Mayo designer showcased in DCCI's annual Made Local campaign launch

The Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has revealed its annual Made Local campaign for summer 2024 at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), and Mayo designer Lou Brennan is showcased in year's launch.

This year, as well as reminding consumers of the wealth of Irish-made products available, DCCI is issuing a call to action encouraging retailers to join the Made Local initiative.

Currently, 361 retailers across the country are supporting the Irish design and craft industry by stocking locally made products. The focus of the campaign, especially during the peak summer tourist season, is to increase accessibility to experience Irish craft first-hand.

Last year, 1,355 DCCI designers and makers and 350 retailers took part in Made Local. A survey, conducted by Amárach on behalf of DCCI in March 2024, looked at the purchasing habits of Irish consumers in relation to Made Local and Irish craft and design.

One quarter of those who took part in the survey considered it ‘very important’ to buy Irish when buying a craft item or gift. Supporting local makers and small businesses is key to economic growth in the craft sector. Of those surveyed, two in five (43%) have purchased an Irish made craft item in the past year. The top factors that influence decision-making when buying Irish craft and Irish made products is the quality and design (64%) followed closely by wanting to support the local economy (61%).

The craft and design sector in Ireland continues its growth trajectory, which highlights the importance of campaigns like Made Local. Employment has risen from 59,000 to 63,000 for those directly employed in the design and craft sector, and year on year growth in design as a sector shows that there are now more than 14,000 design businesses operating alongside 7,000 craft businesses.

Made Local highlights the originality, quality and value of Irish designed and craft-made products. It is a reminder to people that buying locally produced, well-crafted products is much more meaningful, sustainable and impactful. Whilst travelling and visiting Ireland this summer, consider purchases carefully by choosing Made Local and discover the unique gift of Irish craft.

Commenting on the launch of Made Local 2024, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Peter Burke, said: “Made Local is vital to the craft sector in Ireland, it is crucial that we support our local craftspeople and small business owners and it’s a key factor to the success of our economy. We have seen an increase in the number of people who are aware of Made Local since last year and we would hope to increase this number next year. We want to continue to encourage those traveling to purchase locally made products in Ireland this summer.”

Adding to this, head of digital and communications at DCCI, Suzy O’Keefe, said: “Purchasing Irish made craft items not only helps local crafts people and makers, it creates a personal and lasting connection with the piece, or the place, or the person who might receive them as a gift. Buying Irish made craft items will contribute to the success of those participating in the Made Local campaign.

Just over 43% of those studied have purchased an Irish made craft item in the past year, remaining consistent with 2023 figures. We are aiming to increase this number to over 50%, and that is why we’re calling on retailers in Ireland to become a Made Local member to help boost their own sales and support the design and crafts industry.”

Director of MoLI, Simon O’Connor, commented: “Here at MoLI, we are very proud to be a retail member of the Made Local initiative and we’re honoured to have so many talented makers stocked here in our gift store. Made Local aligns with our mission to support the design and craft industry by showcasing the rich cultural heritage and local craftsmanship of designers and makers in Ireland. We look forward to collaborating with more talented artisans and contributing to the vibrant future of Irish design and craft.”

For a full list of Irish craft and design makers and retailers participating in Made Local 2024, visit DCCI’s online directory at www.madelocal.ie where consumers can search for makers and the products they want, by location.