Three of the county's most talented crafted designers are gearing up this week to take part in Showcase Ireland, the country's premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors' trade fair, which takes place in the RDS from Sunday, 18th-21st January.
Belleek Pottery will be in attendance to showcase its ceramic, silver and crystal giftware while handmade candlemakers, Celebration Candles Ballinamallard will be on hand as will Shazzam from Derrygonnelly. It specialises in chutneys and jams.
A renewed emphasis on the provenance of crafted design products from Ireland's leading makers and designers will be at the centre of this year's event, and Northern Ireland's best craft makers are well aware of the importance of Showcase Ireland to the 122 million euro craft sector.
Last year's event generated a buoyant 40 million euro in sales orders. This year's Showcase event will attract 450 exhibitors and 6,000 buyers from around the world. For the first time in the history of Showcase, Fáilte Ireland will participate in the initiative this year, signalling the growing importance of cultural tourism to Ireland.
Despite the current economic challenges, more than 120 new Emerging Makers will take part in this year's Showcase in addition to established participants such as Newbridge Silverware and Tipperary Crystal.
The addition of A New Day, New Exhibitor area will give 30 emerging makers the opportunity to showcase new and innovative work over three-days. A separate Source Aisle will comprise stunning products by top craftspeople, including several new names who have been specially chosen for their quality and design by a panel of international buyers.
For the first year at Showcase, there will be an Essence of Ireland selection where up to 10 products will be selected by a panel of experts.
The Essence of Ireland will be awarded to products that, through their design, production methods or overall look, depict what is unique about Ireland. It is anticipated that the Essence of Ireland products will be considered as gifts for foreign dignitaries, VIPs and corporate clients.
A series of specially commissioned downloadable DVDs, entitled 'Stories in the Making', will be launched and a separate seminar area will offer presentations in branding, retailing, e-commerce, merchandising and trend forecasting.
Úna Parsons, CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland said the number of new and existing craft makers taking part in Showcase highlighted the fact that craft makers, while facing the same economic challenges as other sectors, were actively involved in promoting and selling their craft as much as ever.
"The cautious purchasing trends of the current recession actually reflects the value system that underpins craft as new consumer trends involve investing carefully in well-made objects made to last, and which will become family treasures", she stated.
