KILKENNY THE CRAFT CITY: Future of Kilkenny as the centre of craft in Ireland outlined at Chamber Event
28th November 2008
Now is the time for Kilkenny to become the No. 1 destination for craft in the country and develop itself as the centre of craft in Ireland.
Such an undertaking will benefit the local economy in a significant way and boost Kilkenny’s profile both nationally and internationally, according to Crafts Council of Ireland CEO Úna Parsons.
Parsons was speaking at yesterday’s Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce After Hours business networking evening that was hosted by the Crafts Council of Ireland in The National Craft Gallery, Castleyard. The after-work event was attended by Kilkenny Chamber CEO Alison McGrath and Chamber President Donal Higgins as well as the local business community who were given the opportunity to view the Gallery’s current Breaking Out exhibition which runs until the end of January.
In the historical setting of the old castle stables, attendees were given an outline of Kilkenny’s craft heritage that includes White House architect James Hoban, the creation of Kilkenny Design Workshops in the 60s, the move to Kilkenny by the Crafts Council of Ireland and the opening of The National Craft Gallery. From its Kilkenny headquarters, the Crafts Council of Ireland currently has 52 member organisations and nearly 1,700 registered craft enterprises.
Úna Parsons used the opportunity to discuss Kilkenny’s craft heritage and the opportunities open to Kilkenny in branding Kilkenny a craft city and county. She cited other cities like Bilbao and Barcelona where craft is an integral part of the offering to visitors, provides employment and encourages local enterprises. Promoting Kilkenny in a similar fashion, according to Parsons, will benefit the local economy and boost Kilkenny’s profile around the world.
Craft and craft tourism is currently worth €122million to the Irish economy. Kilkenny has much to benefit from cultural tourism which is worth €5.1billion and growing at a rate of 15% per annum – three times the rate of all other forms of tourism. 17% of the €4million spend by overseas visitors to Ireland is spent on shopping. Marrying the Kilkenny brand with crafted design, according to Parsons, will ensure that a visit to Kilkenny is a “total experience incorporating what they can buy, see and learn which will encourage repeat visits and repeat business”.
The Crafts Council of Ireland CEO confirmed that discussions have been held with Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Enterprise Board and Fáilte Ireland. It is hoped that these and other interested organisations will form a craft forum to drive Kilkenny as a Craft City & County
Developing craft enterprises and the promotion of craft to retail consumers are key pillars in the current strategy of the Crafts Council of Ireland. Parsons called on the local business community to assist the effort by considering the use of craft and crafted design in the interior and exterior of their businesses. “Whether you are upgrading your premises, renovating or generally changing your business appearance, please consider how craft and crafted design can be accommodated”, she concluded.
Commenting on the proposed development of Kilkenny as a craft city & county, Donal Higgins, President, Kilkenny Chamber said, “The energy and enthusiasm on show at tonight’s event, if harnessed in the appropriate manner, will ensure the successful delivery of this vision”.
To download the Press Release click here: http://www.ccoi.ie/press/index.php |
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