A Crafty Approach to Economic Growth: Craft Sector Sets out its Stall at Showcase Ireland
17th January 2009
As the €122million craft industry sets out its stall for its most important event of the year, the Crafts Council of Ireland has said that continued development of craft enterprise and the promotion of the innovative and unique skills of Irish craft makers should be a central plank to any future governmental strategy in creating an ideas-driven, Smart Economy.
Speaking at the opening of Showcase Ireland, the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors trade fair which runs for four days at the RDS, Crafts Council of Ireland CEO Úna Parsons said that the initiatives recently launched by An Taoiseach Brian Cowan in Building Ireland's Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal are just as relevant to the future development of Irish craft enterprises as they are to enticing multinational companies to Ireland.
“The provision of an incubation environment, continued venture capital funding and favourable tax measures, as outlined in the Taoiseach’s Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, can bring enormous benefits to craft makers and lead to further expansion in the craft sector”, said Úna Parsons. “Such incentives could see some of Ireland’s 2,000 craft micro-enterprises expand into larger concerns, bringing with it an exponential growth in employment”, she added.
Showcase Ireland is expected to attract 450 exhibitors and 6,000 buyers from around the world over the next four days and organisers hope to match the €40million in sales orders garnered from last year’s initiative. Despite the current economic challenges, more than 120 new Emerging Makers will take part in this year’s event in addition to established participants such as Newbridge Silverware and Tipperary Crystal. For the first time in the history of Showcase, Fáilte Ireland will participate in the initiative, signaling the growing importance of cultural tourism to Ireland.
In keeping with the CCoI’s educational policy in its current strategic plan, a separate seminar area will offer expert advice in branding, retailing, e-commerce, merchandising and trend forecasting. A series of specially commissioned “mini movies” entitled Stories in the Making will be launched at Showcase and provide a glimpse into the creative process and sources of inspiration for craft makers from different disciplines and regions across Ireland. A Source Aisle will comprise stunning products by top craftspeople, including several new names, specially chosen for their quality and design by a panel of International buyers. The Showcase Awards, to reward the event’s best new products and best craftsmanship, will be presided over by President Mary McAleese tomorrow morning.
Showcase Ireland is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. Further details are available on www.showcaseireland.com
About Showcase Ireland
Showcase Ireland is the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors trade fair featuring quality design products from Ireland’s leading craft makers and designers. The initiative attracts up to 450 exhibitors, 6,000 buyers from around the world and generates €40million in sales orders. Showcase Ireland is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland.
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