s profile internationally.
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Objective:
To lead research and innovative practice in design and craft in order to embed both as strategic contributors to the future development of Ireland’s competitiveness, economy and society. Focus and Strategic Aims: Support design-driven innovation
— Grow Ireland’s reputation in design-driven innovation. Champion design thinking
— Embed design thinking across society. Target research and innovation funding
— Explore potential funding mechanisms for design-led innovation and research. Develop engagement through the National Design & Craft Gallery
— Research, define and shape future programming of exhibitions, experiences and events.
Our Activities
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Research and Innovation
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Performer, writer and activist Panti Bliss officially opens Crowded Thresholds at Farmleigh Gallery; 18ct gold ring with blue Tanzanite and diamonds by Lydia Clayton; Work by Niall Sweeney @ Pony Ltd. in Crowded Thresholds in the National Design & Craft Gallery; Work by ceramicist Mike Byrne in Surface Matters exhibition in The Coach House gallery, Dublin Castle.
Work to achieve these strategic aims in 2019 and key achievements: Design4Growth
The Design4Growth programme is funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), and was initially piloted in Dublin in 2015. The programme offers structured support to companies to help them use design as a strategic tool for business growth. In 2018, DCCI received funding from DBEI to deliver Design4Growth in partnership with the Local Enterprises Offices (LEOs) in the southeast of Ireland. The programme helped 10 micro and small enterprises to use design as a strategy to grow their business over a six-month period in 2018 – 2019. The Design4Growth process helps to lessen risk, reduces costs and promotes efficiency by ensuring that core business offerings are designed to meet current customer needs and expectations. Key achievements
Five full-time and one part-time job created. Eight new customer segments identified such as Penn Products who identified a commercial opportunity as a result of the new Waterford Greenway. The design and development of five new products to serve these customer segments such as Tipperary-based company Dublin Herbalist who manufacture natural skincare products. They developed a brand new mother and baby box product. The design and development of seven new services to meet the needs of these customer segments. These services include MyBio’s loyalty app platform which provides services to life science and pharma companies.
Regional Design Centre (MWRDC), supported by DCCI, applied for €1.8 million to develop FORGE – Design Centre in Limerick. This aimed to connect enterprise and industry with the design services and skills that promote innovation and diversification. DCCI offered support to Benchspace, a shared creative hub in Cork City established to provide affordable access to workbenches and professional standard machinery for makers and designers. Benchspace applied to REDF under Regional Strengthening Projects for funding up to €500,000. Key achievement
Benchspace received €342,256 through REDF to expand its facilities in Cork. — FORGE Design Centre did not receive funding in this round, but the partnership with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and University of Limerick (UL) continues. — DCCI, in partnership with Kilkenny County Council (KCC), IT Carlow (ITC) and Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo), continues to support the development of a Centre 4 Design which received €1,843,000 through the competitive REDF fund in 2018. FUSE Product Development Clinics
DCCI developed FUSE Product Development Clinics in 2010 to provide a mixed range of advice and expertise for craft and design enterprises. Clinics are delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices. Clients have the opportunity to attend presentations that include topics such as design, retailing, e-commerce, trade shows, merchandising, branding and trends. Clients can also take part in one-to-one clinics with a panel of expert mentors. Key achievement
Regional Enterprise Development Fund
The Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) is a competitive fund designed to provide support to regional initiatives in achieving impact, building on sectoral strengths and to make full use of resources that improve enterprise capability. Enterprise Ireland announced the third round of REDF funding in June. The Mid-West
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Two clinics were run in conjunction with County Wicklow Partnership and Kilkenny’s Local Enterprise Office with 30 businesses attending.
Our Activities
≤ Clockwise from top left
International programmes
European funding
We are involved in two European funded projects and in two international programmes through Michelangelo Foundation and World Crafts Council – Europe
Work is ongoing to develop DCCI’s expertise, build our European relationships, and submit applications for European funds. In 2019, DCCI was successful in two European-funded applications.
Michelangelo Foundation
DCCI continued to develop links with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. Based in Geneva in Switzerland, the Foundation is an international non-profit organisation that celebrates and preserves master craftsmanship and strengthens its connection to the world of design. It wants to help people rediscover the ability of the human hand to create. It aims to support exceptional contemporary European master artisans using long-held traditions, skills and knowledge to make beautiful objects of lasting value.
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During 2019, DCCI liaised closely with the Michelangelo Foundation on various programmes. For full details and key achievements, see page 73.
Key achievements
Crafting Europe received funding under Creative Europe’s large-scale co-operation projects. The total budget of the project is €1,828,640. Led by DCCI and taking place in eight countries across Europe, Crafting Europe is designed to encourage innovative forms of creation that integrate cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies into the practice of craft-making. Crafting Europe (2019 – 2022) focuses on three areas: Professional development of craftspeople. Development of digital skills. esearch into the economic impact of the R craft sector in Europe.
World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE)
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
The World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) is a broad network representing more than 30 regional, national and professional craft organisations across the EU. Louise Allen, DCCI’s Head of Innovation and Development Programmes, was elected President of WCCE in September 2016. Her term is due to end in 2020. DCCI’s hosting of the presidency has had a considerable impact on raising the profile of Ireland’s craftspeople. It provides increased access to international opportunities. In 2019, these included: the opportunity to exhibit as part of the 25th Qrain Cultural Festival in Kuwait, participation in Homo Faber and the European Prize for Applied Arts, and t he opportunity to exhibit at the WCCE Crafting Europe exhibition as part of Révélations in Paris. For more information on key achievements for WCCE and Irish designers and craftspeople in Europe, see page 74.
The project runs from 2019 to 2022. You can find out more about it at craftingeurope.com DCCI is the communications partner for CRAFTS CODE. This project secured funding through an application to Interreg Europe. The total budget for CRAFTS CODE is €1.5m. An application to Interreg Europe for funding for the project CRAFTS CODE was also successful. The total budget for CRAFTS CODE is €1.5 million. CRAFTS CODE focuses on four areas: How to improve innovation in business models and process Access to new markets I nnovative approaches and tools to modernise the craft sector Access to finance The project runs from 2019 to 2023. You can find out more about it at interregeurope.eu/ craftscode.
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. Its exhibition’s programme represents the most inventive, skilled designers and makers in Irish contemporary craft and design. Areas of focus in 2019 included material culture, identity, interdisciplinary creative practice, innovation, and excellence in Irish design and craftsmanship. NDCG has developed and deepened relationships with a number of bodies to increase support for its programmes. The ongoing partnership with Kilkenny Arts Festival resulted in a major commission by street artist, Joe Caslin, for the city of Kilkenny. This was a two-storey mural on the front of KBC Bank in the main thoroughfare, and another on the exterior of NDCG in Castle Yard. The positive relationship developed with the Office of Public Works (OPW) enabled NDCG to present selected exhibitions in the OPW’s venues, significantly extending NDCG’s audience reach. In 2019, DCCI focused on building international partnerships. Irish crafts were well represented in exhibitions that took place in Kuwait, Paris and Belgium and through a PORTFOLIO exhibition in Spain. For full details on PORTFOLIO, see pages 29 and 95.
Exhibitions at the National Design & Craft Gallery
During 2019, there were four exhibitions at the National Design & Craft Gallery. Monumentality / Fragility European Prize for Applied Arts 9 February – 23 June 2019
The European Prize for Applied Arts showcased the best creations of contemporary expression in applied arts and craftsmanship. The winners were chosen by an international panel of experts based on artistic merit, technical mastery and innovation. New works by 74 of the most skilled, creative applied artists from across the continent were presented. Aurea 12 July – 5 August 2019 This exhibition showcased the silversmithing and precious jewellery in gold and silver by the 12 graduates of DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing course. The exhibition reflected the high level of craftsmanship and skills honed by the students during the two-year programme. Curated by Course Manager, Eimear Conyard.
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Crowded Thresholds 10 August – 10 November 2019
Presented in partnership with Kilkenny Arts Festival, this exhibition explored the effects of the subconscious in the creation of and response to objects of material culture. Through the works of 10 makers, the exhibition presented thought-provoking pieces across different disciplines in applied art, design and visual art. Curated by Fiona Mulholland. Surface Matters 21 November 2019 – 4 March 2020
An exhibition of innovative works from DCCI’s PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019 – 2020. The 24 designer-makers were selected by an international panel for demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship, design quality and technical skill. Curated by Liz Cooper.
Our Activities
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Work by ceramic artist Sophie Southgate in Monumentality / Fragility – European Prize for Applied Arts exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery; Culture Night at the National Design & Craft Gallery; Work by ceramic artist Nicola Kelly in Monumentality / Fragility – European Prize for Applied Arts exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery; Work by jewellery artist and designer Paul McClure in Crowded Thresholds in the National Design & Craft Gallery.
Touring Exhibitions
There were also eight touring exhibitions: Lustre & Influx 27 September 2018 – 8 January 2019
At Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin. Presented in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW). In Precious Metal: Rudolf Heltzel 24 November 2018 – 24 March 2019
at the State Apartments, Dublin Castle. Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize for Applied Arts 9 February – 23 June 2019
Presented as a dual site exhibition between NDCG and Kilkenny Castle. Surface Matters 21 February – 19 May 2019
The exhibition of the work of the 24 designer-makers featured in DCCI’s PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019-2020 premiered at the Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle, and was co-presented with OPW. Opened by Francesca McDonagh, CEO, Bank of Ireland. Surface Matters 30 May – 21 July 2019 At Artesania Catalunya — CCAM, Barcelona: opened by Jacques Rey, Head of Strategic Relationships, Michelangelo Foundation. Aurea 9 – 18 August 2019 The graduate exhibition of DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing course was shown at the Gallery at Rothe House, Kilkenny. Joe Caslin 6 August – 8 November 2019 Joe Caslin’s Kilkenny City street installations at KBC Bank, The Parade (6 August – 6 September) and at NDCG, Castle Yard (8 August – 8 November). Crowded Thresholds 6 December 2019 – 25 March 2020
at Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin. Presented in partnership with the OPW. The show was opened by performer, writer and activist Panti Bliss.
Key achievements
total 306,538 people experienced National A Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions in Kilkenny and touring venues. 1 57 makers and designers were represented in the annual National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions programme, of which 80 were Irish and 77 international. 5 0,182 people visited exhibitions at National Design & Craft Gallery. ver 25,000 experienced Joe Caslin’s street O installation on KBC Bank in Castle Yard. 2 31,356 visited the National Design & Craft Gallery’s touring exhibitions. External Exhibitions Fund
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.
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The External Exhibitions Fund aims to: stimulate and reward the development of professional gallery-led exhibition skills in makers and curators of design and craft; evelop significant exhibition opportunities d for Irish makers; facilitate relationships with international galleries and collectors; i ncrease awareness of activities associated with high-quality design and craft exhibitions through education and outreach; and e nhance the reputation of Irish design and craft in Ireland and abroad. EEF support for 2019 was awarded to: Sara Flynn for a major solo exhibition in Kyoto, Japan. Pierce Healy and Steven O’Briain and for an exhibition at Révélations, Paris. Kevin Callaghan for a collaborative exhibition with A2 Architects at The European Culture Centre with Venice Design during the Venice Biennale. athy Burke, Mike Byrne and Cecilia C Moore for an exhibition at Valke Gallery in Ghent, Belgium.
Our Activities
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Alison Lowry for a solo exhibition the National Museum Ireland. Elemental Fusion with Vivienne Bogan, Kathryna Cuschieri, Nicola Henley and Jane Seymour, for exhibition at Glór, Ennis and touring. Slip.Flock.Flux exhibition with Kate O’Kelly, Cathy Burke, Jaki Coffey and Cecilia Moore at Oliver Cornet Gallery, Dublin. Cork Craft & Design for August Craft Showcase with 10 makers at Fota House, Cork.
Education and Outreach
Developing a multi-faceted programme where meaningful outreach is part of the exhibition experience is central to the work of the National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG). An extensive Education and Outreach programme develops content to complement each of its exhibitions, providing context and additional audience engagement. The programme includes a varied schedule of educational activities such as: gallery tours
elen McAlister and Seliena Coyle, for (E) H Quality exhibition with eight women makers (to take place in 2020).
family programmes
I rish Society of Stage and Screen Designers’ exhibition Design and Destroy in six venues with 42 designers (rescheduled from 2018).
designer, maker and curators’ talks
Key achievements
1 0 projects were funded by the External Exhibition Fund in 2019. 7 7 makers were enabled to exhibit through EEF support in 2019. 5 of these exhibitions were high-profile international opportunities for makers to significantly advance their careers.
adult workshops public engagement events production of educational resource materials rofessional development masterclasses p and seminars
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Throughout 2019, the Education and Outreach programme, directly through the National Design and Craft Gallery, delivered many events as part of local, national and European programmes. Events included: International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day Festival, European Craft Days, Bealtaine, National Drawing Day, Cruinniú na nÓg, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Heritage Week, Culture Night, Savour Kilkenny Festival of Food and Kilkenny Yule Festival. DCCI’s Education and Outreach team developed and built on key programming partnerships with other national cultural organisations as part of the National Design & Craft Gallery’s ongoing audience development strategy.
Our Activities
≤ ‘Stones in a Pond’ drinks cabinet by Zelouf + Bell in Surface Matters exhibition in The Coach House gallery, Dublin Castle.
A well as libraries, craft studios and schools throughout the country, local, national and international, programme partnerships for 2019 included: Office of Public Works, National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, National College of Art and Design, I nstitute of Art, Design and Technology, Design CORE Waterford Institute of Technology Limerick School of Art & Design, University of Ulster Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, Kilkenny County Council, Bealtaine,
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Culture Night, International Ceramics Festival, ReCreate, The Ark, CREATE, Kilkenny Arts Office, Open Circle Arts, The Heritage Council, Creative Ireland, Savour Kilkenny, Yulefest,
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
itzwilliam Training and Consulting F Waterford, Kilkenny Design Centre, Butler Gallery and Medieval Mile Museum
Key achievements
6,215 people took part in Education and Outreach events through the NDCG and through off-site events. International Women’s Day welcomed 170 women for a craft workshop and gallery tour. Cruinniú na nÓg offered a mini craft village of workshop events with 200 children and young people taking part. Kilkenny Arts Festival delivered three days of children’s workshops, one teen workshop and three adult workshops which had 450 participants in total. Culture Night at Castle Yard, Kilkenny included five craft workshops and interactive creative zones with 1,000 individuals participating. NDCG hosted two continuing professional development (CPD) seminar days for makers in 2019, and three CPD days for teachers and guest lectures at art colleges.
