Interested in Craftlink? Get in Touch
Craftlink is an Innovative Programme that provides craft makers in Westmeath & Offaly with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills and look at the use of different materials to adapt their current offerings of products or to create new products. It has also examined opportunities in Finland and Ireland through skills exchanges, exhibitions, and site visits. Our current programme is closed but if you are interested in our project or potential future projects please get in touch to register your interest or if you want to ask questions or make suggestions. Contact us HERE Alternatively, please visit our
Craft as a Career Seminar Inspires Students at Esker Arts Centre
Craftlink, a partnership with Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development, recently hosted a highly successful Craft as a Career Seminar at Esker Arts Centre. The seminar facilitated by Aileen Duffy (AD Training & Consultancy) provided invaluable insights and inspiration for students interested in pursuing a career in the art or craft industries. Guest speakers Jane Walsh from Button Studio, John Farrell of Esker Design, and artist Rosemarie Langtry shared their creative journeys and discussed how they successfully built professional careers from their artistic endeavors. The Craft as a Career Seminar aimed to inspire and guide students by
Murmuration Exhibition – Ireland
Offaly Local Development and Westmeath Community Development proudly presented Murmuration, an exhibition featuring work collaboratively created by 16 talented designers, makers, and artists from Offaly, Westmeath, and Finland on Friday 12th January. The exhibition ran until March 2nd, 2024 at Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Eddie Shanahan, Business & Product Development Consultant who officially launched the exhibition. 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 pairs that engaged in the exchange of
Murmuration Booklet
Murmuration Murmuration is a collection of work created collaboratively by 16 talented designers, makers, and artists from Offaly, Westmeath, and Finland. This unique concept originated during the Craftlink programme, where the creators had the opportunity to meet in both Ireland and Finland. They were immediately captivated by the idea of working together creatively. Please enjoy our digital flipbook which showcases the project, the creative team involved and images of the work created.
Westmeath Community Development and Offaly Local Development Showcase Green Businesses Promoting Sustainability in Creative Sectors
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
Crafty Business
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
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
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
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
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
