Cork Craft Month all set to open doors for creative career choices

More than 110 professional makers and artists to feature at Cork Craft Month in August, celebrating traditional craftsmanship

Ava Hayes, festival director of Cork Craft Month. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

Careers in the craft sector are becoming increasingly more attractive, driven by demand for quality individualised works across all craft sectors.

This is the view of Ava Hayes, festival director of Cork Craft Month, whose trade events, exhibitions and workshops throughout the month of August will create a platform for face-to-face meetings between a range of creatives, artists and those interested in buying quality craftworks.

Organised by Cork Craft & Design, a social enterprise representing more than 110 professional makers and artists, Cork Craft Month will celebrate both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary-making through a diverse programme of hands-on experiences, exhibitions and demonstrations.

A third of the programming is free, and a full schedule is now available to view at corkcraftanddesign.ie.

From ceramics and textiles to woodwork, jewellery, printmaking and contemporary design, this year's programme offers opportunities for people of all ages to discover craft, learn directly from makers and gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity and expertise behind handmade work.

Cork Craft & Design makers Fernanda Schneider, Diana Skalkos, Sabina Lucas and John Bastow, pictured at St Peter's Cork on North Main Street. With more than 90 workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and markets taking place across the month, the full programme is available at corkcraftanddesign.ie.

Organised by Cork Craft & Design, a social enterprise representing more than 110 professional makers and artists, Cork Craft Month celebrates both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary-making through a diverse programme of hands-on experiences, exhibitions and demonstrations.

In this Q&A interview, Ava Hayes outlines some of the highlights of Craft Month as the festival shines a spotlight on the creativity, skill and innovation of Cork's thriving craft community.

How has the craft sector in Ireland evolved in recent years?

I've seen the craft sector in Ireland grow in really exciting ways over the past few years.

While it's still rooted in traditional skills and heritage, makers are constantly finding new ways to innovate, whether that's through contemporary design, sustainable practices or experimenting with new materials and techniques. It is so exciting to witness.

There's also been a real shift in how people value craft. More and more, people want to know who made the piece they're buying, hear the story behind it and experience the making process for themselves. That's something we see every year during Cork Craft Month, with growing interest in workshops, studio visits and opportunities to meet local makers. Cork has an incredibly talented and supportive craft community, and it's wonderful to see makers collaborating, sharing ideas and inspiring each other. There is no doubt that it's a really positive time for the sector and it's been fantastic to see craft and design gaining the recognition it deserves as such an important part of our visual culture and our local communities.

What can visitors to this year's Cork Craft Month expect to see?

I think what makes Cork Craft Month so special is that there's genuinely something for everyone across all ages and demographics. This year's programme is our biggest yet, with more than 90 events taking place right across the county throughout August. Visitors can expect everything from exhibitions and makers' markets to hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and open studios, giving people the chance not just to see beautiful work but to meet the makers and even have a go themselves. Whether you're interested in ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodturning, printmaking or glass, there's an opportunity to discover something new every day in August. We're especially excited about some of this year's new additions, including the Open-Air Makers Market in Douglas Court on 7 August and our pop-up shop at The Glucksman, alongside our annual members' exhibition, Crafting Legacy at St Peter’s, and the Emerge graduate exhibition. Our ambition is to make craft as accessible and enjoyable as possible, whether you're a lifelong craft lover or just curious to explore what's being made here in Cork.

Would some of this year's workshops be useful for those interested in a career in crafts?

Absolutely. While many of our workshops are designed for anyone who wants to try something new, they're also a fantastic starting point for anyone thinking about a career in craft. One event I'd particularly recommend is our EMERGE panel discussion, which brings together established makers and recent graduates to talk honestly about what it's like to build a career in the craft sector. They'll be sharing their own experiences, the challenges they've faced and offering practical advice on everything from finding your creative voice to turning your passion into a business. It's a great opportunity for aspiring makers to ask questions, make connections and realise that there are real pathways into a career in craft. Supporting the next generation of makers is a big part of what Cork Craft Month is all about, and we're really proud to create opportunities like this alongside showcasing the incredible talent that's already here in Cork.

Why do you believe there is growing consumer demand for locally made, handcrafted products?

I think people are becoming much more thoughtful about what they buy and where it comes from. There's a real appreciation now for the time, skill and care that goes into making something by hand, and people want to invest in pieces that have actual meaning and a story behind them in the era of mass production. Buying from a local maker also means you're supporting a person, a family or a small business in your own community, and I think that's something people value more than ever. Handcrafted pieces also tend to last longer and are often made using more sustainable practices, so they offer an alternative to mass-produced products. Through Cork Craft Month, we see that connection happening every day - people meeting the makers, hearing about their process and leaving with a much deeper appreciation for the work. Those personal connections are incredibly powerful, and they're a big part of why interest in locally made craft continues to grow.