Our Aims
To raise awareness in locally designed and hand crafted products.
To offer support to the more than 400 craft practitioners resident in Co. Wicklow and provide heartfelt recognition for their extraordinary contribution to the local economy and to our national cultural heritage.
Underscore the importance of art/craft education and traditional skills and how such skills support and enhance the use of computer aided technologies in craft production.
To present curated exhibitions of the best of Wicklow Craft at both a national and international levels.
To support and implement the 2023-2027 Craft Strategy for Co. Wicklow which will propose many new initiatives for the development of the craft sector and the many opportunities that will be put forward. Such initiatives will propose the creation of a center of excellence for craft, workshop and studio hubs, educational programmes and more.
Pillars
1. Representation
The Wicklow Craft Foundation serves as a voice for the craft sector at the county level, advocating for the needs and interests of local artisans. As a fully independent NGO with committee members elected from our membership, we are committed to ensuring that our actions and initiatives always represent and prioritize the interests of our members.
2. Education
Our mission includes providing artisans with access to training workshops and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. We are committed to fostering learning opportunities that support sustainability, innovative techniques, and the preservation of traditional crafts, empowering makers to grow both creatively and professionally.
3. Retail Opportunities
The Foundation actively creates platforms for artisans to sell their work and engage with customers through retail partnerships, craft markets, and online initiatives. By offering these opportunities, we aim to drive economic growth for the craft sector in Wicklow and ensure that local makers can successfully connect their products with a wider audience.