Council collaborative approach results in new Creative EU Partnership.
Carlow County Council is confirmed to be part of a new EU project called Craftwork 4.0 project, led by Materahub in Italy in collaboration with the OECON Group of Companies from Greece. This innovative project is part of the Creative Europe EU Funding.
The project will commence later this year and is called Craftwork 4.0. Craftwork 4.0 aims to support and nurture the community of craft practitioners, especially emerging and new craft artists. By tapping into the rich history and diversity of craft practices, the project will explore new models of creation, documentation, and showcasing, ensuring the craft remains relevant and vibrant in contemporary society.
Bringing together organisations from across Europe for a three-year initiative, the project will develop a model for a multimedia cooperative, encouraging co-creation among craft professionals. The Platform will integrate making, documenting, and showcasing activities, moving beyond traditional archival methods to enhance accessibility and engagement for wider audiences. Through transnational residencies, festivals, roadshows, and the “European Craft Lab,” the Platform will explore diverse craft cooperation methods, reflecting and recording culturally specific crafts and applied arts.
Commenting on the project, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “We are immensely proud to see Carlow County Council taking a role in the Craftwork 4.0 project. This EU initiative is not just about preserving our rich cultural heritage but also about empowering our local craft practitioners, especially the new and emerging artists. By collaborating on an international platform, we are opening new opportunities for our local talents to innovate, create, and thrive in a global market. This project is a testament to our commitment to embracing creativity, economic sustainability, and cultural exchange in Carlow and beyond.”
The Craftwork 4.0 brand will consist of three main elements: Academy, Business, and Collaboration. The Academy will focus on professional development, innovative skills for craft professionals, and audience and career development. The Business element will ensure sustainability through B2B and B2C relationships, encouraging audience development and the circulation of craft work. The Collaboration element will promote training through increased mobility, internationalisation, interdisciplinary creative processes, and the exchange of good practices through digital dissemination.
Speaking about the importance of Craft Culture, John Shortall, Librarian with Carlow Libraries, and member of the Carlow County Council Culture Team said “Engaging in EU projects like Craftwork 4.0 underscores the profound importance of culture in our community and economy. Culture is the lifeblood of our society, reflecting our heritage, encouraging creativity, and strengthening social cohesion. By participating in this EU initiative, Carlow County Council is not only preserving our cultural traditions but also promoting innovation and economic sustainability within the craft sector. These projects provide invaluable opportunities for our local artists to collaborate on a global stage, exchange ideas, and enhance their skills. Moreover, it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose across Europe, demonstrating the powerful role that culture plays in building a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient society.”
The project will be co-ordinated by the Economic Development Unit in Carlow County Council in partnership with the library service and speaking about the benefit of EU projects to Carlow County Council , Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said “Engaging in EU projects is critically important for Carlow County Council, as it brings numerous benefits that extend beyond the local community. Firstly, these projects provide substantial funding that can drive innovation, enhance infrastructure, and support various sectors, from culture and education to technology and environmental sustainability.” Comerford continued to say “EU projects contribute to economic growth by creating job opportunities, attracting investment, and promoting tourism. They also play a vital role in community building, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. By participating in such initiatives, we ensure that Carlow and other counties remain competitive and forward-thinking, positioning ourselves as active and valued members of the European Union.”
Carlow County Council's project budget for Craft Works is €211,156 as part of an overall €2 million funding package. The project partners include Materahub, OECON Group of Companies, SEPR, NOVA ISKRA Culture Hub (Croatia), Creative Industry Košice // CIKE (Slovakia), Espronceda - Institute of Art & Culture (Spain), ARTE.M cultural association (Madeira), Center Rog Creative Hub (Slovenia), and Sensus. The project will formally commence in Qtr. 4, 2024.
Stacey Phelan, EU Project Co-ordinator for Carlow County Council said “We look forward to engaging with the Craft Community once again as part of this EU project. Craftwork 4.0 presents a unique opportunity to deepen our connections with talented craft practitioners across Europe. By advancing collaboration, innovation, and skill development, we aim to create a vibrant, supportive environment for emerging and established artists alike. This project will not only enhance the visibility of our local crafts but also promote cultural exchange and sustainable growth within the sector.'"
For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037
