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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 programme includes critical advice to creatives on engaging and converting audiences, capitalising on the value of heritage techniques and inspiration in product development. Traditional Straw Weaving with Padraig Larkin Following the resumption of travel, 10 creative enterprises from Finland visited the midlands in April 2022. The focus was on business development, networking, and skill sharing. In conjunction with DCCI, LEO Offaly & Westmeath, Ballinahown community hosted a two-day event.  Fuse product development clinics designed specifically for creatives were delivered on day one while business networking, and craft skills exchanges took place on the second day. The FUSE Product Development Clinics are […]

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 each other in Finland and Ireland through a series of online masterclasses and training sessions – all strategically focused and designed to address the immediate needs of the business in a fast-changing and challenging environment. Esker Design Westmeath Community Development and Offaly Local Development have a long-standing relationship with Keskispe and Rieska Leader companies in Finland and work closely together to design and deliver programs that provide continuing support and leave a legacy. “Over the years our relationship with our LEADER partners in Finland has continued to yield many benefits for the participating communities and craft enterprises in both countries. Through […]

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… Date and time: 27th April 202210:00 – 17:00 GMT Location: Ballinahown Co. Westmeath For further information contact: Mary Whelan DCCI at maryw@dcci.ie or 086 823 0094

The eye of the artists and the skills of individual craft makers, from Offaly & Westmeath, are immediately obvious in wonderful gift collections for 2021 and beyond. 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 homeJewellery exquisitely designed to mark moments of love, friendship or family occasionsSkincare scented with the lush fragrances of Irish gardensScarves and millinery that revive a discreet sense of luxury and glamourSoap, lotions and potions that soak away the cares of the worldFrames full of celebratory fun and a sprinkling of magicFurniture & trinket boxes sustainably fashioned in the beautiful natural woods of IrelandAnd personalised gifts that will touch the heart