MADE in Kilkenny/Made Local: A celebration of excellence in craft

This weekend, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) launched MADE in Kilkenny/Made Local: A celebration of excellence in craft at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Co Kilkenny.

The new exhibition showcases the work of 28 makers who are involved in the MADE in Kilkenny collective.

The exhibition runs until  October 28 and marks the latest in this year’s DCCI series of exhibitions focusing specifically on Irish craft and design. Curated by Mary Gallagher, the exhibition features work in clay, wood, metal, willow, textiles, glass, wax, and leather. It was launched this weekend by Rosemary Steen, CEO of DCCI, curator Mary Gallagher, and guest speaker, journalist and author, Fintan O’Toole as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival. 

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The exhibition features beautiful, handcrafted pieces made locally, which embodies the spirit of DCCI’s Made Local, Made to Last campaign. Launched in 2020, Made Local, increases awareness, appreciation and access to high quality Irish designed and made products and supports the growth of Ireland’s sustainable design and craft industry.

Kilkenny is a county that is synonymous with craft and design. The establishment of Kilkenny Design Workshops in the city in 1963 brought skilled makers to the county. This foundation was strengthened in the following decades through initiatives by DCCI, which is headquartered in Kilkenny’s Castle Yard. These initiatives include the creation of the Ceramics Skills & Design course in 1990 and the Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design course in 1991 and the subsequent opening of DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery in 2000.

While Made in Kilkenny/Made Local is an exhibition by local makers, many of them are recognised and have been awarded at an international level such as Grainne Watts, Eric Philips, Inga Reed and Cushendale Woolen Mills. The work has been designed and made specifically for this exhibition. As such, it is an exciting, diverse and accomplished display which, while regional in location has international significance. It is a mark of continuity in Kilkenny’s rich contribution to Ireland’s reputation of craft and design. 

Speaking about the launch, Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said: “I am delighted to welcome the MADE in Kilkenny/Made Local exhibition to DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny. Kilkenny is inextricably linked with craft due to the long history between makers and the county. It’s an honour to provide a platform that showcases the talent we have right on our doorstep from makers that have international significance. It also underscores the essence of what DCCI’s Made Local campaign shines a light on - the skill and originality of local craft makers nationwide. It is fantastic to see the two initiatives come together. We look forward to welcoming the public to the gallery to experience first-hand this exciting new work.”

Mary Gallagher, curator of MADE IN KILKENNY/MADE LOCAL said: “We are thrilled to display the work of the 28 members of the MADE in Kilkenny collective in this new exhibition at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery. This gallery, in a county that has such a rich craft heritage, is the perfect place to exhibit the work of 28 skilled local makers working in eight disciplines.  It has been a real pleasure to work alongside MADE in Kilkenny and DCCI to bring this exhibition together.“