306,538
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9,246
157
Adults, children and teens engaged in National Design & Craft Gallery masterclasses, workshops and talks
Makers, designers and studios were represented in the exhibitions programme
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10
Full-time jobs created through delivery of the Design4Growth initiative
Individuals or groups supported by DCCI’s External Exhibitions Fund to develop independent exhibitions
Our Activities
Visitors attended National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring)
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In 2019, DCCI’s Knowledge and Skills programme focused on strengthening its range of high-quality training and development programmes. We worked with industry partners developing design and craft knowledge across all levels of education. Through our programmes, we promoted skills and awareness of emerging and established makers. Our outreach events engaged with the general public, from children to adults. Our programmes aim to meet the craft and design needs of business and the community. Objective:
To collaborate with education, industry and other partners in supporting knowledge and skills development to meet current and future needs.
Focus and Strategic Aims: Develop Centres of Excellence
— Support the needs of key industry sectors by developing relevant Centres of Excellence. Develop career progression routes
— Develop career opportunities in design and craft. Increase early learning opportunities
— Develop learning opportunities in design and craft across all levels of education. Identify emerging needs and influence future developments
— Build new platforms that address the changing needs of business, communities and societies.
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Our Activities
2.3
Knowledge and Skills
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Fashion designer, educator and former Future Makers winner, Natalie B. Coleman, officially opens the Future Makers 2019 awards ceremony in The Westbury; Work by Annemarie Reinhold in AUREA at the National Design & Craft Gallery; CRAFTed 2019; CRAFTed 2019 project in Scoil Bhride with maker Aoife Thomas.
Work to achieve these strategic aims in 2019 and key achievements: First level (Primary) CRAFTed Learning Skills for Life
Run by DCCI, CRAFTed is a nationwide programme for primary schools that supports the delivery of the visual arts curriculum. In 2019, the programme provided primary school children and teachers with an opportunity to explore their creativity. It enabled them to learn new skills by working with professional designers and craftspeople. It facilitated training, access to highly skilled craftspeople, and gave teachers and students the opportunity to explore new materials. These included clay, print, fabric and fibre, as well as metal, wood and willow. DCCI’s CRAFTed programme reached just over 1,600 children in 2019 through its partnership with the Education Centres. Key achievements
73 schools and 1,662 students took part in the programme in 2019. 16 regional planning events, and 16 reflection events for primary school teachers and craftspeople bookended the programme. Polly Minett, CRAFTed Research & Development Co-ordinator, set up a pilot research project. She was supported by Margaret Maxwell, Director of Kilkenny Education Centre, and Kilkenny School Project Educate Together. The project investigated how best to include the student voice when evaluating the impact of the CRAFTed programme. The research pilot used the guidelines of a CRAG (Child Research Group) as advised by Dr Paula Flynn of UCD. Teacher Training and Third Level Partnerships
Colleges and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes for practising teachers were identified as key areas of focus in 2019. This was to grow the impact of CRAFTed teaching methodologies on the Visual Arts curriculum in primary schools. These programmes aim to increase understanding amongst teachers and trainee teachers of the importance of craft and design in education.
Key achievements
CRAFTed CPD summer courses for primary teachers were held in eight Education Centres. The Centres are listed below, with makers who delivered these courses in brackets: Kilkenny (Carrie Lynam and Adele Stanley) Mayo (Susan Basler) Clare (Jackie Maurer) Laois (Marika Miklosi and Christien Van Bussell) West Cork (Julie Forrester) Kerry (Aidan Power) Limerick (Aoife Slattery and Eilis Murphy) Dublin West (Gabi McGrath) CRAFTed modules were delivered to secondyear Bachelor of Education students at the DCU Institute of Education, Dublin.
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A research presentation titled ‘CRAFTed Peer Review Sessions as a Learning Process: Using Group Evaluation to Inform Future CPD in Arts Education’ was delivered by Polly Minett at the Association of Teachers’/Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI) Conference. Second level DesignSKILLS
The DesignSKILLS programme is run in partnership with the Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT). It aims to develop skills in relation to the design process in post-primary schools in Ireland. In 2019, the programme linked professional designer-makers with teachers to develop a six-hour mini project that explored the design process. It focused on the very beginning of this process and emphasised ideation, problem solving, divergent thinking, risk-taking and experimentation. The programme impacts young people who take part in the classroom projects. It also creates a bond with teachers, upskilling them in the delivery of the design process. DesignSKILLS is part-funded by Creative Ireland through the National Creativity Fund, and is supported by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
Our Activities
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Key achievements
A national training day was held at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on 13 October. 23 craftspeople and 26 teachers took part. The project ran in 28 schools between December 2019 and January 2020. More than 600 students, 32 teachers and 28 designer-makers took part. 5 regional reflection events took place in Sligo, Kilkenny, Navan, Blackrock and Limerick, where teachers and designer-makers shared their experience of the programme. A DesignSKILLS printed publication was produced, and is hosted in digital form on learncraftdesign.ie.
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Summer CPD with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT)
A two-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) summer programme was held for Visual Art teachers. This provided opportunities to engage with the learning outcomes in the new Junior Cycle Visual Art specification. Using a hands-on approach, teachers experienced a range of methodologies and techniques to support investigating and exploring the five visual art elements: critical and visual language; drawing; visual culture and appreciation; art elements and design principles; and media.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Key achievements
Workshops took place at the National Design and Craft Gallery, Kilkenny on 4, 5 June. These were led by artist Caroline Schofield, and 13 teachers took part. Workshops were held at CIT Crawford College of Art & Design on 4, 5 June. These were led by artist Patricia Gurgel and 17 teachers took part. Workshops took place at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) on 5, 6 June. These were led by artist Vivienne Martin, and 12 teachers took part. Workshops took place in The Model, Sligo on 5 June, and in Sligo Education Centre on 6 June. These were led by artist Aoife Thomas, and 12 teachers took part.
AIB Future Sparks
AIB Future Sparks is a programme aimed at senior cycle students, and consists of the AIB Build A Bank Challenge and the AIB Future Sparks Festival. This second level programme is designed with students at the core, educating them on how to run a business, inspiring them with future career options and guiding them on what it takes to be part of a workforce. Key achievements
These events were held at the RDS, Dublin on 13 and 14 March. Aimed at senior cycle students and their teachers, the ambition of the events was to encourage careers in business and entrepreneurship. DCCI ran a hands-on workshop area with screen print, a display showcasing DCCI’s work, and promoted its presence on careersportal.ie Around 7,500 pupils attended AIB Build a Bank and AIB Future Sparks over the two days. Careersportal.ie
Careersportal.ie is Ireland’s leading career guidance website. DCCI provides content to illustrate creative careers and career paths; interviews with designers and craftspeople and descriptions about the types of design and craft careers in ireland. The website has 1.8 million visitors a year, over 4 million page impressions a month and 630,000 registered users.
Third level DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics
DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Jewellery and Goldsmithing
DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics, based in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, delivers a two-year intensive skills-led programme. It trains highly motivated students to be the next generation of professional designer-makers. The Centre of Excellence has strong links with the ceramics sector in Ireland and abroad. In 2019, it provided workshops, and hosted conferences and residencies. A cohort of 12 students on the two-year Ceramics course completed their first year of studies in July.
DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Jewellery and Goldsmithing offered high-quality training in 2019. This was enhanced by industrytrained specialists in all aspects of gold and silversmithing. All 12 students successfully graduated with a Level 7 Diploma in Art from Maynooth University in July. A new student cohort began the 2019 – 2021 programme in September.
rom 22 to 25 March, the students attended, F Ceramic Art London – a ceramics fair held in the renowned arts and design college, Central Saint Martins. Chloë Dowds and James Hake, both alumni of DCCI’s Ceramics course, were selected to exhibit their work at this prestigious show. On 16 and 17 July, the students had their first-year graduate show exhibition in Grennan Mill Craft School, Kilkenny. From 7 to 11 October, the students attended the UK’s premiere contemporary ceramics festival, British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), in Stoke-on-Trent. BCB presents artworks from the UK’s leading ceramicists alongside international artists in exhibitions and special events. It is underpinned by a year-round programme of education and community engagement projects. Adam Buick and Chloë Dowds, both alumni of DCCI’s Ceramics course, exhibited their work at this prestigious show. From 25 to 28 November, Sasha Wardell gave masterclasses to the students in Thomastown. Students from Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD), Grennan Mill Craft School, and members of the public attended. Sasha is a bone china casting expert who exhibits internationally. She is renowned for her work and teaching, and has published books on craft.
DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing course held a graduate exhibition in the National Design and Craft Gallery in July. There was a high sales turnover, and almost 10,000 visitors during the three-week showcase. A number of graduates held an exhibition at Butler House during the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August. The exhibition had a record attendance during its nine-day run.
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Annemarie Reinhold, Mark Newman and Lydia Clayton were awarded supports from DCCI’s Future Makers Awards and Supports programme in 2019. This was for work produced while taking part in the Jewellery & Goldsmithing course. Jewellery and goldsmithing students took part in several masterclasses taught by industry specialists throughout the year. These included gemmology with Katharine Hopley and micro-setting with Michael Horan. DCCI Jewellery & Goldsmithing course manager, Eimear Conyard, taught advanced gold and silversmithing techniques, which included creative and contemporary applications to jewellery. DCCI put forward a proposal to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) to hold a joint exhibition of our Jewellery & Goldsmithing and Ceramics students. The exhibition would be influenced by the museum’s objects and artefacts. The proposal was presented to NMI management by Dr Audrey Whitty on 1 February. At that stage, it was formally approved. Entitled InForm, the exhibition will be open to the public from January 2021 for one year. The jewellery and goldsmithing students also took part in a retail project with the Kilkenny Group. This was showcased at their flagship
Our Activities
Key achievements
Key achievements
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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store on Nassau Street, Dublin as part of ‘Scéal: A story of Irish design’ in September. It was the fourth year this project was held. There was excellent support from Kilkenny Group staff to the DCCI students. Guidance was given in sales, merchandising, marketing and management. The overall winner of this project was Mark Newman, who was presented with a €1,000 bursary from the Kilkenny Group. Eight of the 12 graduates from 2019 have gained full-time employment within the jewellery industry in Ireland. Two have gained part-time employment while continuing with their own jewellery collections in Ireland. One graduate has progressed to the Design for Industry BA at the Birmingham School of Jewellery. Another graduate has set up her own successful jewellery and silversmithing workshop in Cork. Future Makers Awards and Supports Programme
DCCI’s Future Makers Awards and Supports programme marked its 10th year in 2019. The programme supports students and emerging makers. It assists at a crucial early point in their design and craft career. It is one of the largest prize-funded design and craft 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 the creative process. Stage 1 judges for 2019 were contemporary design and craft consultant Frances McDonald, and homewares buyer Paula McCoy. Stage 2 judges were fashion designer Alison Conneely, and independent curator Brian Kennedy. Key achievements
The total prize fund for Future Makers 2019 was €25,000, which was divided into 23 awards and support packages. There were over 218 applications. The awards ceremony took place on 14 June and was supported and hosted by The Westbury, Dublin. Over 100 guests attended.
The awards event was launched by fashion designer, educator and former Future Makers award recipient Natalie B. Coleman. Master of Ceremonies was Andrew Bradley, DCCI Board Member and Director of Bradley Brand & Design. DCCI Chair Breege O’Donoghue presented the awards on the night. The Future Makers programme continued its partnership with the RDS Craft Awards. Future Makers 2019 awards recipients were eligible to apply for five RDS bursaries of €10,000 each. See rds.ie/craft There was extensive coverage of the awards across national and regional media. Full details are on page 65. Applied Arts Ireland
The Applied Arts Ireland and Applied Arts Northern Ireland group organises a yearly programme of lectures across third-level institutions. In 2019, it brought internationally renowned makers to Ireland to champion skills and critical thinking. The events were for students, lecturers and professional makers. DCCI sponsored two of these lectures in 2019.
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Key achievements
On 8 October, a masterclass was given by metalwork artist Junko Mori. ‘In Conversation with Junko Mori’, a presentation and interview about her body of work, was given on 9 October. These events were held in partnership with CIT Crawford College of Art & Design. On 28 November, a masterclass on the process of bone china production was presented by Sasha Wardell at DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Both of these events were well attended and received positive feedback.
Our Activities
≤ Abbie Brennan wears designs by Fashion Design student at LSAD, Chloe Joyce, who received Future Makers Travel and Training Support.
DCCI Education Panel (Professional Development for Makers)
DCCI’s Education Panel is a key resource that helps to deliver and development our education programmes. In 2019, the panel consisted of over 100 professional makers and designers. They had all been Garda vetted and received Child Protection Training. DCCI also provided continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities during the year. Key achievements
The DCCI Education Panel recruited new members to increase the Irish regional spread. In addition, a broader variety of disciplines were included.
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Twenty-eight members from across Ireland attended an annual CPD day at children’s cultural centre, The Ark, in Dublin. Held on 2 February, keynote speaker was Ailbhe Keane, Creative Director of Izzy Wheels.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Partnerships
Partnerships create more powerful programmes; they combine sector expertise and resources. In 2018 and 2019, DCCI, in partnership with the JCT, secured partnership funding from the National Creativity Fund for the roll out of DesignSKILLS. The total awarded was €21,580 and was received in instalments over the 2 years. Key partners in 2019 included: Creative Ireland; the Association of Teachers’/Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI); Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT); The Ark; Applied Arts Ireland; designCORE at Carlow IT; National Museum of Ireland; National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA); and Allied Irish Banks. Education and Outreach
Throughout 2019, the education and outreach team developed educational resources and established partnerships. They programmed events and activities to explore and support the annual exhibitions programme at the National Design & Craft Gallery. The team was also actively involved in delivering off-site initiatives and events as part of DCCI’s wider education programmes strategy. More education and outreach activities at the National Design & Craft Gallery are included on page 47.
