15 years of Cork Craft Month

From craft exhibitions to interactive pop-ups, family-friendly workshops to inspiring demonstrations, Cork Craft Month has unveiled its programme for 2024, celebrating 15 years of championing local craft.

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the month-long celebration, which kicks off on 28 July with a Launch Party at the Cork Craft & Design shop in St. Patrick's Woollen Mills, Douglas. The full schedule of events — 40% of which are free — will be available to view and book at corkcraftanddesign.com.

Running from 28 July to 31 August, Cork Craft Month 2024 boasts participation from more than 77 talented craft makers and offers a selection of 78 events across 12 distinctive venues, including Greywood Arts Creative Hub in Killeagh, Kilcoe Studios in Ballydehob, Blackwater Valley Makers in Fermoy, and both Benchspace and the National Sculpture Factory in Cork city.

Over 66% of events are family-friendly, ranging from making your own wooden toy with Michael Whyte of Ro Óg to Children’s Craft Clubs on Fridays and Saturdays throughout August in Kilcoe Studios.

Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Festival Director said: “2024 represents a landmark year for us as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Cork Craft Month. This festival is a fun and interactive occasion for the entire family — from toddlers to teens, parents to grandparents. Our programme is curated to emphasise the connection between traditional and contemporary crafting, inspiring the next generation of makers, and supporting local communities.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to making Cork Craft Month 2024 a reality through their dedication, financial support, and recognition.”

Chair of the Cork Craft & Design Board, Mary Palmer said: “As a social enterprise, supporting new makers and designers is fundamental to our ethos. The EMERGE exhibition has become a key element of this support with a substantial award sponsored by the Friends of the Crawford Gallery in association with The Cork Educational Training Board and Benchspace. This kind of support is instrumental to the confidence and development of new craft and design enterprises which are vital in our local communities.”

Mary added: “Our members come from a myriad of backgrounds and employ an extraordinary range of materials and techniques. Cork Craft Month offers a rare opportunity to witness and engage with the processes behind these exquisite crafts, from carving and spinning to stitching and firing. It’s a chance to connect with the artistry that goes into every handcrafted item.”

Cork Craft Month will also be implementing Green Our Festival initiatives for the duration.