Trades & Craft Employment
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Future of Work on Clare FM.
By 2030, the craft and design sectors are expected to have significantly increased their contribution to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally.
This is a according to the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland which has a membership of over 5,000 makers, designers, students and educators working in the sector.
From traditional weaving and sustainable fashion to woodcraft and contemporary jewellery, Clare makers blend heritage with modern creativity in ways that captivate audiences not just at home but also abroad.
While many have the luxury of being able to work from a dedicated workshop or studio, much of the hard work is done by a very talented sector in backrooms and garages in their own homes.
Many crafters and designers depend on markets and fairs to promote and sell their products.
In Co Clare however, creatives have access to what is a basically a year-round market space which has changed the landscape for many of its members.
A group of 60 creatives have access to the space while another 40 are on a waiting list avail of the unique facility.
Some have taken the leap and left full-time jobs to pursue their passion and each one plays a significant role in driving their local economy.
Aoife O’Malley is founder of Design Bank based in Miltown Malbay in Co Clare.
