DCCI pledges financial support to craft market in Mayo
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has announces a new initiative under its year-round Made Local campaign that designed to support and invest in the growth of retail opportunities for makers across Ireland this summer.
Following a nationwide callout for applications, DCCI has pledged financial support to three Irish craft markets as part of the Made Local Summer campaign, reinforcing its commitment to championing Irish design, craftsmanship, sustainability and local enterprise.
One of the three selected markets is Westport Makers Market, running every Saturday throughout the summer season at Westport Town Hall Theatre. The other two selected markets are Galway Potters Market (Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, at Eyre Square, Galway, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Clare Potters Market, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, at Ballymorris Pottery, Cratloe.
Each market will receive €1,000 financial support from DCCI to help strengthen retail opportunities for makers from across Ireland and connect consumers directly with Irish-made products.
Westport Makers Market is a curated summer market showcasing high-quality local and provincial handmade crafts. The market features a diverse selection of artisan goods, including knitting, jewellery, pottery and other handcrafted items.
Located centrally within Westport at the Town Hall Theatre, near the Octagon, the market has become a busy and well-recognised destination for visitors seeking unique handmade products and locally made gifts.
Made Local makers at Westport Makers Market include Léan Candles (Melissa Morley) and 9 Yard Ceramics (Luke O'Callaghan), both based in Co. Mayo.
The Made Local campaign celebrates the exceptional talent, skill, originality and creativity of Ireland’s designers and makers. This summer, DCCI is encouraging consumers to discover what is right on their doorstep by visiting Made Local markets and craft markets nationwide. From ceramics and textiles to jewellery, woodwork, homewares, and artisan gifts, shoppers will have the opportunity to discover and purchase beautiful, unique products directly from the makers themselves while supporting local creative businesses and sustainable production practices.
The markets also highlight the joy of engaging directly with makers and learning about their processes, nurturing an important sense of community.
Carly McCann, organiser of the Galway Potters Market, commented: “This is the 16th year of the Galway Potters Market and we are very proud of what we have achieved over the years. This year's added support from DCCI means we can put much needed resources into making our market an even bigger success.
“We look forward to welcoming the public to our market. We know they will enjoy meeting our talented makers, hearing their stories, and hopefully buying some beautiful Made Local pieces they will treasure forever.”
The Made Local campaign also reminds us of the many ways to experience and indulge in our craft curiosity through hands-on workshops and studio demonstrations offered by makers across Ireland over the summer, and throughout the year.
There are currently 1,511 makers and 355 retailers involved in the Made Local campaign, and these numbers continue to grow. All participating makers and retail outlets are listed in the Made Local directory, available at Made Local. Find out more at www.madelocal.ie.