RDS Foundation Arts are proud to launch the RDS CRAFT AWARDS 2025. The Open Call for submissions takes place from the 05 May til 23 June 2025.
Evolving Excellence serves as a guide to entry of the awards while also giving some insight into the RDS history of championing craft in Ireland.
“We collectively believe that Craft is not just a skill; it is a profound commitment to a discipline that requires constant learning and evolution.
This award, with its noteworthy mentorship focus, hopes to empower recipients to refine their practice, navigate challenges, and build a sustainable future in their craft.”
Dr. Caroline Madden, Chair, RDS Craft Awards Judging Panel
From Karen Phillips, Head of Arts
RDS Foundation is delighted to announce the continuation of the prestigious RDS Craft Awards.
Over the past fifty-seven years, the RDS have supported many of Ireland’s makers, providing recognition of their talent and support for their craft practice.
As a prominent philanthropic organisation, the RDS champions the arts, working to promote creativity, mentorship and to safeguard heritage in the fields of craft, music and visual arts. We are looking forward to supporting the talent of the next generation of RDS Craft Awards recipients. We are honoured to be able to continue the work and legacy of the RDS Members and the RDS Committee of Arts which has made such a significant contribution to established and emerging makers’ careers and development over many decades.
Following a period of independent consultation, this year’s reimagining of the Awards comes after listening carefully to the sector. The RDS will continue to offer a prize fund of €60,000, to benefit Ireland’s vibrant craft sector. We launch the new awards in Spring, targeting support for makers at different stages of their career, celebrating heritage and skills, with a focus on sustainable practices and enhanced visibility.
As Head of Arts, I wish to acknowledge the work of Valerie Kennedy – Craft Awards Consultant, and the RDS Committee of Arts. Their support and
guidance have allowed us to develop the Awards to a new exciting level and which is sure to become a feature in Ireland’s annual craft calendar.
Finally, I would like to wish all the makers the very best of luck with their application to the new style Awards for 2025. I believe that the evolution to reaffirm the RDS commitment to advancing Irish craft will play a significant part in ensuring Ireland’s reputation as a vibrant home for craft practice.
Karen Phillips, Head of Arts, RDS Foundation
“The value of our crafts cannot be reckoned in money. They are like the language, part of our national tradition handed down to us through generations.”
Muriel
Gahan, Chairman, Irish Homespun Society to the Department of Education, January 1946
Library & Archives
Dr. Anna Moran, NCAD and the RDS Library & Archives
Since its foundation in 1731, the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has set out to foster and promote Irish craft and ‘native industry’. Spurred on by Muriel Gahan, a determined promoter of Irish craft, the RDS established the National Competition for the Encouragement of Applied Arts in Ireland in 1968 — an ambitious initiative to recognise and celebrate the tacit, quietly honed skill of the maker.
Every year since then, the RDS has annually rewarded excellence in the sphere of the handmade, assuming a central role in the world of craft in Ireland. The title of the Awards has changed over the years. Starting out in 1968 as the ‘National Competition for the Encouragement of Applied Arts in Ireland’, and from 1972 the Awards became known as the ‘National Crafts Competition and Exhibition’. From 2014 they were renamed the ‘RDS National Craft Awards’ and in 2016 they took on their current title, the ‘RDS Craft Awards’.
Recognising a need to reinvigorate the craft sector, the RDS National Art Sub Committee decided to replace its National Art Competition with an award focused primarily on craft, commencing in 1968. Their objective was ambitious — to create an awards system that was judged by an international panel of adjudicators which would recognise and encourage makers. At the same time there would be a showcase to the public of the very best work being produced throughout the thirty-two counties of Ireland, all with the objective of improving the standard of craft and increasing its chances to succeed.
National Crafts Competition fliers, 1970 and 1973 and Californian Gold Medal. Images RDS Library & Archives.
“Award categories have shifted over the last fifty years, reflecting developments in makers’ practice. However, the emphasis on excellence remains constant.”