Key achievements
Tradfest 2019: DCCI partnered with The Ark to deliver Tradfest Children’s Craft Clubs on 26 and 27 January. Activities included Seanchaí Masks with Sandra MacAllister, Felted Folklore with Jane Groves, and Willow Weaving with Cathy Hayden. There were 423 participants over the two days. St Patrick’s Day: The overall festival theme was based on biodiversity. The tagline was ‘Bring The Bees Back’. Irish candle maker and beekeeper, Ailbhe Gerrard of Brookfield Farm, delivered a talk on beekeeping. There were also demonstrations on beeswax candle-making techniques. Crafternoon Tea: This DCCI event attracted individuals and groups from a variety of local organisations, including Open Circle Community Arts, Retired Teachers Association, local nursing homes, Rehab Care, and Kilkenny Active Retirement. Many of these were first-time visitors. Ninety participants enjoyed screen-printing and cupcake decorating. Bord Bia Bloom: There were over 5,000 participants in the Crafts Village at Bloom, where DCCI presented age-diverse, free learning opportunities across a variety of craft disciplines. These were held in DCCI’s Irish Craft Village at Bloom. Dropin workshops included glass engraving, textile printing, weaving, mask making, experimental drawing, and clay activities. DCCI Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) demonstrations and workshops included patchwork, lacemaking and blacksmithing techniques. Heritage Week: DCCI held a Constance Spry flower-arranging workshop in collaboration with the Kilkenny Arts Office and Rothe House. It was inspired by the Herstory Kilkenny project, celebrating historical Kilkenny women. Participants were members of Open Circle Community Arts and the Herstory Kilkenny Project. Savour Kilkenny: DCCI ran screen-printing workshops on and offsite for adults and children in partnership with Savour Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Library Service.
€25,000
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1,662
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Pupils participated in the CRAFTed programme
Individual primary schools participated in the CRAFTed programme
600
12
Post-primary students participated in the DesignSKILLS programme in 28 schools between December 2019 and January 2020
Of Ireland’s newest jewellers and goldsmiths graduated from the DCCI’s Jewellery & Goldsmithing Course and exhibited their work in the exhibition Aurea at the National Design & Crafts Gallery
Our Activities
Awarded to 25 students / recent graduates and emerging makers in DCCI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports programme 2019
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One of DCCI’s Promotion and Awareness programme key aims is to generate publicity and raise awareness of the quality and diversity of the work of Irish designers and makers both in Ireland and abroad. 61
Objective:
Promote the work of Irish designers and makers in domestic and international markets. Collaborate with strategic partners in raising awareness of the design and craft sector.
Focus and Strategic Aims: Increase awareness
— Build awareness of the sector through DCCI initiatives. Create and control promotional opportunities
— Collaborate with partners and media to promote Irish design and craft. Engage audiences
— Exploit digital communications to engage with existing and new audiences. Empower clients and membership organisations
— Guide membership organisations in their promotion.
Our Activities
2.4
Promotion and Awareness
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Li Ann Smal wears work by Mark Newman, Lydia Clayton and Annemarie Reinhold – Future Makers Awards & Supports 2019 recipients; Izzie Power admires work by Daithi Magner at the opening of Crowded Thresholds in the National Design & Craft Gallery; Performer, writer and activist Panti Bliss at the official launch of Crowded Thresholds at Farmleigh Gallery; FÍ: Somto wears knitwear by Fintan Mulholland; skirt by Bernie Murphy; belt by De Bruir; and earrings by Chupi.
Work to achieve these strategic aims in 2019 and key achievements: Awareness Raising
DCCI is focused on promoting the quality and diversity of the work of Irish designers and makers. We liaise with our client enterprises, member organisations, design and craft students, partners and the media to raise awareness of the enormous contribution the design and craft sector makes to the Irish economy, culture and tourism. This increase in awareness is a key part of the successful delivery of all programmes contained within our Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020. Therefore, many of the publicity and promotion activities and achievements reported here also feature in other sections of this Annual Report. Partnerships and Relationship Building
Throughout 2019, DCCI developed strategic partnerships to create promotional opportunities for the design and craft sector and the organisation itself. We worked successfully with local, national and international media across print, broadcast, and online platforms. We also collaborated closely with government departments and agencies, and several partners, on promotional activities throughout the year. We worked with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) on the strategic planning and delivery of major events and programmes, such as the official launch of Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®. We also liaised with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to promote six Irish designers and makers participating in New York’s newest independent home and gift show, Shoppe Object. We also work regularly with Enterprise Ireland, and the network of LEOs, especially in promoting Showcase, both in the lead up to and during the annual tradeshow. Visits to Showcase by international media were co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland’s network of overseas offices. This resulted in international coverage of Irish designers and makers following the show. In October, we collaborated with Enterprise Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland, Tokyo as part of a Showcase Ireland initiative to present luxurious knitwear and Irish Tweed clothing
by Irish designers and craftspeople in Tokyo. Aiming to raise awareness of contemporary Irish design and craft in the Japanese market, it coincided with the official Ireland-Asia trade and investment mission led by the then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, TD. In November, as part of a Showcase Ireland initiative, DCCI collaborated with Enterprise Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland in New York to present a capsule collection of Irish brands to trade buyers and press in New York. Sponsored by Bank of Ireland, this preview of selected work provided guests with a unique opportunity to engage with the brands ahead of Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo in Dublin in January 2020. DCCI worked with DBEI, the company that operates Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and Aer Rianta International to open the Design Ireland® store in December at The Loop in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. The Design Ireland® store showcases the best of Irish creativity through a collection of contemporary work by designers and makers from across Ireland. Popular primetime RTÉ television show, Nationwide, continued its long-standing support of Showcase in 2019. The programme dedicated an episode to the trade show, which aired in January, and featured several participating exhibitors. Nationwide’s coverage of Irish designers and makers carried on throughout the year with numerous features, including coverage of Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair in November. During the year, DCCI helped to promote activities led by other organisations. This included supporting the publicising of craft events and festivals throughout Ireland, including Cork Craft Month, which is run by Cork Craft & Design each August, and August Craft Month which is co-ordinated by CRAFT NI on behalf of the craft sector. We also worked once again with a number of partners, such as Bord Bia, in relation to DCCI’s Irish Craft Village at Bloom 2019; and Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair — in promoting DCCI-registered clients exhibiting at the annual fair in the RDS. DCCI also
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Our Activities
≤ Clockwise from top left
collaborated on promotions with retail partners, including the Kilkenny Group on their initiative Scéal: A story of Irish design (with Design Ireland®), and on their Green Friday campaign. We also continued liaising with Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to advise on design and craft activities in Ireland. DCCI promoted the RDS Craft Awards 2020 as part of DCCI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports 2019 campaign. We worked with the RDS to announce the 2018 and 2019 RDS Irish Craft Bursary winners, and to support the promotion of the RDS Craft Awards. The winner of the inaugural RDS Irish Craft Bursary for 2018 was announced in February. The winner of the 2019 RDS Irish Craft Bursary was publicised in November.
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Throughout 2019, we liaised with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the promotion of DCCI exhibitions which toured to several OPW sites, including Farmleigh Gallery, Coach House Gallery and the State Apartments at Dublin Castle and Kilkenny Castle. We also secured additional promotional support for the National Design & Craft Gallery’s exhibitions programme through RTÉ Supporting the Arts. The promotional campaign will start in 2020. Branding
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Following revisions to DCCI’s corporate identity in 2014, from Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), Dublin-based design studio, Zero-G, undertook a further revision in 2019, an exercise named Discovery & Definition. The key elements of this included: — Evolving the DCCI identity into a full system – aiming for clarity and coherence across all communications and aligning with the business strategy. — Creating identity guidelines and assets – providing structure around the overall look and feel of the identity across programmes, and creating identifiers such as; icons and logos in appropriate file formats. — The identity for the National Design & Craft Gallery was also updated. Building on the strength of the symbol in the DCCI identity, the exercise also involved the revising of how the organisation name is both
written and spoken. The name was adjusted to Design & Crafts Council Ireland, and the abbreviation became DCCI. The logotype created in 2014 was also extended, with a full bespoke typeface entitled ‘Council’ created by Irish typographer Bobby Tannam. This typeface was used for all programme identifiers and will be rolled out across key DCCI publications. Brand identity guidelines were developed, outlining best practice for use of the brand font, logos and colour scheme. Media Coverage
Communications are integrated into everything we do at DCCI. In 2019, we undertook publicity campaigns highlighting our clients, our activities and events. This coordinated approach both sustained and further embedded awareness of the design and craft sector in Ireland and created additional opportunities for client business development. Through our programme of media announcements, briefings, photo-calls and diary notices, we maintained national awareness of our activities and programmes. We worked collaboratively with partner organisations to promote joint activities. Our social media channels acted as information-sharing platorms and showcases for our designers and makers. Engagement continued to rise steadily throughout the year. Social media and online platforms also formed a central plank in our education and outreach work and continue to be a space where designers, makers, consumers and buyers can come together whilst being apart. Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®
Widespread coverage of Showcase 2019 ran across print media, online, radio and TV in the lead up to, during and after the four-day trade fair. Key achievements
Print highlights included the front cover of both The Irish Times magazine and Irish Examiner. There was further coverage and client profile raising in The Irish Times, Sunday Independent, Irish Independent, Sunday Independent Business, Business Post, IMAGE Interiors & Living, The Sunday Times, Irish Examiner Property, Irish Country magazine, The Gloss magazine, and
Online features included video interviews on thejournal.ie and pieces on thegloss. ie, maven46.com, businessworld.ie, and womenmeanbusiness.com. On TV, Showcase featured on RTÉ’s Nationwide and The Today Show with Maura and Dáithí. Radio coverage included interviews on RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide, Newstalk, South East Radio and bulletins on 4FM (syndicated to regional radio news bulletins). Highlights of the Showcase Awards included the spring issue of Irish Arts Review, Irish Examiner, Sunday Independent Life and The Sunday Times. A Showcase 2020 preview event, including the presentation of the short film ‘Fí’, was covered in Irish Country magazine, Sunday Independent Living, Social & Personal and Business Post Magazine. Design Ireland®
Throughout 2019 Design Ireland and DesignIreland.ie featured across print, radio and online media. The opening of the Design Ireland store at Dublin Airport was covered in the Business Post, Irish Independent Business, Irish Examiner, Irish Independent, The Gloss magazine, TRAVELExtra, and The Irish Times property supplement. It was also featured online on independent.ie and bizplus.ie. The Irish design showcase in Tokyo was the front-page story and image of the Irish Independent Business, featured in the Irish Independent Weekend and Hot Press magazine. The participation of Irish makers as part of the Design Ireland stand at MAISON&OBJET Paris was covered in the Irish Examiner and in other regional Irish publications. The OPTIMISE Design Ireland Programme was discussed on Newstalk’s Down to Business.
Design Ireland featured in The Gloss magazine with a three-page spread, as well as on thegloss.ie, announcing the opening of the Design Ireland Store in Dublin Airport and showcasing the best gifts available in Design Ireland ahead of Christmas. Future Makers Awards & Supports
The announcement of the recipients of Future Makers Awards & Supports 2019 was covered extensively in both national and regional media and we were pleased to see that the designers and makers got such extensive coverage. Key achievements
The initial call-out for applications to the Future Makers Awards & Supports programme was featured in The Sunday Times and Social & Personal magazine, and on visualartists.ie and ondine.ie The Irish Independent featured Future Maker recipient Chloe Joyce’s fashion design on the paper’s front cover. There was an interview with winners Róisín Pierce and Izzy O’Reilly in the Business Post Magazine. Work by fashion student Izzy O’Reilly also featured as one of The Irish Times’ Images of the Day on its website. Jewellery by recipients Mark Newman, Annemarie Reinhold and Lydia Clayton featured in the Irish Examiner. Work by recipient Sinéad O’Dwyer was worn by Beth Ditto and featured on the cover of Clash Magazine. Recipients Hugo Byrne, Anne Marie Reinhold and Chloe Dowds were all nominated for the Image Magazine Emerging Design Talent category. Student recipient Bernadette Tuite has received the Meath CoCo Arts Office Going Solo Graduate Award. Further coverage appeared in Irish Arts Review, Irish Daily Mail, Irish Examiner Weekend and the Sunday Independent Life. There was also extensive coverage online and across regional newspapers of the individual winners.
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Our Activities
Cara magazine. There were numerous articles on participating designers and craftspeople across regional print media.
