Venues:

Kilkenny Castle.

Dublin Castle.

GMIT Campus, Galway.

Fota House & Gardens, Cork.

Botanic Gardens, Belfast.

Outdoor Touring Exhibition.

President Michael D. Higgins and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had paid tribute to country’s makers as Design & Crafts Council Ireland celebrates “50 Makers 50 Years” in a new exhibition charting the country’s evolution of crafts and design.

Irish Craft Heroes, a major exhibition celebrating 50 years of Irish craft, coincides with Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s (DCCI) 50th Anniversary since its establishment in 1971. To mark this landmark occasion, DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery has produced an outdoor, touring exhibition and publication (December 2021) charting the evolution of the craft and design sector in Ireland over the last 50 years, paying homage to the many makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of craft and design practice in Ireland. 

Following the World Crafts Council General Assembly in Dublin in 1970, and arising from the needs of a lively, developing craft sector, Crafts Council was established in 1971 as a voluntary body under the chairmanship of Frank Sutton and a committee of honorary officials. Throughout the past fifty years Crafts Council (Design & Crafts Council Ireland since 2014) has championed Ireland’s designer makers, fostering its growth and commercial strength, raising awareness of the unique identity of Irish craft and design, and stimulating quality design and innovation. In 2021, Ireland is recognised for its exceptional craft and design, which is celebrated throughout the world.