When the annual exhibition began in 1968 there were 150 entries; by 2017 that had grown to 336 — a sign of the good health of the craft sector. Makers submitted work anonymously and the peer aspect of the awards centred on the judging process which saw specialists — often international experts — judging each class. The exhibitions were catalogued creating a valuable half-century archive documenting the changing state of the craft sector in Ireland.
In the first year of the RDS Craft Awards, 1968, the prize fund totalled over £400 (€7,500 in today’s money). In 2024, a prize fund of €60,000 was awarded to seven winners. While the financial prizes were always welcome, winners were also incredibly proud of their certificates and those involved in craft understood the extraordinary skill in design and making which was required in order to receive an RDS Craft Award and this recognition was highly valued.
Coming from Ireland and abroad, the judges are chosen based on a combination of their expertise and experience. When setting up the Awards originally, the RDS worked to identify leaders in their fields, often seeking advice from the Royal College of Art and the UK’s Council of Industrial Design regarding whom to invite. From a range of backgrounds, they include teachers from Schools of Art and Design, curators from leading Museums and makers at the top of their fields. Acceptance letters from newly invited judges convey the sense of prestige surrounding the position, together with the responsibility to influence and shape the success of Irish makers and Irish craft generally.
Award categories have shifted over the last fifty years, reflecting developments in makers’ practice. However, the emphasis on excellence remains constant. When the Awards were established, the RDS worked with the Department of Education to design a schedule of categories, or classes. Together they ensured that a breadth of different materials was represented, including embroidery, metalwork, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, rugs, weaving and tapestry, woodwork, fabric printing and lacemaking. In 1968 there were 150 entries, rising to 336 entries in 2017, reflecting the growth of the craft sector in Ireland. Accordingly, over the five decades since 1968, the RDS has worked to ensure
that the schedule of classes has been constantly updated; as the craft sector grew and its dynamics changed, so too did the Craft Awards.
The RDS Craft Awards were divided into a two-strand competition in 2015, allowing a fairer system of judging, with the work of emerging and established makers being judged separately. This move encouraged more entries from emerging makers — the target group of the RDS Arts Work Programme. Following a review of the future needs of the sector, the structure of the RDS Craft Awards was revised in 2018, the RDS funded bursaries for emerging craft makers.
Winners of the Design & Craft Council of Ireland’s (DCCI) Future Makers Awards & Supports programme were eligible to apply. The RDS also committed to funding a RDS Irish Craft Bursary which was open to makers in the DCCI’s Portfolio selection. The RDS Craft Awards restructuring goal was to support artists to make the transition from emerging to professional practice with a direct annual investment in the Irish craft sector.
In 2024, the RDS commissioned an independent detailed evaluation of the RDS Craft Award. The aims of the evaluation were to ascertain if the RDS Craft Awards programme was achieving its intended aims, to understand what the perception of the programme was within the wider cultural sector and among key stakeholders, to ascertain if the project structure and processes fit with best practice and to recommend any changes or additions to improve the programme.
The RDS continues to champion the development of craft through its Awards and other supports, weathering the peaks and troughs of the economy. In many ways the entries to the RDS Craft Awards tell the story of craft in Ireland over the last fifty years, its changing trends and shifting approaches, its increasing focus on quality, its growing ambition, vibrancy and confidence.
“In
2024, the RDS commissioned an independent detailed evaluation of the RDS Craft Award.”
From its involvement with the Irish linen industry in the 18th century, to the introduction of public exhibitions in the 19th and 20th centuries, to its continuing support of the sector today with the launch of the new RDS Craft Awards, the RDS has always played a pivotal role in the support of native craft and design.
Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh de Loughry, Head of Library & Archives, Natasha Serne and Research Ireland Enterprise Fellow, Dr Deirdre Foley, for the latest episode of the RDS Library & Archives podcast series Bearing Fruit: Tales from the RDS Archives, as they explore the rich history of the RDS and its involvement in the support of Irish craft.
