Showcase expo: The best of Irish designers

THE CRAFT industry is anticipating growth and an increase in exports, according to the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Speaking in advance of one the biggest international marketing events for craft here, Showcase, the council’s head of marketing and development Brian McGee said pre-registration by buyers was up 70 per cent compared with the same time last year. Now in its 35th year, Showcase is expected to attract over 5,500 retail buyers from more than 17 countries to the RDS, Dublin, later this month where sales orders in excess of €20 million are anticipated.

Alongside well-known consumer brands such as Beleek, Avoca and Tipperary Crystal will be smaller craftspeople including Dublin ceramics artist Raymond Kinghan, Woolcore Design, from Wicklow and Antrim jewellery- maker Fiona Kerr.

“Though our sales statistics for 2011 are not out yet, anecdotally we know the industry is growing. Companies such as Carraig Donn knitwear are hiring,” said Mr McGee.

The Celtic Tiger years had not benefited crafts in the way it had other sectors, he said, but there was a sense now that people were “looking back to before that, to our real values” while on the international market, country-of-origin was increasingly important for consumers seeking quality.

“The Irish label really is synonymous with quality design, workmanship and materials.”

Among new events will be Showcase Fashion 2012, a presentation of the best of Irish fashion, from Irish designers and manufacturers, which will be curated and presented by model and broadcaster Sonia Reynolds.

There will also be an “Enterprise Zone” where 52 new micro enterprises from 15 counties will display their works to an international audience they might not otherwise have the chance to reach.

The Showcase expo, which runs from January 22nd to the 25th, is open to trade only.