Celebrating Made Local at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery this August

Part of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s (DCCI) series of Made Local exhibitions, Cork Craft & Design launch exhibition titled ‘Past, Present – Future Perfect’ including the work of 51 Cork makers

August 2024: Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) will launch the “Past, Present – Future Perfect” exhibition by Cork Craft & Design (CCD) at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) in Kilkenny on Saturday, 10^th August. The exhibition, part of the series of Made Local exhibitions, highlights traditional skillsets such as hand stitching, woodturning, pottery, stone sculpture, and traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. The exhibition also features contemporary skillsets and materials including furniture design, silversmithing, laser cutting, and experimental sculpture. Shane O’Driscoll, a native artist from Cork, has designed the window display for the exhibition. Shane is currently the Team Ireland Artist in Residence at the Paris Olympics. His work, created to celebrate Team Ireland’s centenary, is featured across various elements for the Paris Olympics 2024. The “Past, Present – Future Perfect” exhibition is free and will run until 28^th October 2024.

“Past, Present – Future Perfect” shows the diversity of skill and talent of 51 of Cork’s local makers and craftspeople. It shows how bridging the gap between tradition and innovation can create an engaging showcase of local creativity. Each item tells a story of the materials used, the process involved, and the artist’s vision. Some standout pieces include Goldsmith Alex Thiel’s collection of fine jewellery; Christine Byrne’s ‘Pluto’ stone sculptures and Chris Tuohy’s flame-blackened bench.

Commenting on the launch of the exhibition Peter Hynes, Chair, Design & Crafts Council Ireland said, “Cork Craft & Design has been a member organisation of DCCI’s Guilds, Networks, Associations and Societies (GANS) since 2010 and together with 63 other member organisations, they play a key role in developing Ireland’s design and craft sector. The makers exhibited are exploring new ways of creating and expressing themselves by combining technology and modern materials to bring traditional and contemporary craft techniques together to future proof them. It is fantastic to see such an impressive display of craftsmanship, which not only preserves our rich cultural heritage but also drives innovation and economic growth.”

Adding to this, Mary Palmer, Chair of Cork Craft & Design said, “I am delighted to see the opening of this exhibition in DCCI’s National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny that celebrates the very best of Cork’s craft and design. This event is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, skill, and dedication of our local artisans. It showcases the exceptional talent we have in Cork and highlights the importance of supporting and promoting our craft and design industry.”

Curator, Ava Hayes said: “Cork Craft & Design is delighted to exhibit at DCCI’s National Design & Craft Gallery as part of the Made Local series of exhibitions. Past, Present – Future Perfect explores the intersection of time, history, and future possibilities in celebration of fifteen years of CCD’s Cork Craft Month. The title suggests a reflection on how our past experiences shape our present reality and influence our aspirations for a better future. It’s been an absolute privilege to create such a wonderful show with 51 makers representing their work, all made locally in Cork.”

The exhibition marks the latest in DCCI’s series of exhibitions which focuses specifically on local Irish craft and design. The Made Local exhibition series is an extension of DCCI’s Made Local campaign which champions and promotes Irish craft and design makers and products, to consumers all over Ireland through the online directory (MadeLocal.ie) in studios and in stores. The Made Local exhibition series showcases the Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies of makers and designers who are at the heart and soul of Ireland’s celebrated craft and design sector.

As well as the Made Local exhibition opening, Design & Crafts Council Ireland will host a pop-up Craft Market as part of the Made Local initiative. From 9^th – 11^th August, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the craft and design market in the picturesque grounds of the Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny. This unique market offers the opportunity to discover and purchase original, high-quality Irish-made products, showcasing Irish makers’ exceptional creativity and skill.

The “Past, Present – Future Perfect” exhibition by Cork Craft & Design (CCD) at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) in Kilkenny is open Monday – Saturday, from 10am to 5:30pm and is free to enter. From September, the gallery will be closed Sunday and Monday. The exhibition will run until Monday, 28^th October 2024. For more information, visit https://www.dcci.ie/explore/dcci-ndcg/.

The Made Local exhibition series is part of Kilkenny Arts Festival as well as August Craft Month. August Craft Month. August Craft Month celebrates the vibrant local craft scene right across the island of Ireland. It provides unique opportunities for people to get involved as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

ENDS