Limerick craftspeople honoured at Future Makers Awards
24 creators were awarded as part of the initiative this year
TWO MAKERS from Limerick have been honoured at the Future Makers Awards 2024.
Both recognised in the Students and Recent Graduates category, ceramicist AJ Shipley won the Materials Support award in Ceramics, while fashion and textiles designer Rachel McKinney won the Professional Development Support award in Fashion Design.
Established in 2009, Future Makers is a Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. It is a platform to showcase the talent of the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise.
With a total awards value of €25,000, it is one of the largest prize-funded design and craft award programmes in Europe.
The 2024 Overall Emerging Maker Winner was announced as mixed media constructor Paola di Legge from Co. Dublin, while woodturner Martin Ryan from Co. Tipperary took home the Sustainable Design Award.
Furniture maker Meiriona Best from Co. Mayo was announced as the Overall Student Winner.
24 craftspeople were awarded as part of the initiative this year.
Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, said: “The Future Makers Awards highlights the incredible talent and innovation within Ireland's design and craft sectors”.
“For the past 15 years, the government's ongoing support of these awards has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of designers and craftspeople, providing them with the recognition and financial support necessary to further develop their talent,” he continued.
Deputy Calleary explained: “The diversity and quality of the work this year not only showcases the extraordinary potential of our emerging talent but also reflects the bright future of Irish craftsmanship that we are proud to invest in and support”.
Mary Blanchfield, interim CEO of DCCI, said “This year’s winning entries have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity, and they represent the future of Irish craft, making and design and rewards vision, innovation, and excellence in both making and the creative design process among students and emerging makers”.
Future Makers judge and Irish fashion designer, Anneliese Duffy Fallon, said: "It’s an honour to serve as a judge for the Future Makers Awards 2024 and to witness first-hand the extraordinary talent and creativity emerging from Ireland’s design and craft sectors”.
“This initiative is a vital platform that recognises and empowers the next generation of makers and designers, providing them with the support they need to transition from education to enterprise. The diversity and innovation showcased by this year’s winners is truly inspiring, and I’m confident that they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Irish design and craftsmanship,” she added.