Listen to the episode on Spotify
The RDS Crafts Awards is undergoing meaningful evolution to reaffirm its commitment to advancing Irish craft. This transformation enhances opportunities for both established and emerging makers while aligning with the core principles of sustainable practices, heritage, and craftsmanship — pillars that have long defined Irish craft on the global stage.
These updates reflect the RDS’s unwavering dedication to fostering excellence and innovation within the Irish craft sector, inclusive of all practices across the island of Ireland and the Irish diaspora. They are the result of a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the Awards remain relevant and impactful. This evaluation involved:
A thorough exploration of the current state of Irish craft, identifying challenges, strengths, and growth opportunities.
Conversations with key industry participants — makers, educators, cultural institutions, and previous award winners — offered valuable insights and shaped the strategic direction of the Awards.
The recommendations arising from this process address the evolving needs of the craft community, ensuring its sustainable development and growth while preserving the authenticity and heritage that make Irish craft unique.
“These updates reflect the RDS’s unwavering dedication to fostering excellence and innovation”
01. Targeted Support for Makers at Different Stages
• By distinguishing between established and emerging makers, these Awards reward and celebrate the unique practice of craft across Ireland and with the Irish diaspora, providing tailored support that acknowledges the specific challenges and contributions of each group.
02. Celebrating Heritage and Skills
• Honouring traditional Irish craftsmanship while supporting innovative reinterpretations ensures that Irish craft remains a living, evolving tradition, fostering the creation of unique one-off pieces.
03. Focus on Sustainable Practices
• Emphasizing sustainable practices aligns with global trends and collector expectations, securing a unique and elevated future for Irish craft in domestic and international markets.
04. Enhanced Visibility
• Evolving collaborations with national, international, regional, government-backed, and educational partners amplify the visibility of Irish craft and its creators both nationally and internationally.
05. Continued Financial and Mentorship Opportunities
• A robust prize fund and access to mentorship address critical needs for funding and guidance, empowering makers to grow their practices sustainably.
“The refined RDS Crafts Awards reflect a forward-thinking approach rooted in deep respect for tradition.”
The refined RDS Crafts Awards reflect a forward-thinking approach rooted in deep respect for tradition. These changes are more than mere updates; they are a testament to the RDS’s commitment to nurturing the passion and skill of Irish makers (across the island of Ireland and the Irish diaspora) while adapting to a dynamic and globalized craft landscape. By responding thoughtfully to industry feedback, the Awards not only support individual makers but also strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in the global craft community.
At the RDS Craft Awards, we receive many more applications than we can award and, therefore, the RDS Craft Award judging panel are looking for potential Awardees who are able to create confident, enthusiastic and compelling applications.
The judging panel strongly encourages you to demonstrate positively and succinctly why your exceptional creative talent and passion make you an excellent candidate for an award.
Your application must provide strong, accurate evidence that clearly demonstrates your outstanding ability.
01. Established Maker Award(s)
• Focus on heritage, skills and sustainable practices.
• Recognizes makers who are exemplary in their field and/or masters of their craft with international recognition or thought leadership in the craft space.
• Supplementary awards for those striving for continued international exhibition and growth as unique makers.
02. Emerging Maker Award(s)
• Focus on heritage, skills, and sustainable practices.
• Practice commenced within the past 10 years, with the determination to grow their craft at home and abroad.
• Work must be made and sourced in Ireland.
01. Application Submission
• Online via Jotform, including six photographs.
• Commit to being filmed for RDS Craft Awards video, sharing a profile image and work image, and engaging on RDS social media.
02. Judging Process
• Verified applications reviewed by a judging panel with a prize fund of up to €60,000.
• Established Makers: Prize fund allocated at judges’ discretion; maximum financial award for any one award is €20,000.
• Emerging Makers: Prize fund allocated at judges’ discretion; maximum financial award for individual award winner is €5,000.
03. Shortlist Engagement:
• All shortlisted Established Makers (maximum of 5) will be showcased through video at Gifted at the RDS in December.