National Design & Craft Gallery
DCCI promoted the exhibitions and events programme at the National Design & Craft Gallery, providing PR support for touring exhibitions. Key achievements:
Monumentality / Fragility was featured across a range print media: The Irish Times, Business Post, The Sunday Times, The Irish Times’ The Ticket, The Gloss magazine, Irish Examiner, Irish Daily Star, Woman’s Way, Business Post Property, House and Home and Irish Country magazine. It was also covered on radio on The Way It Is on KCLR FM as well as in regional media. Online articles were posted on making.ie and feltmakersireland.com
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PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection and the accompanying exhibition, Surface Matters at Dublin Castle, were featured in Irish Arts Review, Irish Independent Weekend, The Irish Times, Irish Examiner Property, The Sunday Times, The Gloss magazine, IMAGE magazine, Social & Personal and Woman’s Way. The winner of the inaugural RDS Irish Craft Bursary was also featured in Irish Arts Review.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Surface Matters in Barcelona was covered by the Sunday Independent and Sunday Independent Living, Cara magazine, Irish Examiner and Irish Examiner Property. Surface Matters at the National Design & Craft Gallery was highlighted in the Irish Examiner, Business Post, IMAGE magazine, Social & Personal and Irish Arts Review. Surface Matters curator Liz Cooper was interviewed in the Gloss Magazine. Rudolf Heltzel: In Precious Metal at the State Apartments, Dublin Castle was featured in Irish Interiors. Crowded Thresholds at the National Design & Craft Gallery was highlighted twice in The Irish Times Magazine and featured in The Irish Times’ The Ticket, Sunday Independent Living, The Gloss, Irish Arts Review, Travel Ireland Magazine, and in regional papers. Images from the opening of the exhibition were featured on The Irish Times website and in the Irish Independent. The Crowded Thresholds opening at Farmleigh featured in The Irish Times,
Business Post Magazine, Herald, The Gloss magazine, The Sunday Times and on RTE.ie and irishtimes.com. Aurea, the jewellery graduate exhibition and award winners, was covered across national and regional print and online media, including Irish Arts Review, Business Post Magazine and The Irish Mail on Sunday. An outside broadcast of KCLR Lunch took place in the Gallery during the exhibition. Other festivities such as Bealtaine, Culture Night 2019 and National Drawing Day at the National Design & Craft Gallery were promoted in local and national media and gig guides. In addition to key campaigns as outlined on previous pages, a wide range of DCCI programmes, initiatives and events were featured in the media. This coverage attests to the work of craftspeople and our own work. Key achievements
The announcement of an initiative by eBay to partner with Enterprise Ireland and DCCI to support 50 Irish SMEs to participate in a retail pilot scheme was covered in The Irish Times and InBusiness and on RTE.ie, womenmeanbusiness.com, BusinessWorld.ie, siliconrepublic.com and bizplus.ie The Irish Craft Village at Bloom 2019 was covered in the Sunday Independent special supplement, Irish Country magazine, horticultureconnected.ie, as well as extensively in regional media. Shoppe Object was covered in Sunday Independent Living and on IMAGE.ie as well as regionally. Scéal 2019 (in partnership with the Kilkenny Group) was covered in The Irish Times, Irish Independent Weekend, The Irish Mail on Sunday, The Gloss magazine, IMAGE magazine, Irish Country magazine, Irish Tatler (including a competition). It was also featured online on fashion.ie, evoke.ie and indulgeme.ie. As part of Scéal 2019, the participation of the four DCCI Jewellery & Goldsmithing graduates in the ‘Bench to Business’ programme was covered in IMAGE magazine and the Irish Examiner as well as regionally and on indulgeme.ie
The ARC Fashion Show, a collaboration between the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and DCCI, received extensive coverage, including in Irish Examiner Weekend, Sunday Independent Life, Irish Independent, The Irish Daily Mail and on evoke.ie. It was also covered regionally. Ceramicist Babs Belshaw was profiled in IMAGE Interiors as part of a piece on Northern Ireland’s creative scene about her time honing her craft while attending DCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Ceramics. DCCI Jewellery & Goldsmithing Course graduates Ann Chapman and Michael O’Dwyer were featured in the Sunday Independent Living. Audience Engagement
Throughout 2019, DCCI used various communications tools to promote Irish craft and design, and engage audiences both in Ireland and globally. Our systems continued to be updated as required after a data cleansing and consolidation exercise in 2018. Data relating to our registered clients and member organisations was edited, if requested, under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Online Activity and E-Communications
DCCI maintained and updated our corporate website (dcci.ie) throughout 2019 to ensure consistency, accuracy and efficiency in delivering information to website visitors. It remained the hub for DCCI news, events, opportunities and activities. Our clients were directed to the website from social media and our ezine, CRAFTlink. This ezine provides information on DCCI, industry opportunities including funding and call-outs to take part in programmes, press releases, government announcements and sector updates, as well as updates from strategic partners. CRAFTlink also directs subscribers to the National Design & Craft Gallery website for information on exhibitions.
Partners of the organisation, DCCI clients, and those within the craft sector were encouraged to log on to dcci.ie to post opportunities and classified listings. The craft events listing website, CraftinIreland. com, was also maintained and updated throughout the year. This was done by DCCI and site users through its self-service portal to remain as the go-to directory of craft events and activities throughout the country. Clients were reminded to regularly check the opportunities section of the site for awards call-outs and funding opportunities. We also reminded them to check the blog for industry notices. The Communications team co-ordinated social media activities and PR, and created microsites on dcci.ie as needed to support projects across the organisation. Key achievements
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‘Opened by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 47% in 2019 and 46% in 2018. The industry benchmark is 20%. ‘Clicked by’ rate of CRAFTlink averaged at 12% in 2019 and 2018. The industry benchmark is 3%. Social Media
DCCI has many different audience sectors to target and uses different digital platforms as part of its reach. Social media is an integral element of this communications strategy. The purpose of DCCI’s various social networks is to: communicate and engage with DCCIregistered clients, member organisations, the design and craft sectors, DCCI stakeholders and partner organisations, and the public; promote discussion and information-sharing about the design and crafts sector in Ireland; provide links to information about DCCI client membership and GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies); inform followers about industry and funding opportunities, events and exhibitions; and promote the design and crafts sector as a whole, sharing news updates, announcements, successes and events.
Our Activities
Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Show in Cork and Dublin was covered widely in national and regional media, including on RTÉ’s Nationwide. Print coverage included the Business Post Magazine, Irish Country magazine, Irish Examiner, Irish Independent, Irish Farmers Journal and on RTE.ie
In 2019, DCCI reviewed and audit its social media presence. We drafted a clear and concise social media strategy incorporating overall objectives. This strategy included: a profile of DCCI’s target audience for each channel; tone of voice for each channel; targets a policy on frequency of posts; specific online tactics; and a template planning calendar and budget requirements. Following a strategic review of our social media channels, we took the following actions.
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Facebook: Irish Design 2015, PORTFOLIO, Irish Craft Studio Experience, some apps and DCCI Events pages were archived and closed. Twitter: Craft in Ireland, KDW App, Irish Design 2015, PORTFOLIO, and National Design & Craft Gallery accounts were archived and closed.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Instagram: PORTFOLIO focused attention on Instagram and built a following on this platform. (PORTFOLIO works to grow the reputations and potential of contemporary craft makers and designers who are seeking to develop their presence in the gallery and collector markets.) Throughout the year, DCCI’s social media presence continued to grow across all its channels, collectively expanding the number of fans and followers of Irish design and craft, and creating further awareness of the sector nationally and further afield. Facebook and Instagram were used as primary platforms, with Twitter as a secondary platform. YouTube and Vimeo were used to share video content and engage additional audiences.
Key accounts for the year were the corporate and client-focused DCCI account, retail and consumer-focused Design Ireland, and the National Design & Craft Gallery which focused on engaging gallerists, members of the general public, and tourists. DCCI clients involved in Design Ireland presentations at international fairs, tradeshows, and direct-selling events were provided with bespoke guidelines to promote their presence at events. Clients were equipped with relevant handles and suggestions for online success. Design Ireland giveaways were promoted across social media platforms to increase the visibility and follower numbers of Design Ireland makers, and to direct the general public to designireland.ie Key achievements
DCCI tweets earned 239,900 impressions in 2019 (average 0.9% engagement rate). The number of followers on Design Ireland Instagram grew to over 15,000. Key Publications
DCCI’s Annual Report is produced in both Irish and English each year in compliance with our obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. We make a range of our publications publicly available. This includes our annual reports, exhibition catalogues and research, which are added to our archive of materials. Other publications include business guides and education and industry reports, as well Kilkenny Design Workshops publications. Older DCCI materials, such as Craft Review 1987 – 1991; Crafts Council of Ireland newsletters 1975 – 1993; and Stopress 1997 – 2010 are all made available on the digital publishing platform, ISSUU, through our website. In 2019, the Freedom of Information (FOI) section of DCCI’s website was maintained in compliance with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. This Act requires FOI bodies to prepare and publish as much information as possible in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis outside of FOI.
€5m
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Estimated reach through media coverage secured
47%
Pieces of coverage achieved for Showcase 2019
Average ‘opened by’ rate of CRAFTlink ezine (industry benchmark is 20%) by subscribers
5,794
240,800
Number of social network referrals from Design Ireland® Facebook to DesignIreland.ie
Tweet impressions in 2019 (average 0.8% engagement rate)
Our Activities
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Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) collaborates with partner organisations to champion design thinking and ensure that design is central to the development of Government policy. Objective
To grow awareness of the value of design and craft to society and the economy, and work with Government and stakeholders on the integration of design thinking into Government policy and industry.
Focus and Strategic Aims Embed design policy
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— Work with Government and stakeholders to embed design policy. Empower membership organisations
— Support DCCI membership organisations in building creative communities. Develop a design society
— Develop a framework for evaluating design and craft. — Grow recognition of the value and importance of design and craft to the economy and society.
Our Activities
2.5
Policy and Advocacy
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Work by Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill in Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize for Applied Arts exhibition in the National Design & Craft Gallery; Alison Conneely, Future Makers 2019 judge, at the judging process in the Pembroke Hotel; FUSION, an exhibition of textile work resulting from Council of Irish Fashion Designers and DCCI GANS collaboration for The Knitting & Stitching Show 2019; Chief Executive Karen Hennessy, Helen Carroll and Chupi Sweetman at Creative Livelihoods – a seminar planned to coincide with DCCI's 2019 AGM.
Advocacy in Ireland
DCCI works closely with a number of government departments and agencies to raise awareness of the contribution that designers and craftspeople make to Ireland’s economy and culture. The Future Jobs Ireland programme recognises the significant potential that the design and craft sector offers for creating sustainable employment in the regions, and for growing exports. DCCI reports directly to Enterprise Ireland and to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. In 2019, DCCI was represented on the following Government-led working groups: Advisory Group for Small Business (AGSB) The AGSB provides a platform for structured engagement between small business owners, their representative bodies and the Minister with a view to influencing policy. DCCI’s then CEO, Karen Hennessy, represented the organisation in the group in 2019. Expert Group for Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) EGFSN is an independent advisory body consisting of officials from across government departments. It advises Government on future skills needs and associated labour market issues that impact on the national potential for enterprise and employment growth. The current focus of the EGFSN relates to Ireland’s design skillsets, particularly those of digital, product and strategic design. The chair of the group is DCCI Board member, Andrew Bradley. DCCI reports quarterly on activities undertaken as part of the Design Skills Action Plan. These are outlined in the Winning by Design report, 2017. It has consulted on a follow-up report, due to be published in 2020. National Design Forum (NDF) Ireland’s first ministerial-led National Design Forum was established in 2017 as a key outcome of the 2017 publication ’Ireland – the Design Island: a consultation paper towards a National Design Strategy’ in. The Forum aims to increase Ireland’s capability and reputation as a source of design innovation, and to make recommendations to government departments and agencies.
Key achievement
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) published the ‘Request for Tenders for Consultancy Services for the Scoping of Options for a National Design Centre for Digital, Product and Strategic Design’ on the e-tenders website on 17 December 2019. The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2020. Following national consultations, DCCI contributed to the following documents: Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Consultation Paper: ‘Towards the development of a new National Policy for the future development and sustainability of communities on the offshore islands of Ireland’. Department of Rural and Community Development: ‘Policy for Rural Ireland 2020 – 2025’.
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International Advocacy Michelangelo Foundation
DCCI continued to develop links with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. The Foundation is an international non-profit organisation that celebrates and preserves master craftsmanship and strengthens its connection to the world of design. It wants to help people rediscover the ability of the human hand to create. It aims to support exceptional contemporary European master artisans using long-held traditions, skills and knowledge to make beautiful objects of lasting value. During 2019, DCCI liaised closely with the Michelangelo Foundation on programmes, including: Michelangelo Foundation summer schools to foster exchange of skills and networking for young makers. Next of Europe – a curated exhibition of European craft masters who have shared their skills with younger generations. The exhibition, curated by Jean Blancheart, is part of Homo Faber 2020 (rescheduled to 2021) which takes place on Cini Giorgio, Venice every two years.
Our Activities
≤ Clockwise from top left
Young Ambassadors programme which brings some of the most talented students of craft to Homo Faber. The Michelangelo Foundation Cultural Council is composed of 30 craft experts and representatives from organisations across Europe. Louise Allen, represents World Crafts Council-Europe, DCCI and the Irish design & craft sector. The Homo Faber Guide which will be published in 2020, identifies the most talented craftspeople and designers in Europe. The guide is developed by the Michelangelo Foundation in consultation with the Cultural Council.
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European Red List of Endangered Crafts: identifies and classifies crafts according to their endangered status. DCCI have contributed a list of Irish Crafts at risk for inclusion on the Red List. Key achievements:
7 ceramics students from DCCI’s Ceramics Skills course were selected to take part in the Michelangelo Foundation summer schools to foster exchange of skills and networking for young makers.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
DCCI’s Head of Innovation and Development Programmes, Louise Allen, was invited to represent the World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) and DCCI on Michelangelo’s Cultural Council. The National Design & Craft Gallery features as a cultural destination in the Homo Faber Guide. To date the following Irish craftspeople have been included in Homo Faber Guide: — Róisín De Buitleár — Eimear Conyard — Karl Harron — Jennifer Hickey — Joe Hogan — Frances Lambe — John Lee — Michael McCrory — Alan Meredith — Helen O’Connell — Nuala O’Donovan — Sasha Sykes
World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE)
The World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) is a broad network representing more than 30 regional, national and professional craft organisations across the European Union. Louise Allen, DCCI’s Head of Innovation & Development Programmes, was elected President of WCCE in September 2016. Her term is due to end in 2020. The World Crafts Council – Europe (WCCE) General Assembly and Conference, ‘40/40 Heritage Past, Present and Future’ took place in Tbilisi, Georgia, 5 – 9 June. It was well attended by delegates from Georgia, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, UK, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal, France, India, Romania, Uzbekistan and Ireland. In 2019, to mark its 40th anniversary, WCCE surveyed its members to ascertain challenges facing the crafts sector. The Crafting Europe Manifesto and Action Plan was launched in May 2019 at Révélations, the fine art and creation fair, at the Grand Palais, Paris. The manifesto is available on the WCCE website for the public to sign and support. Wcc-europe.org DCCI’s hosting of the WCCE presidency has had a considerable impact on raising the profile of Ireland’s craftspeople, and provides increased access to international opportunities. In 2019, these included: The opportunity to exhibit as part of the 25th Qrain Cultural Festival in Kuwait. Inclusion in Homo Faber and participation the European Prize for Applied Arts. The opportunity to exhibit at the WCCE Crafting Europe exhibition as part of Révélations in Paris. Key achievements
7 Irish makers were selected from over 600 applications for the exhibition, Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize for Applied Arts, which opened in Kilkenny in March 2019. It opened at two locations: National Design & Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Castle. It was a touring exhibition that had originally launched in Mons, Belgium on 21 October 2018.
