Events

Westmeath Community Development and Offaly Local Development Showcase Green Businesses Promoting Sustainability in Creative Sectors

By |January 16th, 2024|Categories: Create Green, Events, Information|

Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development proudly present the successful completion of their Create Green - sustainable by design initiative, recognising seven businesses in Westmeath and Offaly. The showcase event, held in conjunction with the launch of the Murmuration Exhibition, took place on Friday, January 12th at the Esker Arts Centre. Brendan O Loughlin (CEO, OLDC), Rebekah Keaveney (co-founder Green Offaly), Roisin Lennon (RDP LEADER OLDC), Caitriona Duggan (OLDC), Aileen Duffy (AD Training & Consultancy), Bernie Leavy (RDP LEADER WCD), Frank Murtagh (CEO WDC), Andrea Corroon (WCD), Eddie Newman (WCD) Funded through the LEADER Rural Development

Murmuration – Craftlink – Connecting Creative Communities

By |January 5th, 2024|Categories: Events|

Offaly Local Development and Westmeath Community Development are proud to present Murmuration, an exhibition featuring work collaboratively created by 16 talented designers, makers, and artists from Offaly, Westmeath, and Finland. The exhibition will run from January 13th until March 2nd, 2024 at Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore, Co Offaly and will be officially opened by Eddie Shanahan, Business & Product Development Consultant on January 12th at 5.30pm. Murmuration emerged from the Craftlink programme, which provided the creators with opportunities to meet in both Ireland and Finland. The participating artists were captivated by the idea of working together creatively, forming

Lunch & Learn Micro Workshops

By |August 31st, 2023|Categories: Events|

New Online Learning Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Creative Businesses in Offaly & Westmeath We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Online Learning Programme tailored specifically for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in the fields of craft, design, and creative industries. Introducing “Lunch and Learn,” a series of short online workshops designed to fit into busy schedules. Each session lasts 50 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for Q&A. The workshops will commence on 19th September 2023 and will run weekly for 10 weeks. The confirmed topics include storytelling for brands, raising brand profiles, and

Crafty Business

By |May 23rd, 2022|Categories: Craft exchange, Events, Finland Craft, Information|

Offaly, Westmeath, and Finnish creatives recently took part in an exciting craft business and creative skills exchange. The Craftlink programme funded through the Rural Development Programme, and launched in 2019, provides craft makers in both countries with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills. Much of the programme had to move to online training and mentoring.  Masterclasses were also provided for creatives in both countries. The creative businesses were supported by experts such as Eddie Shanahan in new product development as well as digital marketing, promotion, and the development of a digital catalogue for wholesale & retail. The Craftlink

Craft & Design Skills Exchange Programme 2022

By |April 12th, 2022|Categories: Events, Information|

Craftlink, an innovative collaborative project that supports the creative sector in Westmeath, Offaly, and Finland. Creatives receive business support and solutions for all stages of their businesses development. Isolation, coping with environmental challenges, and adapting to developments are at the forefront of all creative enterprises, and Craftlink aims to bridge the gap by offering practical training and mentoring. For Irish creatives, the learning opportunity here cannot be overstated, the challenges are similar, and the opportunity to explore new export markets is exciting. Despite recent restrictions on physical meetings and networking opportunities, the businesses continue to engage and learn from

FUSE Product Development Clinics

By |April 9th, 2022|Categories: Events, Information|

Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Offaly Local Development Company, Westmeath Community Development, Offaly Local Enterprise Offices, and Westmeath Local Enterprise Office are delighted to announce FUSE Product Development Clinics in Westmeath on the 27th of April. The FUSE Product Development Clinics are essential for craft and design enterprises looking to develop their product range and brand identity. You will have the opportunity to attend presentations as well as take part in 1-to-1 clinics with a panel of expert mentors with expertise in some of the following, product development, production and manufacturing, brand identity, fashion, textiles, and more. To apply: https://www.cognitoforms.com/…/MentoringApplicationForm…

Craftlink – Special INVITATION Christmas ‘Meet the Maker’ Series 2021

By |October 27th, 2021|Categories: Events, Information|

We invite you to join (Live online) an evening to meet the Craftmakers and designers behind the design and making of some of Offaly and Westmeath’s finest handmade craft. Hosted by Eddie Shanahan these three spectacular evenings (4th 8th and 11th November)  you will gain insight to how these talented makers produce their wonderful work, what inspires them and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Inspiration runs free as heritage skills are given a contemporary twist in an intriguing choice that includes; • Artwork brimming with creativity, colour and imagination to add a cultured touch to any home

Training Opportunity with DCCI

By |July 20th, 2021|Categories: Events, Information|

Building a Craft & Design Enterprise Programme 2021 Design Crafts Council Ireland and the national network  of Local Enterprise Offices are launching a programme  for creative Enterprises. Targeting for design and craft  businesses, who want to push their boundaries on  product development and branding. Due to Covid 19 Restrictions, some of these training events will be delivered online.  Face-to-face training may resume should Covid 19 restrictions be lifted. The Get Set Programme   -  the four dates will be held on: August - Oct: 17th & 18th August 19th & 20th Oct The link for the programme is https://submit.link/bk

“The Craftlink Product & Business Development Programme” with Eddie Shanahan.

By |May 6th, 2021|Categories: Events, Information|

This unique training and mentoring program is designed to assist creative business as you reconnect with retailers and develop deeper, more meaningful and lasting relationships direct to consumers. It will have two specific outcomes:  Development of an online digital catalogue for promotion of your craft businesses to retailers and direct to consumers. (to be launched Autumn 2021 to Xmas 2021) Virtual Meet The Maker Online Program for consumers. (to commence Autumn 2021 and onwards) It will also explore the potential for the launch of a special virtual Creative Retailing Seminar for local retailers. The programme will be delivered by

Winterfest Mullingar 2019

By |January 14th, 2020|Categories: Events|

Offaly /Westmeath /Finnish Craft Pavilion showcased their crafts at WINTERFEST Mullingar 2019. This was the first in a series of training, development and exhibition opportunities for Westmeath and Offaly Craft makers.  This unique experience provided an opportunity for shared learning between craft producers. The event focused on traditional Irish and Finnish craft demonstrations and how the sharing of skills and heritage can impact on creative inspiration in the craft sector.

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