MORE THAN 1,800 jobs could be created in crafts, a summit on the crafts industry in Ireland was told at Farmleigh, in Dublin, yesterday.
Research carried out by Indecon International Economic Consultancy on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland found the new jobs could be created in the industry which already employs over 5,700 people in Ireland.
Attendees agreed to examine the possibility of establishing a network of regional “centres of excellence” to create jobs and foster excellence in the industry.
Speaking at the summit, chairwoman of the council, Laura Magahy, said new “creative clusters” could foster excellence in craftsmanship, design, innovation and business skills.
“Job creation is at the heart of Ireland’s economic recovery and it is up to the public sector and support agencies to work together in a joined-up way to create the right climate for craft and design jobs to flourish,” she said.
The creative industries, including craft and design, were core to Ireland’s identity and international reputation, she said, as well as being key drivers of tourism. She encouraged those attending the summit to work together to maximise opportunities.
The summit was organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland and attended by agencies including Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council and Culture Ireland.
It was one of the first events to mark Year of Craft 2011, designated by Craft Northern Ireland and the crafts council, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Hundreds of events and exhibitions will be held in Ireland and internationally to mark the year, including the annual general assembly of the World Crafts Council (Europe) in June at Dublin Castle.
President Mary McAleese, who attended the summit, was announced as patron of Year of Craft 2011.
She said she had “a lifelong passion for the traditional crafts of sewing, knitting and quilting” and, “as an enthusiastic amateur”, was thrilled to be patron.
“At this time when we need jobs to keep our talented young people at home, we look to the crafts among others to keep pushing out the boundaries of achievement and to keep encouraging and supporting entrepreneurialism among our crafts people,” the President said.
