Craft NI's making it programme is focussed on supporting makers as they take their first steps towards establishing sustainable craft businesses. We are pleased to announce that six makers have been selected to begin work on the making it 2011 programme.

making it is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland

making it 2011 Programme Participants

Profiles of these makers will be added early in 2012.

What is making it?

making it is a model of best practice in craft enterprise development and aims to support:

• development of quality craft practice
• establishment of sustainable craft business
• development of a network of expertise for emerging craft businesses
• development of audiences and markets for contemporary craft

Since 2005 making it has supported 28 participants working with 17 host organisations. Rachel McKnight, John McKeag, Eddie Doherty, Adam Frew and Derek Wilson are some of the makers; University of Ulster, National Trust, Ulster Museum, Craigavon Borough Council, Flowerfield Arts Centre, and Millennium Court Arts Centre are some of the hosts. View a full list of making it makers and host organisations.

making it is based on the successful UK models of the ‘Setting Up’ and ‘Next Move’ schemes. The current 2-year placements began on 01 November 2011.

Who for?

The programme is open to:

• motivated, ambitious makers who want to see their business grow within the craft industry;
• arts centres, educational institutions and other arts and cultural organisations that will benefit from a maker's creative input;
• commercial businesses in partnership with local cultural organisations and local enterprise agencies.

What’s on offer to makers?

Selected makers will receive a comprehensive package of support including:

• Studio space, overheads and additional support services (in-kind value up to approx £28,000)
• A place on Craft NI’s business development programme (value £1000)
• Audience development and facilitation opportunities
• Makers can also apply to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s SIAP (Support for the Individual Artist Programme) for for up to £9,000 of funding over 2 years. This can be used towards equipment and other resources (subject to ACNI application).

What's on offer to host organisations?

• Professional, creative input from skilled makers
• Programme and audience development opportunities
• Strengthened links to creative industries & enterprise economy

When does the next programme begin?

The current programme making it 2011 began in November 2011 and will run until October 2013. We anticipate the next call for applications will be early 2013. There are links to profiles of a selection of makers who are currently, or who have been previously, part of the programme at the end of the page. This will give you an idea of who has been selected. If you wish to be kept informed by email, sign up to receive updates via our making it mailing list (below).

View a full list of making it makers and host organisations