3 Irish craftspeople and members of DCCI’s PORTFOLIO programme were selected by Johan Valcke, a former WCCE Board Member, to be represented in his new gallery, the Valcke Art Gallery in Belgium. Those selected were: — ceramicists Mike Byrne and Cathy Burke; — metalsmith Cecilia Moore. e WCCE board, in partnership with Th Ateliers d’Art de France, presented an exhibition and Crafting Europe Symposium to mark the 40th anniversary of WCC – Europe. The exhibition represented the work of 24 craftspeople from across Europe. The selection process included an open call to WCCE members through the WCCEurope website. Overall, 158 applications were received.
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Michelangelo Foundation and the LOEWE Foundation joined WCCE as affiliate members. Guilds, Associations, Network and Societies (GANS)
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 its strategic plans for developing the design and craft sector. It enables the delivery of many DCCI initiatives across the island of Ireland. As at 31 December 2019 the total number of GANS was 59. Network Support Scheme
DCCI’s Network Support Scheme provided funding for a number of GANS during 2019. 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 will develop and professionalise DCCI’s collective organisations.
Our Activities
DCCI’s hosting of the WCCE presidency has had a considerable impact on raising the profile of Ireland’s craftspeople, and provides increased access to international opportunities.
The seven Irish participants were: — basket maker Joe Hogan; — silversmith Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill; — ceramicist Nicola Kelly; — textile artists Caroline Schofield and Niki Collier; and — jewellers Eimear Conyard and Annemarie Reinhold.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Key achievements
25 GANS were awarded funding in 2019. In total, €33,449 was granted for a range of activities such as branding, marketing, craft fairs and festivals, photo shoots, media presentation, workshops, masterclasses, forge-ins and seminars. The list of funding awards is presented here: Member Organisation Benchspace Cork
Awarded € 1,500
Blackstack Studio Bridge Street Studios Ceramics Ireland
449 1,000 800
Cork Craft & Design
2,000
Cork Textiles Network
1,200
Feltmakers Ireland
1,500
FORM Designmade in Carlow
1,500
Inside Craft
2,000
Institute of Designers in Ireland
2,000
Irish Fashion Designers Federation/CIFD 1,500 Irish Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers
1,000
Irish Patchwork Society
1,000
Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers
1,500
Irish Woodturners Guild
2,000
Louth Craftmark Designers Network 1,000 MADE in Kilkenny
1,500
Making.ie 1,000 Na Píobairí Uilleann
2,000
Quilters Guild of Ireland
1,000
Society of Cork Potters Spiddal Craft and Design Studios St. Angela’s College
800 2,000 500
The Leitrim Design House
1,500
West Cork Craft and Design Guild
1,200
Total
€33,449
Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) Information Days
DCCI facilitated two GANS information days in 2019. These provided a valuable forum for the member organisations to network and receive updates on DCCI programmes and activities. They also afforded the opportunity to give feedback about the sector and discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The first GANS Network meeting took place in the President’s Room, Dublin Castle on 7 March. Discussion topics included: GANS Seminar and DCCI AGM. The results of a DCCI survey among member organisations and registered clients to assess potential ways to promote and celebrate excellence in Irish design and craft. (This survey was done in late 2018. It was carried out as a follow-up to the decision by the RDS to restructure their annual RDS Craft Awards in 2018.)
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Network Support Scheme 2018 and 2019. European Artistic Craft Days: proposed GANS engagement. Update on the Council of Irish Fashion Designers and GANS collaboration project. Presentations included: An introduction to a new member organisation, making.ie. An introduction on recent books published by Cork Textiles Network and Ceramics Ireland. National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL), a presentation by Renata Pekowska. UCD School of Archaeology, a presentation by Ben Elliott. Guided tour of DCCI exhibitions, Surface Matters, and Rudolf Heltzel: In Precious Metal, at Dublin Castle. The second GANS meeting took place at the Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel on 17 September. Presentations included: An overview of DCCI projects and events, including a review of the DCCI Insurance Scheme for GANS. Public Participation Network (PPN) by Karen McGrath.
Our Activities
≤ ‘Stone on a Stone’, porcelain, copper by Jack Doherty.
Vawn Corrigan on her two heritage books: Irish Aran and Irish Tweed.
Most organisations are heavily dependent on membership fees and training fees.
An afternoon workshop with Business to Arts on top tips for grant writing and crowdfunding (Fundit.ie).
The voluntary nature of committee members results in challenges which affect the implementation of the strategic plan. This includes lack of engagement, lack of time for implementation and lack of continuity around decision-making.
The afternoon finished with a guided tour of the Crowded Thresholds exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery. Strategic Planning Programme
Business to Arts and DCCI undertook a threeyear strategic review of GANS that participated in Strategic Planning Programmes from 2015. A Review and Re-Ignite Day took place on 27 May at the offices of Arthur Cox in Dublin.
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The review included: a survey; a series of case studies presented by the Irish Patchwork Society, The Leitrim Design House and Ceramics Ireland; and a fundraising boot camp. Results from GANS surveyed with regard to the Strategic Planning Programme indicated the following key impacts: 7 out of 10 (72%) respondents reported that they implemented the strategic plans that they worked on with Business to Arts. 8% have still to begin implementation. more than 3 out of 10 (36 %) saw an increase in membership income Almost 3 in 10 (27%) increased training income
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
6 out of 10 (63%) saw an enhancement of the communications from the organisation Over 5 in 10 (56%) saw increased attendance at events/workshops More than 4 in 10 (45%) increased sales of products All developed a more focused marketing mindset. All improved the relaying of value of strategic marketing within the organisation. Results from GANS surveyed with regard to the Strategic Programme 2014 – 2015 indicated the following key challenges: The programme broadened their understanding of marketing and marketing tactics, but did not always lead to establishing a marketing strategy.
As organisations grow, there is a need to move beyond solely voluntary activities – that is, to formalise professional support on a part-time basis. Recommendations from the 2019 session included providing: Funding and/or support for administrative assistance for GANS. Mentoring support for ongoing strategic development. Advocacy and support for studio space. Governance training. Information sessions on available funding. Grant-writing session. Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) collaboration project with DCCI
A project between the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) and member organisations from DCCI’s Guilds, Associations, Network and Societies (GANS) was launched on 4 April. Over 20 CIFD members were paired with GANS members to explore potential partnerships. The collaborations used a combination of heritage and contemporary skills, and resulted in developing 15 unique pieces which were launched at the CIFD Autumn/Winter 2019 Media Presentation on 29 August. 2019 collaborators include: Clare O’Connor, accessories designer and Paula Rafferty, textile artist, (Irish Patchwork Society). Wendy Louise Knight, milliner and Noleen Frain, calligrapher, (Peannairí – Calligraphy Ireland). Hazel Greene, accessories designer and Jane Murtagh metal artist, (Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association).
Key achievements
15 collaborative products were created resulting in catwalk-ready pieces.
Sarah Swan, accessories designer and Paul Finch, basketmaker, (Irish Basketmakers Association).
Significant media coverage following the CIFD Autumn/Winter Media Day (see page 67 for details).
Michelle Kearns, milliner and Breda Fay, feltmaker, (Feltmakers Ireland).
The pieces created were featured in the Fusion exhibition at The Knitting & Stitching Show 2019.
Freya Oatway of FAO Millinery and Linda Smith, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers). Keira Kennedy, of KDK fashion and accessories design and Paola Bianchi, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers). Betzy Medina of Sandia Dublin, jewellery designer and Niki Collier, feltmaker, (Feltmakers Ireland). Caroline Mitchell, knitwear designer and Nadya Dourzinino, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers). Aoife Harrison, milliner and Áine Hanrahan, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers). Emma Arblaster and Hazel Kinsella of The Pod Collection and Catherine Gray (The Leitrim Design House). Aoife Kirwan, milliner and Sara O’Hara, embroiderer, (Irish Guild of Embroiderers). Leonora Ferguson, milliner and Cathy Earl, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers). Charlotte Lucas, fashion designer and Carmen Garcia (Feltmakers Ireland).
EU Artistic Craft Days 1 – 7 April
GANS and craft studios participated for the second year in European Artistic Craft Days (EACD). This cultural, economic and tourism initiative saw over 9,000 events take place across Europe, from Paris to Berlin, Warsaw to Vilnius. The 16 European countries that participated in EACD in 2019 were: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK. A series of workshops for adults was hosted in the National Design & Craft Gallery, and several events were held around the country.
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The workshops included: Block-printing skills with Valerie Mullaly at the National Design & Craft Gallery. Ceramics Open Studio at Ulster University, Belfast. Dublin Creative Textiles Open Studio. Meet the Maker at The Leitrim Design House. Headford Lacemakers gathering at Foxford Woollen Mills, Mayo. AGM Seminar: Creative Livelihoods – The Value of Craft in Communities
The Creative Livelihoods seminar was organised to coincide with the DCCI Annual General Meeting on 11 June. The purpose of the seminar was to open discussion on developing and supporting craft and design business in rural communities. It was well received by the 65 attendees according to their feedback.
Our Activities
Deb Fanning, milliner and Sarah Louise Browne, lace maker, (Guild of Irish Lacemakers).
Speakers at the event included: Lorna McCauley (Harris Tweed) who spoke about the centrality of the Harris Tweed industry to life on the Island of Harris, and the rejuvenation of the industry since 2000. Tara Kennedy (Freemarket) who explored the potential for regeneration of Irish market towns and villages and examined the role and opportunities for craft in this context. Colin McCallion (eBay) who highlighted the potential for rural-based enterprises to trade in a global economy and how eBay supports this.
Cruinniú na nÓg 15 June
DCCI secured funding of €3,500 from Creative Ireland through Kilkenny County Council for a Mini Craft Village for Cruinniú na nÓg (Meeting of Youth) at Castle Yard, Kilkenny. The events showcased Ireland’s cultural craft heritage, celebrating contemporary makers of traditional crafts. Three of DCCI’s GANS – Ceramics Ireland, Feltmakers Ireland and Blackstack Print Studio –demonstrated and shared their craft techniques with children and young people. 200 children took part in the workshops which included jewellery making, pottery, printing, weaving, knitting and a design and doodle.
Chupi Sweetman (jeweller) who spoke about the development of Chupi’s business and brand through online and retail channels in 64 countries.
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Eamonn Terry (Criostal na Rinne) who gave a presentation on the story of Criostal na Rinne’s development following Waterford Crystal’s closure. After the speakers, there was a roundtable discussion on the types of supports needed for businesses to thrive in rural environments. The discussion was moderated by Padraig Casey, Ballyhoura Development CLG. Irish Craft Village at Bloom 30 May – 3 June
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
For Bloom 2019, DCCI presented an exciting range of design and craft experiences in its Irish Craft Village, including craft demonstrations, interactive craft installations and workshops. Daily demonstrations and workshops were presented by the following DCCI member organisations: — Irish Patchwork Society — Blackstack Print Studio — Guild of Irish Lacemakers — Ceramics Ireland — Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association
Savour Kilkenny 24 – 28 October
Blackstack Print Studio delivered a series of screen-printing workshops for Savour Kilkenny. Over 160 tote bags were printed with DCCI and Savour Kilkenny logos. The event was fully funded by Savour Kilkenny. Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 4 – 8 December
DCCI organises a series of craft demonstrations in the central exhibition area for the duration of Gifted at the RDS, Dublin each year. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to meet leading Irish craftspeople and watch them as they work. Demonstrations are extremely popular with visitors, reflecting the interest in and appreciation of the skills and craftsmanship of these talented makers. Live demonstrations by clients and member organisations included printing, calligraphy and weaving. Peannairí, the Association of Irish Calligraphers, demonstrated at Gifted for the first time in 2019.
3,103
81
59
25
Total number of member organisations or GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies)
Information days hosted by DCCI for member organisations or GANS
15
â‚Ź33,449
GANS members and clients involved in Council of Irish Fashion Designers and DCCI fashion collaboration
Provided for 25 member organisations in 2019 through DCCI’s Network Support Scheme
Our Activities
Total number of registered client enterprises
Image: John Rainey with his work in Crowded Thresholds in Farmleigh Gallery.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Our Business
83
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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Ireland’s design and craft 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 craft and design heritage and traditional skills while encouraging design innovation in everything our clients do.
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Our Business
3.1
Our Clients
Breakdown of register of client enterprises by county as at 31 December, 2019 Client Enterprise Register by County
Derry 18
Donegal 97
Antrim 76
Tyrone 29
Armagh 11
Fermanagh 16
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Monaghan 35
Sligo 64
Mayo 109
Leitrim 49
Roscommon 28
Cavan 22
Longford 15
Louth 64 Meath 72
Westmeath 47 Galway 170
Dublin 652 Offaly 33
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Wicklow 152
Laois 44
Clare 88
Limerick 63
Kerry 113
Kildare 113
Tipperary 71
Carlow 49 Kilkenny 123
Waterford 89 Cork 307
Wexford 114
Down 101Â
Republic of Ireland Dublin
Breakdown of register of client enterprise by discipline as at 31 December, 2019
652
Disciplines Textiles
774
Cork
307
Jewellery
474
Galway
170
Ceramics
471
Wicklow
152
Woodworking
253
Kilkenny
123
Furniture Making
236
Wexford
114
Glass Making
189
Kerry
113
Metal Working incl. Blacksmithing
107
Kildare
113
Paper Working/Paper Making
84
Mayo
109
Printing
81
Donegal
97
Mixed Media Construction
72
Waterford
89
Candlemaking
61
Clare
88
Stoneworking
58
Meath
72
Leather Working
46
Tipperary
71
Basketry
43
Louth
64
Soapmaking
42
Sligo
64
Musical Instrument Making
27
Limerick
63
Toymaking
19
Carlow
49
Silversmithing/Hollowware
16
Leitrim
49
Bookmaking/Bookbinding
13
Westmeath
47
Spinning
11
Laois
44
Lettering
8
Monaghan
35
Offaly
33
Other: Slateworking/Mosaics/Thatching/ Fresco Painting/Horology/Flytying
Roscommon
28
Cavan
22
Longford
15
Northern Ireland Down
101
Antrim
76
Tyrone
29
Derry
18
Fermanagh
17
Armagh
11
Rep. of Ireland Clients Northern Ireland 252) International Clients Overall Total of Registered Client Enterprises
2,783 3,035 68 3,103
18
Overall Total Registered Client Enterprises 3,103 Associate Register Students
246
Craft Enthusiasts (formerly called Hobbyists)
341
Semi Professionals (formerly called Associates)
512
Representatives of Educational Bodies (formerly called Craft Lecturers)
112
Temporarily Inactive/Dormant
63
Overall Total of Registered Associates
87
1,274
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Breakdown of register of client enterprises by county as at 31 December, 2019
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Key dates in the history of the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited, now trading as Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
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3.2
Our History 1970 – 2019
1970
World Crafts Council (WCC) hosts their 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 1977
Showcase begins as the National Crafts Trade Fair 1980
CCoI business and skills training opens in Kilworth, Co. Cork
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1986
CCoI administration moves to Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin G Showcase 2019 – ‘Teach Vase’ by Sam agus Nessa.
