The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI), which is head quartered in Kilkenny, is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. CCoI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland. CCoI currently has over 60 member organisations and over 2,000 registered clients.
The main craft categories in Ireland are textile making and clothing, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, glass and woodworking and furniture. Irish craft businesses are characteristically small in scale and are geographically widespread, but taken nationally the industry is a significant employer, while also providing viable, sustainable enterprises in all areas, including those isolated rural communities ignored as unsuitable by other manufacturing sectors.
The CCoI has designated 2011 the ‘Year of Craft’ to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the CCoI and a year-long programme of activities and events are planned.
www.ccoi.ie.
