mary.cody@kilkennypeople.ie Legendary gold and silversmith Des Byrne passes on a few tricks of the trade to Róisín McCabe, a student at the Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course run by Design & Crafts Council );
);
Ireland’s inspirational craftspeople and makers will be celebrated in a landmark new exhibition in Kilkenny charting the evolution of the crafts and design sector in Ireland over the last 50 years.
The 50 Makers: 50 Years exhibition will take place at the National Design & Craft Gallery in the Castle Yard in July. The initiative is part of a series of events this year to mark the 50th anniversary of Design & Crafts Council Ireland. The celebrate makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of craft and design practice in Ireland.
An exhibition showcasing the evolution of the crafts and design sector in Ireland over the past 50 years is set to take place later this year.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) will be celebrating its special anniversary with “The 50 Makers: 50 Years,” exhibition, as both the President and Tánaiste pay tribute to Ireland’s talented makers.
President Michael D Higgins had many kind words to say about Irish craftspeople, who he said continued “a proud tradition” that is firmly rooted in Ireland’s rich cultural history.
“In Ireland we are very proud of our reputation for creativity, a reputation which is greatly enhanced by our many talented craftspeople and designers,” he said.
The Design & Crafts Council Ireland is planning a series of industry events aimed at capitalising on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s push for a ‘New European Bauhaus’.
Named after the Bauhaus German design movement of the early 20th century, the Commission’s idea is to back projects and policies that combine design, sustainability, accessibility, affordability and investment in order to help deliver the European Green Deal.
The ultimate aim is to make Europe carbon neutral by 2050 including renovating 35 million buildings by 2030.
Interim Design Council chair Andrew Bradley said the initiaitive to incorporate design and design thinking into policy represents a huge opportunity for the design sector.