Craftspeople to get up close and personal at Cork Craft Month

More than 20,000 people set to visit events in August to view ethical, handcrafted goods and support talented local craft workers

James McConville, managing director of Cork Craft & Design; ceramicist Monica Fergus; and woodworker Tony Scannell of Coppiceworks, pictured near Kinsale, Co Cork. Photo: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

Creative craft workers will engage with people looking to buy unique ethical, handcrafted goods during Cork Craft Month in August, the 15th annual creative platform hosted by Cork Craft & Design.

Last year’s events attracted over 20,000 visitors, with over 80 exhibitions, studio trails, and Meet the Maker sessions.

Cork Craft & Design represents over 110 specialist makers and artists, whose 3,000 handcrafted items — from furniture to ceramics, to jewellery and prints — can be viewed at corkcraftanddesign.com and at the Makers’ Collective Shop in Douglas Woollen Mills.

Cork Craft Month in August will feature free and paid events across Cork city and county, including markets, family-friendly demos and workshops.

Ahead of the Cork Craft Month launch party at Douglas Woolen Mills on Saturday, July 28, and the EMERGE graduate exhibition launch on Friday, August 2, we put questions to James McConville, recently appointed managing director of Cork Craft & Design.

With significant branding and marketing expertise and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, James brings prior experience in higher education, corporate IT global SME e-commerce and floristry.

Why has the public appetite for craft products grown to the point that 20,000 people are expected to attend Cork Craft Month in August?

People are increasingly drawn to the authenticity and stories embedded in handmade craft products made here in Cork. The allure of quality craftsmanship, often steeped in tradition and skill, far surpasses that of mass-produced items. I see it as a yearning for connection — to the maker, to heritage, and to a more sustainable way of living.

Beyond the tangible appeal of unique creations such as our textiles or woodworking, there's a growing recognition of the impact our choices have on the local and environmental economies. Supporting local artisans fosters a thriving craft community here in Cork, which furthers our work to be a supportive network. Secondly, choosing handcrafted goods often translates to a smaller environmental footprint.

Furthermore, the rise of craft markets and events like Cork Craft Month in August offers a refreshing opportunity to explore a good old-fashioned market experience — an opportunity to engage with makers, witness their passion firsthand, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces that express individuality.

The spotlight on craftsmanship has also been amplified by social media platforms, where artisans can now showcase their talent and reach a global audience. This visibility has fuelled the burgeoning interest in handmade creations, turning what was once considered niche into a mainstream movement.

Cork Craft Month is the jewel in the crown of the Cork Craft & Design calendar and is a testament to our thriving craft culture. It's a celebration of talent, a showcase of skill, and a testament to the enduring power of human creativity.

Tell us about the people working in this creative community, including the 110 makers and artists who are members of Cork Craft & Design.

Cork's creative community is a vibrant mix of passionate makers and crafters. At its heart are the 110 members of Cork Craft & Design's Makers' Collective Shop in St. Patrick's Woollen Mills in Douglas. Each maker and designer executes meticulous craftmanship over each piece they produce. These pieces, which have been handcrafted with care, are things that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Our talented individuals represent diverse disciplines, from ceramics and jewellery to woodwork and textiles. United by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and traditional techniques.

The Cork Craft & Design Shop is a platform for these artisans to showcase and sell their work, fostering a sustainable livelihood and connecting them with a wider audience nationally and internationally. It's a vibrant hub of creativity where visitors can discover unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect Cork's rich artistic heritage, and even participate in workshops and demos to learn about the creative process firsthand.

Where do the direct selling opportunities of Cork Craft Month events fit into the ways that makers and artists now promote, sell and distribute their products?

Cork Craft Month events are a vital component of our makers’ calendars. The sheer span of events offers a direct line between customers and makers, fostering personal connections and showcasing unique products. The markets, demonstrations and workshops build brand awareness and create networking opportunities. While our online platform (launching soon) is essential in today’s e-commerce world, the tangible experience of craft markets complements our makers’ digital presences, creating a well-rounded approach to marketing and sales. In essence, Cork Craft Month is more than just a sales channel; it's a dynamic platform that empowers our members to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

How are the Craft Month pop-up events important in spreading the reach for these events?

Cork Craft Month’s pop-up events serve as strategic outposts, extending the reach of the festival by attracting new audiences and generating excitement. These temporary showcases in high-traffic areas offer a curated preview of the month's diverse offerings, sparking curiosity and driving footfall to other events and our makers’ Collective shop in Patrick's Woollen Mills in Douglas. Our pop-ups create a sense of urgency, amplifying social media engagement and word-of-mouth marketing, ultimately broadening community awareness and fostering a thriving ecosystem for local crafters.

James, in what ways do you plan to leverage your branding and marketing expertise to help talented artists grow their businesses?

2024 marks 15 years of Cork Craft Month and 19 years of Cork Craft & Design. That makes me incredibly proud, but I am already looking to the future. I plan to leverage my experience to showcase the incredible talent of our local makers on a global stage, by highlighting the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship to an international audience. I also want to ensure that people who might be considering joining the network know that we foster a thriving, supportive community of Cork-based creators, where collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth are paramount.

I specifically hope to elevate craftspeople to national and international recognition through Cork Craft Month's EMERGE programme, which celebrates the work of graduating makers and embraces them as part of the community of Irish craft and design. EMERGE's core exhibition features selected works from graduate makers of the Crawford College of Art & Design, Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, St. John’s Central College, West Cork Campus Skibbereen subsidiary of the Cork College of Commerce, and Kinsale College. Cork Craft Month brings the work of these new, exciting craftspeople into the limelight and focuses on nurturing and supporting their creative career to ensure they have the tools to create a sustainable practice that continues to go from strength to strength.

• Cork Craft & Design is celebrating the 15th year of Cork Craft Month this August. The milestone festival will feature events spread across Cork city and county. There will be a mix of free and paid events, including markets, family-friendly demonstrations and workshops. The full schedule of events will be available to view and book at www.corkcraftanddesign.com/ccd-event-calendar