Welcome to the fifth edition of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Irish Craft Portfolio. It was established in 2005 to provide a platform for promoting craftspeople producing work to an international exhibition standard.
It represents contemporary craftwork created by Irish makers that combines the highest quality craftsmanship with a consideration of material and technique that sits comfortably on the international stage. The craftwork featured in this year’s edition was chosen by an international selection panel. The work illustrated as part of the Irish Craft Portfolio publication and exhibited throughout 2011 will serve to further enhance Ireland’s reputation as a world-class source of contemporary craft.
Each craftsperson profiled in Irish Craft Portfolio is a professional maker with a track record for creating innovative and unique objects. Work of this stature can only survive and continue to be made through the interest of collectors, commissioning bodies and museums — we encourage you to interact with these makers, learn more about their work and enjoy the richness of what is laid before us.
Ensuring the accessibility of craft to both collectors and consumers is a key strategic goal for the Crafts Council of Ireland and we are delighted to develop opportunities for the promotion of craft nationally and internationally through Irish Craft Portfolio and other initiatives. We look forward to seeing this talented group continually expand in the years to come.
2011 has been designated Year of Craft. As well as presenting events and exhibitions both at home and abroad, Year of Craft 2011 will raise awareness of the important contribution that the craft sector makes to the economy. We welcome the support and involvement of all our friends and partners in this exciting year long initiative.
Chief Executive
Crafts Council of Ireland
Laura Magahy
Chairman
Crafts Council of Ireland