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, Co. Kilkenny 1993
CCoI opens the Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design course in Kilkenny 1997
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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
G Still from SÓ – a film by Boo George, produced and commissioned by DCCI to promote Irish makers overseas.
CCoI marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW) and a proposal is made at the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrating and promoting Irish design
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) 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 publication by Government of ‘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 G ‘A Dressed Up Life’, gilding metal, bronze, found material, 6 pieces by Cecilia Moore.
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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
2019
DCCoI updates its trading name to Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI). The Design Ireland store is officially opened at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport. It is operated by The Loop with the store name brand under licence by DCCI.
G Maison & Objet 2019 – ‘Koi Dish’ by Stephen Farnan.
Our Business
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 – 2027 and funding of a National Design Innovation Hub for the South East under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund
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One of our key ambitions is to inspire and support clients to develop, scale and compete successfully in Ireland and across the world. Registering with DCCI gives designers and makers the opportunity to avail of the many supports and development programmes that we have to offer.
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There are four levels of registration: professional designer-maker; semiprofessional designer-maker; craft enthusiast; and student. The Registration Review Panel assess applications for DCCI registrations every three months. dcci.ie/register
Call outs to apply for DCCI programmes and supports are advertised on dcci.ie/ opportunities throughout the year.
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3.3
Overview of DCCI’s Support and Development Programmes
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Showcase 2019: Porcelain Mugs by Chloë Dowds; Still from SÓ – a film by Boo George, produced and commissioned by DCCI to promote Irish makers overseas; Showcase 2019 – Luxurious Irish Handmade Soaps and Body Serums by Baressential Art of Soap; Showcase 2019 – ‘Dromod’ by Copperfish.
Enterprise
US Advantage Programme
Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® has established itself as the foremost trade event for retailers from around the world to discover unique, design-led products across fashion, jewellery, and home and giftware.
The US Advantage Programme aims to increase wholesale export sales in the mainstream United States market. It is focused on clients who are currently exporting to the US and who want to develop an export strategy, and who plan to increase their US presence and sales. The programme offers one-to-one sessions with a US market expert, support for up to two US mainstream trade shows, and support for up to four sales trips to the US.
At the heart of the show is Design Ireland®, a space dedicated to promoting leading contemporary Irish brands selected by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. All products in this area are designed and made in Ireland. Showcase is a partnership between DCCI and Showcase Ireland Events Ltd with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the show internationally. showcaseireland.com Design Ireland®
Design Ireland is an initiative for consumers created by DCCI to showcase the best of Ireland’s design and craft to both a global and Irish audiences. The Design Ireland identity is featured on DCCI exhibitions at trade shows, on in-store point-of-sale material, and in promotional campaigns. The accompanying website – designireland.ie – discovers and shares work created in Ireland for people who want to buy and gift high-quality, authentic Irish products and find out where to purchase them, either online or in listed shops. The website provides opportunities for DCCI clients to sell directly to consumers, promote their workshops and classes and to list details of open studios. Design Ireland at international events
As part of an Export Programme, DCCI presents Design Ireland group stands at key international events. Export-ready exhibitors take a stand under their own brand name within a Design Ireland area, and develop their own commercial relationships and sales. OPTIMISE Design Ireland®
OPTIMISE Design Ireland empowers innovative, design-led Irish brands to improve their online presence, hone their digital capabilities and grow their global e-commerce sales by bringing together best-in-class expertise across the digital, enterprise and design sectors. The OPTIMISE programme takes creative companies on a transformative digital journey, supporting them as they compete globally to grow their business within the e-commerce arena.
Direct-selling Opportunities
DCCI supports and promotes selected design and craft enterprises at direct-selling events. These include key shows that are open to the public such as Bloom and Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair. See dcci.ie/ opportunities for relevant call outs. PORTFOLIO
The PORTFOLIO programme actively works to grow the reputations and potential of contemporary craft makers and designers who are seeking to develop their presence in the gallery and collector markets. The jury for this prestigious programme is made up of Irish and international experts. Work is selected based on high standards of design quality and technical skill. PORTFOLIO currently showcases contemporary work by almost 150 of Ireland’s most renowned designermakers. dcci.ie/portfolio
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International Fair Fund
The International Fair Fund was established to financially assist designers and craftspeople in reaching key export markets. The fund provides limited match-funding for wholesale trade fairs abroad. External Exhibitions Fund
The External Exhibitions Fund was established to assist in the development of 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 or abroad. Craft, Design and Business Mentors
The DCCI mentoring programme provides craft and design businesses with tailored support from a range of experts in design, production, business, marketing, branding and
Our Business
≤ Clockwise from top left
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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craft-specific technical expertise. Mentoring is delivered in one-to-one or group settings. Registered client enterprises can apply for mentoring throughout the year. Enterprise Development Workshops
Enterprise Development Workshops cover topics that have been identified by DCCI as relevant to the ongoing development of craft and design enterprises. These workshops are organised by DCCI, often in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), and are advertised on the opportunities section of DCCI’s website. They take place on specific dates and times in various locations across Ireland. Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices
The Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme, in partnership with LEOs, is a premium package of support tailored for designer-makers to boost their product in the marketplace through a series of designled 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. Driving Export
This is a DCCI/LEO partnership programme on export development to ensure clients are export ready, and can explore different ways of accessing overseas markets. Irish Craft Studio Experience
The Irish Craft Studio Experience features some of Ireland’s best studio experiences. Featured sites are either craft studios open to visitors on a full-time basis, or craft galleries and retail spaces offering visitors the opportunity to meet or interact with the maker. For a complete list of approved locations and for information on applying to be assessed for the scheme, visit: craftinireland.com/explore
Research and Innovation Strategic plans for membership organisations
DCCI has partnered with Business to Arts to offer expertise to our GANS in devising strategic plans to assist in their ongoing development and professionalisation. This programme includes workshops, advice sessions, site visits and business plan content review, analysis and delivery. FUSE
FUSE Clinics offer access to a range of design and business mentors over a one- or two-day period. Mentors assess the client’s enterprise, and provide advice relating to different aspects of craft and design products, including merchandising, branding, production, design and the use of innovative materials and technology. FUSE Clinics enable clients to network with one another and with mentors who identify the necessary next steps to develop and grow a craft and design enterprise.
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Network Support Scheme
Financial support is available to member organisations of DCCI. Funding is offered on an annual basis, and those applying must be able to match the funds awarded. To access DCCI’s Network Support Scheme, individuals can submit an application form on behalf of their network or association. The minimum number of craftspeople required to form a network or association is six. Design4Growth
Design4Growth aims to incentivise microbusinesses to engage with designers, and it helps participating companies to apply the effective use of design in developing their businesses. The programme is delivered on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, DCCI, and the Local Enterprise Offices. World Crafts Council – Europe
The World Crafts Council (WCC) is a nonprofit membership organisation set up to promote an international interest in crafts, and encourage contact between craftspeople from different countries. The WCC – Europe is a broad network representing more than 30 national, regional and professional craft organisations across the EU. Louise Allen, DCCI Head of Innovation and Development
Our Business
≤ ‘Dolls’, silver-dyed figured eucalyptus by Ciarán McGill.
Programmes, is President of the WCC – Europe until 2020. The National Design & Craft Gallery
The National Design & Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, inspiring appreciation, creativity and innovation through exhibitions, events and education programmes. The gallery plays a critical role in building an understanding of craft, design and material culture in Ireland. Programmes feature leading Irish and international designers, artists and makers across a variety of disciplines through in-house and touring exhibitions. ndcg.ie Knowledge and Skills Education and Outreach Programmes
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The education and outreach programmes aim to develop public awareness of craft mediums, techniques and design processes through workshops with professional makers, craft installations, making demonstrations, talks, discussion forums and object-handling opportunities. Outreach programmes often form part of our presence at national events, or are devised as projects to connect with specific groups.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
CRAFTed
DCCI’s CRAFTed programme gives primary school children and teachers an exciting opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working with professional designers and craftspeople. The programme provides collaborative training and access to highly skilled craftspeople. It gives both teachers and students the opportunity to explore new materials such as clay, print, fabric and fibre, as well as metal, wood and willow construction. DesignSKILLS
DesignSKILLS is an art-and-craft-room action-research initiative for post-primary art students and their teachers across Ireland. DesignSKILLS encourages collaborative skills and problem solving. It complements the visual arts curriculum by enhancing imaginative composition, design and craftwork, and is an enjoyable hands-on approach to making. DesignSKILLS provides funding bursaries to enable post-primary schools to engage in creative projects with professional craftspeople and designer-makers in the classroom setting.
DCCI’s Future Makers
Our Future Makers Awards and Supports programme rewards the next generation of creative makers, providing support for developing exciting careers in the craft and design industry. The programme funds research, training, residencies, exhibitions, studio development and more. futuremakers.ie Centres of Excellence in Ceramics and Jewellery
The Ceramics Skills & Design course is located at Island Mill, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and is a two-year intensive skills-based programme. This course has established an excellent reputation in the industry, both nationally and internationally. ceramicscourse.ie The Jewellery & Goldsmithing Skills and Design course is an intensive two-year programme, and is located at DCCI’s headquarters in Kilkenny. This course specialises in the tradition of working with precious metals and gemstones, equipping graduates with the practical skills needed to develop careers in the jewellery industry in Ireland and internationally. jewellerycourse.ie DCCI has been extending the skills and design courses to becoming Centres of Excellence in ceramics and jewellery.
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Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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The information in this section presentsa summary of the involvement of member organisations, clients, partners and others in DCCI programmes and events during 2019.   101
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3.4
Key Programme Statistics 2019
Enterprise
Orders placed at Showcase 2019 Clients participating at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® Design Ireland® clients at Showcase Buyers attending Showcase
206 41 2,580
Businesses participating in OPTIMISE Design Ireland programme
20
Makers supported through the International Fair Fund
25
Flagship direct-selling events with a key presence for Irish craft and design Registered clients participating at Gifted – the Contemporary Craft & Design Fair Registered clients exhibiting at Bloom in the Park
102
€25.1m
2 145 29
Registered clients exhibiting in Design Ireland® at New York’s Shoppe Object
6
Registered clients exhibiting at MAISON&OBJET, Paris
7
Registered clients presented in a Showcase preview in New York
20
Makers featured in PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019 – 2020
24
Makers featured in PORTFOLIO overall programme (Critical Selection plus wider programme) Number of Building Craft and Design Enterprise workshops delivered Total number of participants on the Building Craft and Design Enterprise programme Total number of enterprise and innovation workshops (excluding one-to-one mentoring sessions) delivered
140 5 48 4
Client enterprises participating in Enterprise and Innovation Workshops
30
Enterprises selected for Driving Export Programme
13
Clients who benefitted from one-to-one mentoring sessions
30
Showcase exhibitors receiving merchandising mentoring
60
Research and Innovation
Number of National Design & Craft Gallery funding applications submitted
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Number of visitors to National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions Number of visitors to exhibitions (Kilkenny and touring) Exhibitions included in the 2019 programme (Kilkenny and touring) Exhibitions toured to other galleries Designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme
2 50,182 306,538 12 8 157
Irish designers and makers involved in the exhibitions programme
77
Number of external exhibitions fund recipients
10
Knowledge and Skills
Total prize fund for Future Makers Awards and Supports 2019
€25,000
Regional Education Centres partnering with DCCI for delivery of CRAFTed
16
Individual Primary Schools participating in the CRAFTed programme
73
Pupils participating in the CRAFTed programme
1662
Craftspeople participating in the CRAFTed programme
66
Teachers participating in the CRAFTed programme
73
Teachers participating in CRAFTed-based CPD workshops DCCI Skills courses embedded with Level 7 standards achieved Students and general public participating in outreach programmes including workshops, masterclasses and talks
120 2 13,000+
Promotion and Awareness
Media clippings for the Showcase 2019 campaign Followers on DCCI’s Facebook (+8% compared to 2018)
11 10,282
Followers on DCCI’s Instagram (+21% compared to 2018)
5,421
Followers on Design Ireland’s Facebook (+18% compared to 2018)
7,320
Followers on Design Ireland’s Instagram (+2% compared to 2018)
14,801
Total number of impressions DCCI tweets earned in 2020
103
240,600
Policy and Advocacy
Number of registered client enterprises
59 3,103
Makers demonstrating at Bloom in the Park
5
GANS demonstrating at Cruinniú na n’Óg
3
Information days for GANS hosted by DCCI
2
GANS and clients participating in Council of Irish Fashion Designers Autumn/Winter Collections Show
15
Participants involved in FUSE workshops
30
Clients availing of Network Support Scheme funding
25
Total funding awarded in Network Support Scheme
€33,449
Our Business
Total number of Member Organisations
Image: Fí – Sadhbh and Cadhla O’Reilly wear design by Alison Conneely.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
104
Our Governance
105
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
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DCCI is a company limited by guarantee without share capital. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and operates under the aegis of the Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation. 107
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4.1
Corporate Governance Update
Image: Still from SÓ – a film by Boo George, produced and commissioned by DCCI to promote Irish makers overseas.
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Our Compliance
The Board is responsible for the governance of the company in line with best practice and for 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 provision of the Code insofar as applicable to the structure and nature of the company.
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 for money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested.
The Board of DCCI maintained a strong focus on corporate governance during 2019 to ensure that its standards of corporate governance operate to the highest level. A two-year internal audit plan was developed in 2017 covering strategic development and implementation, corporate governance compliance, risk management frameworks and internal control reviews.
