SHOWCASE 2012 AWARD WINNERS:
President Michael D Higgins Opened SHOWCASE, Ireland’s Creative Expo, at RDS
· More than €20 million in sales orders expected over the next four days
· Future looks bright for Irish craft industry, says Crafts Council of Ireland
The Irish craft industry is sustaining jobs and the future looks bright for the sector despite the current tough economic climate, according to the Chief Executive of the Crafts Council of Ireland, Karen Hennessy.
Speaking in the RDS at the opening of Showcase 2012, Ireland’s Creative Expo, Ms Hennessy said there is a window of opportunity right now for Irish designed and made, locally crafted goods and Ireland needs to capitalise on this opportunity. “We need to invest now in the Irish craft and design sector. If we hesitate, we’ll have missed the boat. The doors have been opened, people want to buy Irish, to buy quality. Now is the time to work together in making the most of this valuable opportunity."
Ms Hennessy highlighted that awareness and appreciation of Irish craft is at an all time high following the Year of Craft 2011 initiative. “Throughout 2011 retailers, local authorities, government agencies and the general public provided vital support to their local craftspeople. This was especially evident during the Christmas period when shoppers made a concerted effort to buy Irish. We need to continue to support this dynamic sector into the future,” she said.
“Almost 6,000 people are employed in the Irish craft sector which is worth almost half a billion euros to the Irish economy. Showcase is a crucial trading opportunity for Irish designers and makers, and is critical to our strategy for increasing exports and for maintaining and growing jobs,” Ms Hennessy added.
Sales orders exceeding €20 million are expected over the four days of Showcase 2012 which features 350 of the country's leading designers, manufacturers and craftspeople. The event was officially opened today (Sunday) by President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.
Now in its 36th year, Showcase - which continues in the RDS (Main Hall) until January 25th - is expected to attract more than 5,500 retail buyers from Ireland and over 17 countries around the world including Britain, North America, continental Europe and Japan.
“The demand for authentic, unique, high quality Irish products is reflected in the fact that pre-show buyer registrations for Showcase 2012 are up over 70% compared to last year and today we have been welcoming buyers arriving from as far away as Japan and Canada,” said Ms Hennessy. “Following on from the success of our Year of Craft 2011 initiative in raising awareness of Irish craft, our focus this year is to capitalise on the huge interest there is at home and abroad in Irish design and craft. We are committed to working with our partners and other stake holders in order to ensure that supports are in place for maintaining and increasing jobs in this innovative sector.”
An exciting new addition to this year’s show is today’s Showcase Fashion 2012, a bold presentation of the best of Irish fashion from 60 Irish designer-makers and manufacturers.
Directed and produced by Sonia Reynolds, Showcase Fashion 2012 – one of the biggest fashion presentations in Ireland this year – will provide a platform for new designers and established brands to wow 200 exclusive trade buyers in a fresh, innovative way, reflecting the excitement and creativity of the sector which holds significant international potential.
Showcase includes a wide range of well-known consumer brands including Tipperary Crystal, Belleek, Galway Crystal and Avoca. It also features Creative Island, a space dedicated to beautifully crafted products exclusively ‘Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland’. First launched at Showcase in 2010, Creative Island has been expanded from 55 to 85 exhibitors, all chosen by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.
Other elements of Showcase 2012 include:
· The Top 50 New Products area where buyers can easily locate some of the best newly launched items.
· A ‘New Trends’ Area highlighting the hot products for 2012.
· A new Enterprise Zone, where 52 new micro enterprises from 13 counties in Ireland are displaying their fresh talent under the umbrella of the County and City Enterprise Boards.
· Seminars for retailers featuring expert speakers on topics such as business development, merchandising and trends forecasting.
The Crafts Council of Ireland is the main driver behind Showcase which is one of the most important means of developing export and market opportunities for Irish designer-makers. Showcase is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland.
“For many Irish companies, Showcase is a pivotal event in their business calendar as it presents the ideal opportunity to further develop long term relationships with buyers”, said Charlie Kelly, Manager Consumer Retail Markets, Enterprise Ireland. “Despite the current economic conditions, it is anticipated that Showcase will help to generate €11 million in exports for Enterprise Ireland client companies exhibiting at the event. Showcase also provides international journalists the opportunity to visit Ireland and discover what Irish companies have to offer and the diversity of products available.”
Showcase 2012 takes place in the RDS (Main Hall), Dublin from Sunday January 22nd to Wednesday 25th January. Trade attendance only. Further details and a full list of exhibitors are available at www.showcaseireland.com
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AWARD WINNERS:
Crafts Council of Ireland Craftsmanship Awards
Now in its fifth year this award highlights excellence in craftsmanship.
Overall Winner: Furniture maker Karl Sweeny from Dublin for his magnificent, elegant jewellery boxes.
www.karlsweenydesignermaker.com
Highly Commended: Ana Faye, Rachel Swan and Filip Vanas.
Karl Sweeney Craftsmanship Award Winner Showcase 2012 with Karen Hennessy, CEO Crafts Council of Ireland
Showcase Exporter of the Year Award
Recognising Irish exporting companies which provide a top class service to their overseas customers.
Winner - Fisherman Out of Ireland www.fishermanoutofireland.com
Crafts Council of Ireland’s Creative Island Award
This award is given to exhibitors in the Creative Island area for best stand design and merchandise display and overall product quality.
Winner: Jewellery maker Christina Brosnan
www.christinabrosnan.com
Showcase Top New Products Award
Chosen for new products that are clearly of a quality design, that will excite and attract consumers. (Total of 50 new products selected in Top New Products and are displayed in a special area in the Shelbourne Hall)
Overall winner - Lynda Gault Ceramics
www.lyndagaultceramics.ie
Top New Products Category winners:
Fashion, knitwear and Accessories Category:
Winner: Lisa Ryder Designs www.lisaryderdesigns.com
Highly recommended:
Linda Wilson Knitwear www.lindawilsonknitwear.com
Susannagh Grogan www.susannaghgrogan.com
Tabletop & Interiors Category:
Winner: Cillian Johnston Furniture www.cjfurniture.ie
Highly recommended:
Lynn Kenny Designs www.lynnkenny.com
Touch Designs Ceramics www.touchdesignceramics.com
Jewellery Category:
Winner: JLB Jewellery www.jlbjewellery.ie
Highly Recommended:
Saba www.saba.ie
Vivienne Martin www.risecreatives.com/viviennemartin/
Craft & Gift Category:
Winner: Lynda Gault Ceramics www.lyndagaultceramics.ie
Highly Recommended:
Lawless Furniture www.lawlessfurniture.com
Ursula Celano Ireland www.ursulacelano.com
For more information contact:
Miriam Donohoe, MD Media, 087 2393914
Or
Susan Brindley, Crafts Council of Ireland, 087 8595013
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