Image showing the Innocrafts project on a laptop screen

About the Project

The Innocrafts Project is an Innovative Programme which provides craft makers in both Ireland and Finland with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills. It was developed through a collaborative partnership between Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development, along with Finnish Craft Producers.

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 in this sector to fully realise their talents – creatively and commercially.

Programme Mission and Scope

Project Mission: Training, Mentoring, and Market Access

Innocrafts provides a new platform for all craft makers through the cross-fertilisation of skills and disciplines between the two countries. Key aspects delivered include:

  • The necessary mentoring, training, and development continuity supports required that will bring businesses from inception phase through to strong, customer-driven businesses.
  • Helping businesses market and sell locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Examining the marketing and promotion of craft makers’ work, exploring new technologies and the use of e-commerce, social media, and retail events.

Programme Content

Focus: Product Adaptation & New Techniques

This pillar provides craft makers with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills and look at the use of different materials to adapt their current offerings of products or to create new products.

This will also feed into an enterprise and product development programme.

Focus: Digital & Retail Market Access

Innocrafts examines the marketing and promotion of craft makers’ work, looking at avenues for promotion and selling of craft products. This includes exploring:

  • New technologies.
  • The use of e-commerce and social media.
  • Retail events.
  • Retail opportunities in Finland and Ireland.

Resources & Project Outcomes

      • Case Study: Irish Rural Link recently completed a Case Study on the Innocrafts project for the HRN Leader Cooperation Case Study booklet. This study features examples of cooperation projects funded under the RDP 2014-2022
  • CraftLink Project: More information on the project can be found on the sister website for Craftlink.
  • Documents: If you would link to read about other innovative projects under this programme please do so below;

Next Steps

The Innocrafts Project provides a vital platform for craft makers to fully realise their talents – creatively and commercially.

Please note: More information on the project (Craftlink) can be seen on the website HERE.

Contact

For questions about the Innocrafts Project and OLDC’s involvement, please contact the main office

Main Office

Offaly Local Development Company