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; the Freedom of Information Act, 2014; and the Official Languages Act, 2003. We are continuing to understand and fulfil our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). DCCI is also committed to improving energy efficiency in line with our obligations under The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), the European Communities (Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services) Regulations 2009, and SI 426 of 2014. The Board is responsible for overseeing the broad strategy and policies for the organisation. It is responsible for the systems of internal financial control in the company and for ensuring that the company has in place processes and procedures to ensure that the systems are effective. It performs these functions directly and through the operation of specific Board committees in line with approved terms of reference. There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the decision of the Board in line with best practice. Responsibility for the implementation of 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.
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Our Governance
Our Board
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
110
Ministerial Appointees
Breege O’Donoghue (Chair) Andrew Bradley Paul McKeown Toby Scott Elected Representatives
Fiona Deegan Mairéad McCorley John C. O’Connor Mary Palmer Donagh Quigley Rachel Quinn Elaine Riordan Edmund Shanahan
Board Attendance
The table below summarises the attendance of Directors at Board meetings which they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December 2019. Ten Board meetings were held in 2019: Director
Breege O’Donoghue
Board Meetings Attended/Eligible
10/10
Andrew Bradley
8/10
Fiona Deegan
7/10
Mairéad McCorley
7/10
Paul McKeown
8/10
John C. O’Connor
9/10
Mary Palmer
9/10
Donagh Quigley
8/10
Rachel Quinn
8/10
Elaine Riordan
8/10
Toby Scott
8/10
Edmund Shanahan
9/10
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Board members also participated on a number of committees and sub-committees. For details, please visit section 4.5 Our Committees on page 119.
Our Governance
4.2
Our Board
Ministerial Appointees Breege O’Donoghue Chair
Breege O’Donoghue is a former Board member and Group Director at Primark and, after a 37-year career, continues in an ambassadorial role and is a trustee of Primark Better Lives Foundation and of the Primark Pension Plan. A graduate of UCD and a Chartered Director, Breege is Chair of the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, Chair of Real World Analytics, Non-Executive Director of Fáilte Ireland, NonExecutive Director of Shaw & Sons Limited, an advisory Board member of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, and a member of the Outside Appointments Board (Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour).
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Breege has held Government-appointed positions on the Board of a number of state companies, including An Post and Aer Rianta. She was Chair of Shannon College of Hotel Management, Chair of the Labour Relations Commission, and was a Trustee and a Council Member of IBEC. She has received many accolades for her work, including the UCD Lochlann Quinn School Alumna of the Year 2015, and the Chevalier of The Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur conferred by President François Hollande in 2016. Breege was also honoured among the UCD Business – Smurfit Patrons of Excellence in 2017; awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy, Technological University Dublin; awarded Most Distinguished Leader at The Irish Times Business Awards 2019; and was a recipient of the 2019 RDS Gold Medal for Enterprise.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Andrew Bradley
Andrew Bradley qualified as an Industrial Designer at the National College of Art and Design and, recognising that his interests lay in assisting companies to realise the potential of design, he set out on a career in design leadership. His company, Bradley Brand, specialises in working with owner-managed companies to help them to fulfil the commercial potential of a strong brand in delivering a competitive advantage and building customer loyalty. Throughout his career, Andrew has been an active member of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and was its President from 2013 to 2015. Andrew led the team that established the IDI’s Design Enterprise Skillnet, and he also chairs this training initiative. He also works with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Local Enterprise Office as a mentor.
Paul McKeown
Paul McKeown is an Executive Director at Enterprise Ireland leading a Directorate which 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, he managed a wide portfolio of clients. Paul is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and holds Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) and Master of Accounting (M.Acc) from University College Dublin.
Toby Scott
Toby Scott is currently Innovator in Residence at the United Nations Population Fund, where he applies design thinking to address some of the most challenging problems relating to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and infant mortality. Previously, Toby was a director of the UK Design Council, a director of Arts Council England, as well as head of Creative Industries for the UK Government. He established the Irish Centre for Design Innovation and led the Design4Growth pilot programme. As an entrepreneur, he is co-founder and Learning Director of FRAMLABS, which uses design thinking to create future value for progressive companies. Toby is also a team member of Knowinnovation, a creative company which works with academics, NGOs and businesses to solve ‘Wicked Problems’ (difficult social or cultural problems) through collaborative problem solving. He led Know innovation’s first virtual Ideas Lab that included 100 people, and is passionate about the power of creativity and the power of technology to share that widely.
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Elected Representatives
Mairéad McCorley
Mairéad McCorley is a founding member of Cork Craft & Design, a multi-disciplinary group of over 100 members. Within the group she has acted as Treasurer, Administrator and Co-ordinator of Cork Craft Month. Mairéad set up the first Cork Craft & Design retail space in 2011, and has been actively involved in many facets of the Irish craft sector over the past 20 years. Developing a business, Silverstone Dimensions Handmade Jewellery, from its inception through the boom and recession has given her first-hand experience of the many challenges of running a craft business.
Our Governance
Fiona Deegan
Fiona Deegan works as Head of Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Kilkenny, and was formerly CEO of the Kilkenny County Enterprise Board. From her many years’ involvement with small businesses, Fiona has an in-depth understanding of the needs of designers and craftspeople in terms of developing enterprise capacity. She was instrumental in the development of the original concept in 2009 for MADE in Kilkenny, which was set up to foster excellence in crafts and to encourage the growth of the professional craft industry. Fiona is experienced in developing and implementing strategy, managing budgets, setting high standards and delivering results.
John C. O’Connor
John C. O’Connor is a Director of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), whose new city centre campus at Grangegorman will provide potential opportunities for collaboration with Design & Crafts Council Ireland in relation to training, education, hothousing, workshops and exhibition space in the East Quad arts centre which is scheduled to open in September 2020. John is also Dean of the College of Arts and Tourism, and previously served as Head of the Dublin School of Creative Arts. He was responsible for establishing the first professional design practice Masters programme with the Design, Print and Packaging Skillsnet in 2008. Prior to that, he led the development of the only full-time honours degree programme to be delivered on an offshore island in Ireland, the BA in Visual Art on Sherkin Island.
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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 Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) for many years, initially as a committee member with the Irish Patchwork Society. Mary is one of the founders of Cork Textiles Network and the cross-border initiative, Quilters Guild of Ireland. She has been an active committee member of both, and is also active with Cork Craft and Design, a multi-disciplinary group for designers and makers based in Cork.
Donagh Quigley
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Donagh Quigley has a background in traditional music. After finishing a traineeship in thatching in his early 30s, Donagh 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 21 people in an upcycled mill in Slane, Co. 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.
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, Rachel worked closely with the Sligo Local Enterprise Board and the Sligo Leader partnership to initiate a network of 15 microcraft producers. She has been involved in several projects at local and national level, including festivals, teaching, community-initiated projects and is a member of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s CRAFTed programme.
Elaine Riordan
For the past 27 years, Elaine Riordan has been actively involved with craft and design at a local, national and international level. She has been Chair of Ceramics Ireland, an organisation of about 260 members throughout Ireland, since 2009. In this capacity, she organises workshops, curates exhibitions and organises other fundraising activities every year, along with co-ordinating the three-day International Ceramics Festival which happens every two years.
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Elaine has taught across the disciplines of ceramics, fashion knitwear and textiles, and animation and motion design in Limerick School of Art & Design since 2004. She is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) and was part of the Local Organising Committee for the International Academy of Ceramics 46th General Assembly that took place in Dublin in 2014. She was also the National Commissioner for European Ceramic Context, Bornholm, Denmark in 2014.
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 (LYIT). 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.
Our Governance
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.
4.3 Our Team Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive 1 Louise Allen, Managing Executive
Market Development 2
Tanya Jones Executive Assistant to CEO and Policy and Protocol Executive Officer3
Nicola Doran, Retail Programme Manager
Jennifer Walsh, Executive Assistant4
Emer Ferran, Business Development Programme Manager
Education, Training and Development
Ciara Garvey, Development Manager, Collector and Tourism Programmes
John Tynan, Head of Education, Training and Development Fiona Byrne, Education Manager Eimear Conyard, Jewellery Skills & Design Course Manager
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Klaus Hartmann, Ceramics Technician (Independent Contractor) Gus Mabelson, Ceramics Skills & Design Course Manager (Independent Contractor) Caroline Ryan, Education and Outreach Officer Amanda Walsh, Education, Training and Development Administrator Marie Wilgaard Kelly, Jewellery & Goldsmithing Technician (Independent Contractor) Innovation and Development Programmes
Louise Allen, Head of Innovation and Development Programmes
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Brian McGee, Market Development Director
Mary Whelan, Client Liaison Officer National Design & Craft Gallery Susan Holland, Exhibition and Programme Curator Brian Byrne, Gallery Co-ordinator
Mary Dunne, Market Development Officer
Emma McGrath, Trade Development Manager Public Affairs and Communications
Susan Brindley, Head of Public Affairs and Communications Ciara Gannon, Communications Officer Dominique Dumecz, CRM and Client Services Administrator6 Deirdre O’Reilly, Communications Manager Operations
Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations and Company Secretary Julie Jackman, Finance Assistant Nuala McGrath, HR and Corporate Services Manager Notes
1 up to 31 October, 2 from 21 October. 3 up to 8 May 4 from 10 June, 5 up to 18 October 6 up to 7 June
DCCI acknowledges the valuable contribution of: Dylan McDonald, Market Development Assistant; Hannah Farrell, Market Development Projects Administrator; Shauna Sweeney, WCCE and Innovation Development Coordinator; Sinead Phelan, NDCG Exhibition and Programme Assistant; Carrie Lynam, CRAFTed Co-ordinator; as well as the many short-term contractors and volunteers who assisted at DCCI events and activities.  
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 which share DCCI’s aims and objectives and are involved in the promotion of contemporary and traditional crafts and design.
Unincorporated Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) which the Board admits to membership Bodies corporate which the Board admits to membership
Founding Members
DCCI had four founding members: Patsy Duignan (RIP) Mary V. Mullin Blanaid Reddin (RIP) Betty Searson In addition to the four founding members, as at 31 December 2019, DCCI had 12 Corporate Members, 23 Member Organisations by Discipline and 24 Member Organisations by Region.
Our Governance
The members of the company include: Subscribers to the Memorandum of Association (also known as founder members)
117
4.4 cont.
Corporate Members
Crawford College of Art and Design Fire Station Artist Studios Irish Countrywomen’s Association Limerick School of Art and Design Na Píobairí Uilleann National College of Art and Design New Ross Needlecraft Limited (The Ros Tapestry) National University of Ireland, Maynooth
118
The Leitrim Design House West Cork Arts Centre West Cork Craft & Design Guild Member Organisations – by Discipline
Blackstack Studios Ceramics Ireland Contemporary Tapestry Artists (CTA) Council of Irish Fashion Designers
Royal Dublin Society
Feltmakers Ireland
School of Art, Design and Printing at Dublin Institute of Technology
Filament Fibre Artists Glass Society of Ireland
St. Angela’s College
Guild of Irish Lacemakers
University of Ulster
Handweavers Guild of Cork
Member Organisations – by Region/Other
Association of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Benchspace Cork Bridge Street Studios Ceardlann, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios Clare Crafts Cork Craft & Design (CAD) Cork Textile Network Group
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
The Design Tower
Craft Granary Donegal Designer Makers FORM Designmade In Carlow Headford Lace Project Inside Craft Louth Craftmark Designers Network MADE in Kilkenny Made in Sligo Made in Westmeath Making (Irish Craft Discussion Forum) Offaly Crafty Original Kerry South Wexford Craft Network
Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association (IABA) Irish Basketmakers Association (IBA) Irish Guild of Embroiderers Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Irish Patchwork Society Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers (ISSSD) Irish Woodturners’ Guild Mountmellick Development Association Ltd. Peannairí Print Block Society of Cork Potters The Quilters Guild of Ireland Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland No new member organisations joined DCCI in 2019, and none were removed.
4.5 Our Committees
Audit and Finance Committee
The role of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee is to support the Board in relation to its responsibilities for issues of risk, control and associated assurance. It ensures the internal control systems, including audit activities, are monitored actively and independently.
National Design Forum Sub-Committee
This committee is convened by DCCI to report on the wider stakeholder National Design Forum at national level and focuses on key objectives in line with DCCI’s Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020. Toby Scott Sub-Committee Chair Breege O’Donoghue Strategy Development Sub-Committee
This Sub-Committee is convened by DCCI to review and assist the implementation and delivery process of the DCCI’s current Strategic Plan.
Fiona Deegan Committee Chair
(4/4)
Andrew Bradley Sub-Committee Chair
(5/5)
Paul McKeown
(4/4)
John C. O’Connor
(5/5)
Mairéad McCorley
(3/4)
Fiona Deegan
(5/5)
Nominations Committee
Heritage Sub-Committee
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 make recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes.
This Sub-Committee works with the DCCI team to maximise opportunities in the heritage and traditional craft sector as a means of preserving skills and knowledge
Elaine Riordan Committee Chair
(5/5)
Mary Palmer
(5/5)
Donagh Quigley
(5/5)
119
Mary Palmer Sub-Committee Chair (3/3) Rachel Quinn
(2/3)
Elaine Riordan
(3/3)
Edmund Shanahan
(3/3)
Mairéad McCorley
(3/3)
Joint Venture Company Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. Board
Mary Blanchfield Company Secretary Tony Donegan Gerry Murphy Brian McGee
Our Governance
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 2019. Each Committee and Sub-Committee reports to the Board after each meeting.
Image: Hazel Kenny with her work in Crowded Thresholds in Farmleigh Gallery.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
120
121
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
122
Financial Statements For the financial year ended 31 December 2019 Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council Ireland
125
Directors’ Report
127
Independent Auditors’ Report
131
Income and Expenditure Statement
134
Statement of Comprehensive Income
135
Balance Sheet
136
Statement of Changes in Equity
137
Statement of Cash Flows
138
Notes to the Financial Statements
139
123
Financial Statements
Company Information
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
124
Company Information
Directors
Andrew Bradley Fiona Deegan Mairead McCorley Paul McKeown John C. O’Connor Breege O’Donoghue (Chair)
Mary Palmer Donagh Quigley Rachel Quinn Elaine Riordan Toby Scott Edmund Shanahan
Company Secretary
Registered Office
Mary Blanchfield
Castle Yard, Kilkenny
125
Registered number 56542
Independent Auditors
Crowe Ireland Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm Marine House Clanwilliam Place Dublin 2
Bankers
Bank of Ireland Parliament Street Kilkenny
Solicitors
Beauchamps Riverside Two Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2
Allied Irish Bank St Helens, 1 Undershaft London EC3A 8AB
Financial Statements
Allied Irish Banks plc Bankcentre Ballsbridge Dublin 4
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
126
Directors’ Report For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
The Directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 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. 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’ 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 of the Company for that financial year and otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2014.
