GANS meeting update

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Hi felting followers…

Breda Fay here – the money minder – an easy job in the present climate as we have no expenses.

I attended monthly meet of GANS this lunchtime. Usually I just send a link to GANS but decided today to be more personal and share some news that might be of interest to you. Some of it has time constraints so if you’re interested link to relevant sites quickly.

  1. The POSTAGE SCHEME is going very well – €4.95 (inc VAT) for labels from An Post. The first consignment is almost gone so get your orders in quickly – A second consignment planned for before Christmas- this is a scheme for Guilds that can apply for postage rates from anpost.
  2. The Irish Business Design Challenge has been receiving lots of applications (final date 28th October). Many of the 250+ applications are still in draft form so you still have time. It’s aimed at micro, small and medium businesses with a prize fund of €50,000. Check out the website as it might be of interest to many of our members: https://www.dcci.ie/irish-business-design-challenge
  3. Business to Arts Fund is another scheme that might interest some of you. Will bring up an application of behalf of Feltmakers Ireland at next committee meeting. But some members might like to make their own submission for funding. Closing date is November 4th at 5pm and the project must take place between February and December 2021. Consult website for more details: https://www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland/
  4. Phase 1 of “MADE LOCAL” has been a great success – with very positive reports from artists and makers. Phase 2 is to be launched in early November – the theme “Gifting for Christmas” will be in time for the Christmas market. Brian Magee (DCCI) urges all makers to register. The form is available on DCCI site or you can contact Brian at brian@dcci.ie. This campaign offers great support to makers with a wide range of publicity on radio, Nationwide on TV, social media, etc: https://www.dcci.ie/made-local
  5. For the first time ever (or in a very long time) DCCI are putting out an open call to makers who create pieces of exceptional merit. I went to make coffee while this was being talked about – so will be in touch with Mary Whelan for relevant information!
  6. Many of the Guilds and Societies are in the same boat as ourselves. There was particular concern about the absence of the RDS Christmas Fair. BUT there might be some good news, covid conscious of course –
  7. Dublin Live have a market planned for the Smithfield area:  https://www.dublinlive.ie/whats-on/family-kids-news/christmas-mistletown-smithfield-markets-dublin-19030974
  8. Galway Christmas Markets 8pm November 13th
  9. Belfast Christmas Market Nov 16th
  10. Glow Cork Nov 29th
  11. Waterford Winterval Nov 23rd
  12. Wicklow Christmas Market Nov 23rd
  13. GOOGLE for others or changes
  14. MADE LOCAL hope that its forum will provide an online platform for craft work.

Thats it for now folks- stay safe and well.

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