Craft Northern Ireland

Craft and tourism are building a relationship and it’s a growing one. Both industries are developing rapidly in Northern Ireland and increasing synergies between them are providing new and attractive opportunities for visitors, designer-makers and service providers.

Published by Craft NI in 2007, A Future in the Making is a socio-economic survey of the craft sector in Northern Ireland. The survey represents the first in-depth analysis of the craft sector in Northern Ireland in over 10 years. The results of the survey are now published and available to download.

Craft Northern Ireland was established in June 2005 and is now at the end of its pilot phase. Appraisal of this phase confirms that the aims and objectives set out in the original business plan have been a useful and relevant strategic framework for planning, delivery and review.

2008-09 was Craft NI’s third year of operation. The period to March 08 represented the organisation’s pilot phase and this year, 2008-09, witnessed Craft NI consolidating its initial development period and setting focused, strategic goals and business plans for 2008-11.

This document highlights craft’s potential for economic growth, diversification, communities, employment, creativity and tourism in rural areas.

Published by Craft NI in 2007, Why the Crafts Matter, is an advocacy document for the craft sector in Northern Ireland. The document sets the sector’s own aspirations and ambitions on the basis of Craft NI’s socio-economic survey findings.