The next generation of designers showcase talent

AN EXCITING exhibition of work by Ireland’s top student craftworkers and designers opened last week at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin 8.

The exhibition, backed by the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) in partnership with NCAD, showcases innovative craft and design work created by winners of the CCoI’s Future Makers Awards and Supports 2012.

It features some exceptional craft and design objects including ceramics, glass, fashion, jewellery, sculpture and furniture. And all the creations were designed and made by 23 of Ireland’s leading creative students and recent graduates.

The exhibition, which runs until April 5, is designed to highlight the craftsmanship of the next generation of Irish makers who are shaping Ireland’s creative future by combining innovative techniques and processes with hand-made skills.

The CCoI Future Makers programme supports students currently in college or recent graduates in a craft discipline. Through a series of awards and supports, the programme aims to recognise innovation and craftsmanship amongst talented emerging Irish makers and promote working in craft as an exciting and sustainable career.

Applications are now being accepted for the Future Makers Awards and Supports 2013 and it’s hoped the current exhibition of work by last year’s recipients will serve as inspiration for students interested in applying for the programme by the closing date of Tuesday, March 26.

The 23 award and support recipients for 2012 with work featured in the exhibition at the NCAD Gallery include textile designer and NCAD graduate, Jennifer Slattery, who won a Special Judges Award for excellence and design development for her stunning table runners, napkins, cushions and throws.

It also features the work of ceramicist and fellow NCAD graduate, Kate Murtagh Sheridan, who won the Innovation Award for her experimentation with process, technique, colour and form in her ceramic practice.

Creations by jewellery designer and another NCAD graduate, Theresa Burger, are also on display. She received the Student Innovation Award by impressing the judges with her design skills and her desire to challenge and expand her work practice through her large, geometric bangles made using 3D rapid prototyping techniques, inspired by the Zulu people of Southern Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, chief executive of CCoI, Karen Hennessy, highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of craftspeople at the early stages of their career in order to sustain and grow the sector into the future.

“At CCoI we support makers at all stages of their career and the Future Makers Awards and Support programme underpins our commitment to developing the next generation of craftspeople in Ireland,

? she said.

“We are delighted to be working closely with the NCAD who are hosting this wonderful exhibition.

“It is so encouraging to see the wealth of design talent, skill and innovation that exists in Ireland on display at the NCAD gallery, a landmark exhibition space right in the heart of Dublin’s city centre.

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Director of the National College of Art & Design Professor Declan McGonagle, said the craftspeople and designers featured in the exhibition will make a new future for Ireland.

“It is inspiring to see such a range of creativity emerging from design education, which must be supported to redefine the ways in which art and design can make its contribution to a new economy and to Irish society,

? he said.

“NCAD and the CCoI will continue to work to create valuable opportunities for craft makers to further their careers

?

Muireann Charleton, education and innovation manager with the CCoI added:

“Through this exhibition, we are delighted to be highlighting the level of innovation and impressive quality of craft being produced by students and recent graduates throughout Ireland today.

“It is exciting to see on display the merging of craft, technology, fashion and design to open up new worlds of possibility. This exhibition provides the participating makers with a unique opportunity to have their work showcased in a professional setting alongside their peers.

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The Future Makers exhibition runs until Friday, April 8. As part of the exhibition a range of craft design education workshops for secondary school pupils will take place this Thursday (March 14).

The designED workshops will be attended by pupils from schools around Ireland who will work with NCAD design staff, residents and students at the NCAD studios.

For more information on the designED workshops, contact mcternan@ncad.ie.

?¢ Model Teodora wears bangles, neckpiece ands ear rings by NCAD student Theresa Burger.