Two makers from Kilkenny shortlisted for Future Makers 2023.

Two makers from Kilkenny have been shortlisted for Future Makers 2023.

Makers from Kilkenny include Chloë Curtin (Paper Working) and Nadia Stefaniak (Glassmaking). 

Established in 2009, Future Makers is a Design & Crafts Council Ireland initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. Its aim is to support the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise as well as fostering the growth of Ireland’s renowned design and craft sector. It is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe.

PICTURES: Thomastown Creative Arts Festival launches in County Kilkenny

Pictures by Harry Reid

This year’s competition saw an impressive range of entries from all around Ireland, with each one demonstrating a unique approach to creating beautiful and functional works of art. From furniture and fashion design to ceramics and glassblowing, the shortlisted makers have proven their mastery of their chosen crafts, as well as their ability to push the boundaries of tradition and innovation in their chosen field.

Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education at Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said “Future Makers is a fantastic initiative that recognises and rewards vision, innovation, and excellence in both making and the creative process among students and emerging makers. This is a crucial time in the career path of young makers and Future Makers creates a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much-needed financial support. The design and craft sector is a major contributor to Ireland’s economy, society and culture and programmes like Future Makers are key to ensuring this continues.”

Previous award winners over the past number of years include Emerging Maker winner, designer Michael Stewart of Standing Ground, ceramicist Chloe Lennon, jeweller Genevieve Howard, fashion designers Natalie B. Coleman and Sorcha O' Raghallaigh, designer-maker Úna Burke, furniture designer Simon Doyle, ceramic artist Kate O’ Kelly, and print block artist collective, ceramic artist and educator Owen Quinlan, amongst many others.

The judges for this year’s Future Makers include Laura Quinn, a multi-award winning maker and designer of contemporary glass sculpture and wearables, Mary Jo Hoyne, a successful senior leader in higher education and skills training, Angela Brady, chair of GANS group “10 Hands Crafts” based in West Cork, Kim Ling Morris, one of three founding directors of Sample Studio, which is among the biggest artist-led studio groups in the country, and Róisín Pierce, an Irish womenswear designer committed to furthering innovative and artisanal techniques through the tradition of craftsmanship.

The winners and runners up will be announced for each category at the Future Makers awards on September 19.

For further information on Future Makers, visit https://www.dcci.ie/dcci- future-makers/