Partners

Offaly LDC, Westmeath Community Development, Finnish Craft Producers.

Focus

Craft, Design, and Creative Industries.

Goal

Enterprise & Product Development, New Techniques.

Exchange

International Skills Exchange & Retail Opportunities.

About the Programme

CraftLink is an innovative programme developed by Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development in partnership with Finnish Craft Producers. This cross-border initiative supports the creative sector by connecting creative communities across Westmeath, Offaly, and Finland.

The focus of this project is the development and implementation of a strategically designed professional training and development programme for the creative sector, enabling enterprises to fully realise their talents—both creatively and commercially.

How Does CraftLink Support Creatives?

This partnership provides craft makers with a unique platform to overcome challenges such as isolation, coping with environmental factors, and adapting to industry developments. It offers practical training and mentoring to:

  • Develop new techniques and skills and explore the use of different materials to adapt current products.
  • Provide mentoring, training, and development supports required to bring businesses from inception to strong, customer-driven enterprises.
  • Examine retail and export opportunities in Finland and Ireland, offering exposure to new international markets.

Programme Content

The core focus of the programme is on business support and developing new creative skills. This includes Masterclasses and workshops designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in the fields of craft, design, and creative industries.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Exploring new techniques and skills and the use of different materials to adapt or create new products.
  • Dedicated 1-to-1 clinics with expert mentors in areas like product development, production and manufacturing, brand identity, fashion, and textiles.
  • Critical advice to creatives on engaging and converting audiences, and capitalising on the value of heritage techniques.

This programme looks at the marketing and promotion of craft makers’ work, providing essential support for building a profitable business.

Key Outcomes:

  • Learning how to utilize new technologies and the strategic use of e-commerce, social media, and retail events.
  • Support in the development of a digital catalogue for wholesale and retail purposes.
  • Business support and solutions tailored for all stages of your business development.

CraftLink creates a new platform for craft makers through a cross-fertilisation of skills with makers from Ireland and Finland. This builds resilience for creative enterprises adapting to new environmental challenges.

Networking Opportunities:

  • Participation in a Finnish Skills Exchange, including workshops and studio visits in Finland.
  • Hosting Finnish craft makers here in Ireland.
  • Collaboration resulting in exhibitions, such as the *Murmuration* exhibition, featuring work from Irish and Finnish designers.

Outputs and Activities

Focus: International Networking & Skill Sharing

Craftlink provides an opportunity to explore traditional skills whilst embracing the use of new and emerging technologies. Exchange activities have included:

  • Design masterclasses and skill sharing workshops.
  • In-person visits to maker’s workshops and networking opportunities.
  • Development of an online platform which showcases both Irish and Finnish creatives, thus encouraging meaningful long-term networking and business opportunities.

Focus: Digital Capacity & Market Outreach

As part of our initial Covid-19 response, professional supports were implemented to enhance the creative sector’s online presence and increase their market outreach. This resulted in the creative sector availing of a package of professional supports to enhance their online presence and increase their market outreach. This included:

  • Digital Marketing Training
  • New Product Development Training
  • Live Streamed ‘Meet the Maker’ Events
  • Development of a Digital Catalogue for retailers

Final Output: The Craft Collaboration Project

As a result of the increased networking and exchange, the creatives have now driven a Craft Collaboration Project, facilitated and encouraged by Craftlink, through the provision of training, documentation, photography, storytelling and promotion.

Output: The end result of this will be a professional **exhibition** showcasing the work developed in both countries this coming year.

Who is the CraftLink Programme for?

The CraftLink programme is designed to support the creative sector in Westmeath and Offaly, providing craft makers with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills.

Important Notes on Programme Status:

  • CraftLink is an Innovative Programme that supports the creative sector in Westmeath, Offaly, and Finland.
  • Creatives receive business support and solutions for all stages of their business development.
  • The current programme phase is closed.

Interested in Future CraftLink Projects?

Contact

Ready to take the next step? Our team is available to provide guidance and support tailored to your needs. Contact your local coordinator directly via the details below.

Although the current programme is complete, we are always working on new projects and initiatives to support the creative sector. To ensure you hear about any potential future projects, skills exchanges, or exhibitions, please register your interest.

Craftlink Contact

Craftlink Project

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Learn more about what we do.