• All shortlisted Emerging Makers (maximum of 10) will have their craft on exhibition at the Gifted exhibition at the RDS in December.
• Judges to finalize awards during Gifted, with ceremonies and photocalls concluding the event.
2025/2026: Emerging Makers shortlisted pieces will be on exhibition at Gifted; Established Makers showcased through videos and interviews.
The Awards are open to all craft makers living on the island of Ireland and Irish-born craft makers working overseas.
The RDS Craft Awards is a two-category competition; entrants must select on the online application form if they are an Established Maker or an Emerging Maker. Only one entry per entrant is permitted.
There is no fee for entering.
Entries are judged on the standard of craftsmanship, design, creativity and presentation. The judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into after the Awards.
Images from the 2024 RDS Craft Awards Exhibition at GIFTED last December in the RDS Main Hall.
Entries can only be accepted via the online application forms accessible in the links on the opposite page and also at rds.ie/craft.
The Open Call runs from 05 May to 23 June 2025 inclusive, on which date the period for entry will be deemed closed at 23.59 IST.
For reference only and as a guide, a PDF template of the application forms can be downloaded from the website.
RDS CRAFT AWARDS 2025
Emerging Maker Application Form
→ Click here to access
RDS CRAFT AWARDS 2025
Established Maker Application Form
→ Click here to access
The judging panel is composed of prominent craftspeople and academics from Ireland and Europe. To maintain high standards, prizes are only awarded if sufficient merit is shown. The judges’ decision is final.
Dr. Caroline Madden, works internationally as an educator, artist and researcher. Madden holds a PhD in Educational Leadership, Barry University; MFA in 3D Sculpture, Massachusetts College of Art; BA (Hons) in 3D Design, Stourbridge College of Technology and Art. Madden lectures at the National College of Art and Design, Ireland.
Inspired by a long-held passion for craft Mary Gallagher ran the Blue Egg Craft Gallery in Wexford for 11 years where she showed work by Irish and International makers. Mary has curated other exhibitions including the touring show, Made in Ireland (2021–23) and Made in Kilkenny (2023).
Seliena Coyle works and exhibits internationally as a designer-maker, educator and curator. Coyle holds an MFA, Indiana University, USA; a BDes(Hons) in Jewellery & Silversmithing, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee; and completed Jewellery Training and Craft & Design Business Development programmes with the Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny.
Clive Fiddis worked professionally in Finland, Sweden and taught ceramics / Applied Arts in Ireland for more than thirty years. Senior tutor and course director for Contemporary Applied Art (Belfast), external examiner for Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork and Pottery skills course Thomastown, Killkenny. Established Annandale Brick Works Studio in 2015.
With a desire to maintain the true artisan traditions of handweaving and garment making, Studio Donegal came to be in 1979, now led by Tristan Donaghy. His passion for the genuine handmade and Irish made was passed on to Tristan from his parents, along with a wealth of knowledge gained by working alongside them for many years prior to taking over the business. Studio Donegal is now widely known and respected as being the true ‘keepers’ of the craft.
Sally Burnett had a portfolio career of more than 30 years primarily as a designer maker in glass, tile and ceramics. More recently, Sally is a Dorset-based maker in wood, creating elegant turned and carved wooden vessels and sculptures for bespoke luxury interiors.
The following page contains a breakdown of the key dates for the Roll-out of the 2025 RDS Craft Awards.
05 MAY
Online application opens.
23 JUNE
Online application closes.
JULY – AUGUST
Judging panel review applications.
22 SEPTEMBER
Shortlisting announcement.
OCTOBER
Shortlisted videography studio visits.
02 DECEMBER
Established makers interviews.
03 DECEMBER
Emerging makers interviews.
03 – 07 DECEMBER
RDS Craft Awards exhibition at Gifted.