127
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 confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements. The Directors 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 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. Principal Activities 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 Business, Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland.
Financial Statements
5.2
5.2 cont.
Directors’ Report For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Business Review
The Directors are satisfied with the company’s performance during the year. At the end of the year the company has assets of €940,151 (2018: €576,933) and liabilities of €779,317 (2018: €352,224). The net assets of the company have decreased by €63,875 (2018: decreased by €16,811) and the Directors are satisfied with the level of retained reserves at the year-end. Results and Dividends
The deficit for the year, after taxation, amounted to €39,425 (2018 - surplus €3,472). The directors do not recommend the declaration of a dividend Directors
The Directors who served during the year were:
128
Andrew Bradley Fiona Deegan Mairead McCorley Paul McKeown John C. O’Connor Breege O’Donoghue (Chair) Mary Palmer Donagh Quigley Rachel Quinn Elaine Riordan Toby Scott Edmund Shanahan
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
Accounting Records
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. Future Developments
The main activities of the company remain unchanged and the directors anticipate that any future developments would relate to these activities. 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 uncertanty and has the financial resources to do so. Financial Risk Management Objectives And Policies
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.
Directors’ Report For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
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.
Post Balance Sheet Events
In the first half of 2020, the Covid-19 virus spread worldwide. In common with many countries, the Irish government issued guidance and restrictions on the movement of people designed to slow the spread of the virus. In early March 2020, many businesses closed voluntarily and throughout the month more restrictions were placed on people and businesses. On 28th March, all “non-essential” businesses were ordered to close temporarily.
129
The company reacted to these conditions by closing it’s offices with staff working from home. Whilst this has resulted in the company remaining operational during the period, there has been a reduction in income levels as a result of Covid-19. The directors are confident that the company will be fully operational once the period of restriction is lifted. Auditors
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.
Breege O’Donoghue
Fiona Deegan
Director Date: 29 July 2020
Director Date: 29 July 2020
Financial Statements
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
130
Independent Auditors’ Report To the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Report On The Audit Of The Financial Statements 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 2019, 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’. 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 2019 and of its deficit for the year then ended;
• have been properly prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102
131
‘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. Conclusions Relating To Going Concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which ISA (Ireland) 570 requires us to report to you where: • the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial
statements is not appropriate; or
• the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material
uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Financial Statements
5.3
5.3 cont.
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Other Information
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.
132
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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. 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
requirements.
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
We have obtained 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
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. 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.
Independent Auditors’ Report To the Members of the Crafts Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Respective Responsibilities And Restrictions On Use Responsibilities Of Directors For The Financial Statements
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page XXX, 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. Auditors’ Responsibilities For The Audit Of The Financial Statements
133
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. 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/ISA-700-(Ireland). 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. Signed by: George Kennington for and on behalf of: Crowe Ireland Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm Marine House, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin 2 Date: 26 August 2020
Financial Statements
The Purpose Of Our Audit Work And To Whom We Owe Our Responsibilities
5.4
Income and Expenditure Statement For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Notes 2019 2018 € €
Income
4
3,504,654
3,772,430
Expenditure
Operations (249,579) (204,028) Knowledge And Skills
(344,133)
(341,698)
Market And Enterprise Development
(1,383,273)
(1,567,281)
Research And Innovation
(1,143,256)
(1,215,474)
Promotion And Awareness
(423,838)
(440,477)
Total Expenditure 3,544,079 3,768,958
134
(Deficit)/Surplus Before Tax (39,425) 3,472
Tax On (Deficit)/Surplus
8
– –
(Deficit)/Surplus For The Financial Year (39,425) 3,472
All amounts relate to continuing activities.
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
There were no recognised gains and losses for 2019 or 2018 other than those included in the Income and Expenditure Account.
Statement of Comprehensive Income For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Notes 2019 2018 â‚Ź â‚Ź
(Deficit)/Surplus for the financial year
(39,425)
3,472
Total comprehensive income for the financial year
(39,425)
3,472
The notes on pages 139 to 149 form part of these financial statements.
135
Financial Statements
5.5
5.6
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2019
Notes 2019 2018 € € Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
9
Financial assets
10
179,619 1
204,069 1
179,620 204,070
Current Assets
136
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
11
358,281 294,386
Cash at bank and in hand
12
402,250 78,477
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
760,531 372,863
13
(779,317)
(352,224)
Net Current (Liabilities)/Assets
(18,786)
Net Assets
160,834 224,709
20,639
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
Capital And Reserves
Other reserves
179,620 204,070
Income and expenditure account
(18,786)
Shareholders’ Funds
160,834 224,709
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board:
Breege O’Donoghue
Fiona Deegan
Director
Director
The notes on pages 139 to 149 form part of these financial statements.
20,639
Statement of Changes in Equity as at 31 December 2019
Capital Account €
At 1 January 2019
I&E Account
€
Total Equity
€
204,070 20,639 224,709
Comprehensive income for the year
Deficit for the year Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets
– (39,425) (39,425) 38,200 – 38,200
Amortised in line with depreciation
(55,616)
– (55,616)
Profit / loss on disposal of fixed assets
(7,034)
– (7,034)
At 31 December 2019 179,620 (18,786) 160,834
137
The notes on pages 139 to 149 form part of these financial statements.
Other Reserves €
At 1 January 2018
I&E Account
€
Total Equity
€
224,353 17,167 241,520
Comprehensive income for the year
Surplus for the year Funds allocated to acquire fixed assets Amortised in line with depreciation
– 3,472 3,472 24,712 – 24,712 (44,995)
– (44,995)
At 31 December 2018 204,070 20,639 224,709
The notes on pages 139 to 149 form part of these financial statements.
Financial Statements
5.7
5.8
Statement of Cash Flows For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
2019 2018 € € Cash flows from operating activities (Deficit)/surplus for the financial year (39,425)
3,472
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible assets
Transfer to/from capital account Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets
138
55,616 44,995
(24,450)
(20,283)
7,034 –
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(63,895)
37,094
Increase in creditors
427,093 21,858
Net cash generated from operating activities 361,973 87,136
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(38,200)
(24,712)
Net cash from investing activities (38,200) (24,712)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 323,773 62,424
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
78,477 16,053
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year 402,250 78,477 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand
402,250 78,477
402,250 78,477
Notes to the Financial Statements
5.9
For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
1.
General Information
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 Business, Enterprise and Innovation 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. 2. 2.1
Accounting Policies Basis Of Preparation Of Financial Statements
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.
139
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
Functional and presentation currency The Company's functional and presentational currency is Euros.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary 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. 2.3 Revenue
The income shown in the income and expenditure account represents amounts invoiced during the period and grants received during the year. 2.4
Tangible Fixed Assets
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.
Financial Statements
Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Accounting Policies (continued) 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 incurred. Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
140
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Long Term Leasehold Property Office Equipment Workshop Equipment Computer Equipment Other Fixed Assets
— 15 years — 3 years — 20 years — 5 years — 5 years
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. 2.5
Valuation of Investments
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
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. 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. 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. 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. 2.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents
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.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Accounting Policies (continued)
I n 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.
2.8 Creditors
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. 2.9
Government Grants
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.
141
Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Income Statement in the same period as the related expenditure. 2.10 Pensions
Defined contribution pension plan
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.
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. 2.11
Interest Income
Interest income is recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest method.
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. 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. 2.13
Financial Instruments
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.
Financial Statements
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.
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
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.
142
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. 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.
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
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. 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 circumstances. The company makes 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. Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies.
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
2019 2018 € € 4. Income An analysis of income by class of business is as follows:
Enterprise Ireland
3,052,430
3,224,000
Knowledge and Skills
33,009
36,576
Enterprise and Exports
294,766
318,317
Research and Innovation
100,000
173,254
Transfer from Capital Account
24,450
20,283
3,504,655 3,772,430 All income arose in Ireland. 5.
The operating surplus/(deficit) is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
55,616
44,995
National travel and subsistence
90,494
100,112
International travel and subsistence
22,866
23,254
Hospitality
702
8,905
143
Surplus/(Deficit) On Ordinary Activities Before Taxation
6. Employees
Staff costs, including Directors’ remuneration, were as follows:
Wages and salaries
1,361,996
1,368,803
Social insurance costs
137,938
134,633
Pension contributions
42,893
41,818
1,542,827
1,545,254
The average monthly number of employees during 2019 No. the year was as follows:
2018 No.
Capitalised employee costs during the year amounted to €NIL (2018 – €NIL).
Staff 24 23
There were 12 Directors in 2019 (2018: 12).
7. Directors’ Remuneration
2019 €
2018 €
60,449 Directors’ emoluments
60,449
Key Management Remuneration Key management personnel include the directors and the
senior management team for whom the total remuneration cost was €563,450 (2018: €575,449).
60,449
60,449
Financial Statements
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
2019 2018 € € 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 (2018 –lower than)
144
the standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland of 12.5% (2018 – 12.5%). The differences are explained below:
(Deficit)/surplus on ordinary activities before tax
(39,425)
(Deficit)/surplus on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland of 12.5%
(4,928) (2018 – 12.5%)
3,472
434
Effects of: 4,928 (434) Utilisation of tax losses
Total Tax Charge For The Year
Factors that may affect future tax charges
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.
– –
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Long-Term Office Computer Investment LH Property Equipment Equipment Collection Total € € € € €
9.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost or Valuation
At 1 January 2019
565,242 418,589 406,072 49,017 1,438,920
Additions
24,592 6,983 6,625 – 38,200
Disposals
(37,302) (73,344) (250,617) (7,034) (368,297)
At 31 December 2019
552,532 352,228 162,080 41,983 1,108,823
Depreciation
At 1 January 2019
Charge for the year on owned assets
512,452 377,052 345,347 – 1,234,851 9,083 23,118 23,415 –
145
55,616
Disposals
(37,302) (73,344) (250,617)
– (361,263)
At 31 December 2019
484,233 326,826 118,145 – 929,204
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2019
68,299 25,402 43,935 41,983 179,619
At 31 December 2018
52,790 41,537 60,725 49,017 204,069
Financial Statements
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Investments In Joint Ventures €
10.
Financial Assets
Cost or Valuation
At 1 January 2019
1
At 31 December 2019
1
Registered Class of Office Shares
146
Holdings
Joint Venture
The following was a joint venture undertaking of the Company: Showcase Ireland Events Limited
Castle Yard Kilkenny Ordinary
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
Aggregate of share capital and reserves €
50%
Profit / Loss €
The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 30 April 2019 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the joint venture undertaking were as follows: Showcase Ireland Events Limited
27,376
2,051
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
Note 11. Debtors Trade debtors
2019 €
2018 €
106,321
130,459
Amounts owed by joint ventures 19
50,000
52,000
Other debtors
1,862
45,580
Prepayments
200,098
66,347
358,281
294,386
12.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
402,250
78,477
402,250
78,477
13.
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Trade creditors
290,666
190,162
Taxation and social insurance
58,803
95,658
Other creditors
10,348
1,058
Accruals
8,500
57,305
Deferred income
411,000
8,041
779,317
352,224
58,803
67,322
147
OTHER TAXATION AND SOCIAL INSURANCE Payroll taxes
Value added tax
–
28,336
58,803
95,658
14.
Financial Instruments Financial Assets
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure account
402,250
78,477
Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost
158,183
228,039
560,433
306,516
Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
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.
290,666
(190,162)
Financial Statements
5.9 cont.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
15.
Company Status
The company is limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.
16.
Pension Commitments
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.
148
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. 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. Details of the pensions deducted from employees, employer contributions and the benefits paid to former employees during the year are as follows:
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
2019 2018 € €
Pension contributions deducted from employees during the year
18,912
18,454
Benefits paid to members of the schemes during the year
42,342
41,818
Costs of pension contributions recoverable from the state at year end total €NIL (2018: €45,580).
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 €19,463 (2018: €18,317). 17.
Deferred Tax Asset
There is a potential tax asset of €46,749 (2018: €42,656) arising from trading losses. These losses are offsettable against potential future taxable trading surpluses.
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the financial year ended 31 December 2019
2019 €
2018 €
18.
Commitments Under Operating Leases
At 31 December 2019 the Company had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
Not later than 1 year
75,000
75,000
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
300,000
87,500
Later than 5 years
50,000
–
425,000
162,500
149 19.
Related Party Transactions
During the year ended 31 December 2019, Crafts Council of Ireland received income of €160,113 (2018: €158,204) and a dividend of €NIL (2018: €NIL) from Showcase Ireland Events Limited, an associated company. A balance of €50,000 (2018: €52,000) was owed to the company at year end from Showcase Ireland Events Limited. 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
This has had a negative impact on the company since the year end and the income has reduced as a result.
At the time of approving the financial statements, there is uncertainty regarding how the Balance Sheet may be impacted based on events since the year end and as a result an estimate of its financial effect cannot be made. 21.
Approval of Financial Statements
The board of Directors approved these financial statements for issue on 29 July 2020.
Financial Statements
20.
In the first half of 2020, the Covid-19 virus spread worldwide. In common with many other countries, the Irish government issued guidance and restrictions on the movement of people designed to slow the spread of this virus. In early March 2020, many businesses closed voluntarily and throughout the month more restrictions were placed on people and businesses. On 24th March, all “non-essential” businesses were ordered to close temporarily.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
150
Acknowledgements
Design Atelier TypoGraphic Design (atelier.ie) Cover Image TBC Image Credits Together We Create Lafayette Tatsuya Irie Leon Farrell – Photocall Ireland Roland Paschhoff Dylan Vaughan Mark Maxwell Damien Maddock
Design & Crafts Council Ireland Castle Yard, Kilkenny, R95 CAA6, Ireland T. +353 ( 0 ) 56 776 1804 dcci.ie