Biggest celebration of craft on island of Ireland returns for 2024
16th Jul 2024
The highly anticipated month-long celebration of Irish craft has officially launched. This year’s August Craft Month brings together an array of talented makers hosting over 300 events with representation that is set to include every county on the island of Ireland.
August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage with artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.
With events taking place across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, August Craft Month provides unique opportunities for people to get involved as well a supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.
Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI, the annual celebration is once again part of an all-island wide summer programme.
There is a packed itinerary of over 300 events currently planned, which is continuing to grow, with a whole range of crafts from ceramics to carving, glass to sewing available to be explored. There is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise.
This year has seen makers come together to form more established communities and crafting events, as August Craft Month become more established.
Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), said, “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are thrilled to once again work with Craft NI on the August Craft Month programme of events for 2024 taking part across the whole island of Ireland.
“This is the third year we’ve developed an all-island August Craft Month and we’ve seen increasing engagement from craft makers across the island, introducing new audiences to ways to take part in the crafts. We’re delighted to see over 300 events listed in the programme in 2024.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to take the plunge into the craft world, to see the amazing crafts happening in their local communities and across the country.”
Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI, said, “August Craft Month is a fantastic platform to honour and acknowledge the skilled makers we have right on these shores.
“This year’s programme has shaped up to be one of our best, with a really diverse range of craft disciplines including ceramists, textile makers, glassblowers, designer-makers and many more. It’s a great opportunity to try a craft for yourself.
“Handmade pieces are often a one-of-a-kind and make the most thoughtful and considerate gift or an excellent way to show some self-care.”
Dr Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Craft NI and August Craft Month. The month-long celebration is an annual highlight in the arts calendar offering hundred s of events, workshops and exhibitions that shine a spotlight on NI craft and showcasing the work of our talented designer makers. It is great to see Craft NI continue
their collaboration with Design & Crafts Council Ireland, making this an all-island celebration
that reaches more people. Well done to all involved!”
For the first time ever, you can use the August Craft Month interactive map on the augustcraftmonth.org website to find the closest events happening in your local community.
For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth24 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2024 #makeseebuy
