5 August 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
“Cork Craft Month” got underway at a launch event last night [Tuesday 4 August, 2015] at the James O’ Neill Building in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Now in its sixth year, Cork Craft Month has become a haven for celebrating creativity, and is one of the key events taking place in Ireland for the Irish Year of Irish Design, taking place from August 4th to September 5th 2015 the month long event series, organised by Cork Craft and Design, features, curated gallery events, workshops, demos, pop-up shops and much more.
The launch event was attended by Ardmhéara Chorcaí [Lord Mayor of Cork] Cllr. Chris O’Leary who, along with craft and design professionals, members of the arts community, local media and business representatives, gathered to toast the commencement of the month long craft event series. Speaking at the event were Ardmhéara Chris O’Leary who said “Cork Craft Month is a chance to support homegrown talent and we should encourage as many people as possible to attend the events taking place over the next month.” and Marc O’Riain who is President of the Institute of Designers in Ireland who commented “This is the first time in 50 years that the government has put a budget aside for supporting Design and we hope this continues long past the Year of Irish Design.”
This successful launch event also marked the opening of Cork Craft Month’s flagship exhibition titled ‘TIME’, curated by Fergal O’ Leary, it features both established and emerging craft makers and focuses on focuses on the time it takes each artist to learn and realize their work and runs from 5 to 14 August at the James O’ Neill Building in Kinsale (Formerly the Old Mill).
Cork Craft Month also provides members of the public with a unique opportunity to get an exclusive look inside craft-makers studios at open events, or take in the quality and variety of Cork’s vibrant craft and design scene on a ‘Made in Cork Trail’ throughout the city and county. A diverse range of craft and design will be available to view and purchase, from ethically sourced furniture to textiles, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, glass and wood.
You will also have the opportunity to get an exclusive look inside craft-makers studios at open events, or take in the quality and variety of Cork’s vibrant craft and design scene on a ‘Made in Cork Trail’ throughout the city and county. A diverse range of craft and design will be available to view and purchase, from ethically sourced furniture to textiles, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, glass and wood.
Tony Farrell, Chairman of Cork Craft and Design was delighted to welcome the dignitaries and attendees at the launch commented “Cork Craft Month makes craft accessible to all, and we expect the Year of Irish Design will further increase the general appreciation for the skill and artistry that goes into making these unique locally made products. Over 50,000 visitors will come to Cork over the month, and this flagship event series will significantly boosts sales for local producers.”
It is hoped that with 2015 being the year of Irish Year of Design, an extra spotlight will shine on the vibrant craft community in Cork, which is going from strength to strength, with support from Cork Craft and Design. With over 120 dedicated and passionate professional craft-makers taking part, there really is something for everyone.
For full schedule of events throughout Cork Craft Month see www.corkcraftanddesign.com orwww.facebook.com/corkcraftdesign
or follow @corkcraftdesign on twitter.
