Currently, three awards are open to makers in Ireland: the RDS Craft Awards, the Leitrim Design House Awards, and the Design and Craft Council of Ireland’s Future Makers Awards. Two awards are open to those not enrolled in education or recent graduates.
The RDS Craft Awards
Applications will open for the RDS Craft Awards on the 5th of May, 2025. It is a competition open to all craft makers living on the island of Ireland and Irish-born craft makers working overseas. The work of emerging and established makers is judged separately, with specific prizes to support emerging craftspeople. The Awards will be made from a total prize fund of €60,000.
The Emerging Maker category is open to individuals who aren’t necessarily recent graduates, and there is no age limit. Instead, there are these requirements:
- Focus on heritage, skills, and sustainable practices.
- Practice commenced within the past 10 years, with the determination to grow their craft at home and abroad.
- Work must be made and sourced in Ireland.
The deadline for applying is the 23rd of June. There is no fee to enter.
For more information and to apply, visit their website – https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts/craft-awards
The Leitrim Design House – National Design, Craft & Art Awards
To mark 25 years of supporting creative Irish businesses, The Leitrim Design House has launched the National Design, Craft & Art Awards to celebrate excellence in craftsmanship. The award stems from the organisation’s resilience and sustainability as a business over the past two decades.
As a reflection of this longevity, The Leitrim Design House invites makers, artists, and designers from across the country to respond to the theme of Reused Sustainability.
The overall winner will receive €2,500 and a solo exhibition at The Leitrim Design House in 2026. A Special Commendation Prize of €1,000 will also be awarded to a runner-up.
Deadline for submission of applications: Friday, the 27th of June, 2025.
For more information, please visit their website – https://leitrimdesignhouse.ie/blogs/news/the-leitrim-design-house-national-design-craft-art-awards
DCCI’s Future Makers Award
DCCI invites students and emerging makers* to apply for this opportunity to showcase their talent.
Future Makers is a DCCI initiative that recognises the talent, potential, and creativity of designers and makers shaping the future.
Why apply?
▪️ Win up to €3,500 to financially support your career
▪️Gain recognition for your talent, potential, and creativity
▪️Each winner will receive a mentoring package valued at €2,000
The deadline is the 20th of June.
* Emerging Makers – Currently in post-graduate studies in a craft or design discipline or graduated from full-time study between 2-6 years ago at the date of entry to Future Makers, and/or have established a craft or design enterprise in the past 6 years.
For more information, visit their website – https://www.dcci.ie/dcci-future-makers/apply-now
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