Speech by Minister McGuinness at the Official opening of EMT - The Future, Ecology, Mythology, Technology Conference

EMT – The Exhibition

EMT is a wonderful opportunity for these exceptional Irish craftspeople. Given the freedom to turn away from the demands of the market place and be inspired by their own philosophies, desires and dreams, they have created an exciting vision of the future. The Crafts Council of Ireland has invested time and resources in this forward thinking collaboration between designer/makers and architectural practices in the development of the exhibition. The exhibition has led to a debate about opportunities and development for makers into the next decade. It has highlighted the importance of partnership, discussion, and thinking about the future. This collaboration to shape the future is the central theme of today’s conference.

In April 2007 the Crafts Council of Ireland launched its latest 3 year Strategic Plan that aims to equip the Irish craft industry with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt and remain flexible in a complex and challenging marketplace putting the consumer firmly at the centre of all Crafts Council programmes thus ensuring a vibrant and sustainable craft industry in the years ahead.

The Crafts Council has many initiatives to assist the development of craft enterprise. For example Showcase Ireland, Ireland’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors fair held in January each year is an excellent marketing and promotional tool with orders estimated at 45 Million Euro this year. The work of crafts people has been brought to the international stage through the SOFA Chicago show at which the Council has exhibited for the last two years

providing a platform for crafts people to build links and sell with prominent and prestigious galleries in the USA.

This conference coincides with the Interiors Show at the RDS (16-18 May). This show organised by Louis O ‘ Sullivan (at which the Crafts Council has an information stand) is promoting the work of Crafts Council clients and an opportunity not to be missed.

This conference is inspirational, original and dynamic. It addresses how Architects and Craftspeople can work to shape the Ireland of tomorrow.

Gathered today we have the pioneers of international design who are looking at the marriage of craft and architecture. The programme is packed with genius and the following people are to be thanked for their contribution to this event. On the architectural perspective they include : Sean Ó Laoire President of the RIAI, Angela Rolfe OPW, Patricia Belford Interface , Felim Dunne of Burden Craig Dunne Henry Architects, Mike Haslam of Solearth Architecture and Dr Sandra, Andrea O ‘ Connell editor of Architecture Ireland and HOUSE architecture design magazines

Particular thanks must also be extend to Karl Unglaub of the Miralles practice Barcelona, who was the on site project lead for the building of the Scottish Parliament which provides an exciting example of a successful union of craft and architecture.

The craft enterprises are the second key element to the success of this conference. Three innovative case studies will be explored, these are; Furniture makers Joseph Walsh and John Lee and textile designer Liz Nilson.

It is encouraging to see so many crafts people and architects both national and international working closely together to create legacy buildings for future generations to enjoy.

The Crafts Sector in Ireland is a vibrant Industry area and an important economic contributor, with total estimated industry sales (direct and indirect channels) for 2006 amounting to some €121 million. A further breakdown shows us that the value of domestic sales was €96.9 million, with direct sales totalling €71.7 million and indirect sales at €25.2 million.

This conference is one of several ways in which the Crafts Council is developing greater links between craftspeople and their customer base. Architects are key commissioners of craftwork. It is through a partnership approach that mutual benefits can be achieved. To this

end craft is a key part of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment strategy. The Department is determined to work with the Crafts Council of Ireland to help grow the sector and make Ireland proud of this sector.

The Craft Council of Ireland intends to explore a market driven pertinent theme at a conference each year building on the success of this one. I wish Úna Parsons CEO and

her team the very best for this future.

ENDS/TC321