Two Kilkenny craft makers on shortlist for one of largest prize-funded awards in Europe

ABOVE: Work by Chloë Curtin 

Two talented crafters from Kilkenny have made the shortlist for an award with one of the largest prize funds in Europe!

Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has announced the shortlist for Future Makers 2023. Established in 2009, Future Makers is a DCCI initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. Its aim is to support the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise as well as fostering the growth of Ireland’s renowned design and craft sector. It is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe.

This year’s competition saw an impressive range of entries from all around Ireland, with each one demonstrating a unique approach to creating beautiful and functional works of art. From furniture and fashion design to ceramics and glassblowing, the shortlisted makers have proven their mastery of their chosen crafts, as well as their ability to push the boundaries of tradition and innovation in their chosen field.

Makers from Kilkenny on the short list

Chloë Curtin                                        Kilkenny, Paper Working

Nadia Stefaniak                                   Kilkenny Glassmaking

Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education at Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said “Future Makers is a fantastic initiative that recognises and rewards vision, innovation, and excellence in both making and the creative process among students and emerging makers. This is a crucial time in the career path of young makers and Future Makers creates a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much-needed financial support. The design and craft sector is a major contributor to Ireland’s economy, society and culture and programmes like Future Makers are key to ensuring this continues.”