08 DECEMBER
2025 RDS Award ceremony and winners announced.
Arts was one of the original areas of focus for the Society when it was first founded in 1731. In the last decade the RDS Foundation has awarded over £1.2 million to the most promising artists in Ireland at a pivotal moment in their careers to enable them to concentrate on their creative development, experiment, and realise their artistic potential.
Today, the RDS Foundation is a registered charity that supports individual artists and creatives in Ireland with unconditional financial awards, bursaries, residencies and performance opportunities through the RDS Foundation Arts Awards covering the areas of craft, music and the visual arts.
The annual RDS Foundation Art Awards provides transformative support with all shortlisted artists receiving a monetary stipend towards their involvement in the final stages of the competitions.
For 2025 we are delighted to offer a total Award prize fund of €124,500 in the categories of:
RDS Craft Awards shared prize fund of €60,000
The Branchardière Lace Bursary €2,000
RDS Music Bursary Award €15,000
RDS Jago Award €5,000
RDS Collins Memorial Performance Award €2,000
Each comes with a professional performance opportunity courtesy of RDS partnerships with the National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.
RDS Taylor Art Trust Award €10,000
R.C. Lewis-Crosby Award €5,000
RDS Members’ Art Fund Award €5,000
RDS Mason Hayes & Curran LLP Centre Culturel Irlandais Residency Award €8,000
RHA Graduate Studio Award €7,500
RDS Graphic Studio Dublin Emerging Visiting Artist Award €5,000
Each comes with a professional exhibition opportunity courtesy of RDS partnership with the RHA.
The 2025 Winners across all categories will be revealed at a celebratory Award Ceremony on 08 December at the RDS.
With thanks to our award partners, donors and the generosity of the RDS Members for their support and belief in the importance of artists and developing creative practice.
Auditions
Monday 30 June
“Winning the RDS Music Bursary has truly been a transformative milestone in my musical journey.”
Adam Buttimer (Tubist) RDS Music Bursary Winner 2024
The RDS Music Award programme assists young Irish musicians at an early stage in their professional career to help them fulfil their potential.
— RDS Music Bursary Award €15,000
— RDS Jago Award €5,000
— RDS Collins Memorial Performance Award €2,000
All former winners of the RDS Music Award can be selected for the RDS Collins Memorial Performance Award delivered in partnership with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. The winner is chosen annually by the Artistic Director to give a solo performance as part of the Festival programme in Lismore, Co. Waterford.
The RDS continues to support Feis Ceoil with a new three-year sponsorship agreement 2025 – 2027, solidifying the long-standing partnership in supporting the development of classical music in Ireland.
Ann Jago
The RDS Foundation Arts is proud to support graduating Irish artists. 2025 marks the 165th anniversary of the The Taylor Art Trust Prize and the 10th anniversary of the current format to the awards. Exhibition opens to the public from 21 November 2025 – 25 January 2026 at the RHA Gallery
Join us for an exhibition of pieces by the 2025 Shortlisted Emerging Makers. The work will be on display in the RDS Main Hall as part of Ireland’s iconic Christmas Craft Fair, Gifted.
03.12.25 07.12.25
Gifted, RDS Main Hall
The RDS would like to thank the following for their support:
Dr Marie Bourke (Chair); Ms Katharine Maurer (Vice Chair); Ms Eleanor Collier; Mr Fearghal Hynes; Mr Emmet Kane; Mr Kieran Owens; Ms Caroline Phelan; Ms Caitriona Shaffrey and Mr Gaby Smyth.
A special thank you to Valerie Kennedy Consulting, Consultant for the RDS Craft Awards Consultation 2024.
The RDS Craft Awards is part of the RDS Arts Programme which supports the transition from emerging to established artist, encouraging the pursuit of a career in visual art, craft and music.
Speak to us today about becoming a member of the RDS and support our philanthropic work. Email members@rds.ie or phone 01 240 7296.
For further details about the RDS Arts Programme please visit: rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts or email arts@rds.ie
Head of Arts Karen Phillips
Arts Executive Eliza McCormack
Design Clare Lynch Design
Photography: Images supplied by the craft makers.
