Think of Irish-made crafts products as gifts this Christmas
Design & Crafts Council Ireland launches 2022 ‘Made Local, Made to Last’ campaign to support Ireland’s creative entrepreneurs
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) launched its #MadeLocal 2022 campaign recently to showcase the work of designers and makers in Ireland. Craft and design is a key enterprise sector worth about €3 billion in gross value added, a figure that has more than doubled since 2012.
Originally conceived and activated in 2020 to support the Irish craft and design sector as it faced the challenges of Covid-19, Made Local was met with huge support across makers, retailers, consumers and government alike.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland has continued to keep it front of mind with consumers, harnessing its enduring relevance through communicating the benefits of looking first for local makers and products when spending hardearned money. “Buying a gift from a local maker is akin to ‘double-gifting’ – a gift to the recipient and to the maker” said Rosemary Steen, CEO of DCCI.
MADE TO LAST
The message of Made Local is ‘Made to Last’, highlighting the originality, quality, sustainability and value of Irish designed and craft-made products. DCCI urges consumers to choose products from Irish makers for their distinctiveness and longterm value for money.
This was a core theme at the recent pop-up exhibition in Hen’s Teeth Studio, Dublin 8, which included work of Irish designers and craft makers participating in the campaign. As well as showcasing the diverse and beautiful work, the exhibition highlighted the long-term value of Irish-made products, focusing on ‘cost per use’ and ‘cost per wear’.
At the event, Dara Calleary
TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, remarked that
craftspeople and designers make a significant contribution not only to their local communities but to the wider national economy, bringing innovation and dynamism to the Irish enterprise sector.
“As we look to support enterprises in Ireland to grow their market reach, it is great to see so many have embraced digital, with makers investing in their online presence and growing demand for Irish design and craft products in Ireland and across the globe,” the minister added.
RURAL AND REGIONAL IMPORTANCE
The Irish craft and design industry is a significant contributor to regional and rural economies, with 75% of the sector operating and employing people outside Dublin. DCCI has over 3,500 registered client enterprises and engages with retailers across the country who specialise in authentic Irish products.
To date over 1,350 craft brands and over 350 retailers have become actively involved in the Made Local campaign. They will be displaying the distinctive blue branding in-store, instudio and online.
Rosemary Steen commented: “We know from market research that 87% of DCCI clients experienced a positive impact on sales due to Made Local. The design and craft sector is made up of primarily small and medium businesses who are agile and customer focussed.
“This year, we have an important message for consumers that recognises the cost of living challenges we face,” said Ms Steen. “We are asking consumers to be mindful in their purchasing decisions. ‘Made Local’ products in textiles, fashion, ceramics, jewellery, or any of the many other craft disciplines, deliver excellent value for money. They are truly ‘Made to Last’ and will provide years of enjoyment and pleasure for buyers.”
More information on Irish craft and design and where to shop for products that are #MadeLocal can be found on the DCCI website at MadeLocal.ie and by following #MadeLocal and #MadeToLast on social media.