A LIMERICK artist scooped a national award recently aimed at recognising talent creativity and potential of Irish artists into the future.
Ceramics artist Paul Griffin was announced as the Overall Student Winner at the Future Makers Awards in Dublin’s RDS Theatre.
Organised by the Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), Future Makers is an initiative which recognises talent, potential, and creativity in Ireland’s craft sector.
The awards aim to support the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise as well as fostering the growth of Ireland’s renowned design and craft sector.
The 2023 Overall Emerging Maker Winner was announced as ceramicist Cora Cummins from Waterford, with fashion designer Olwen Bourke from Dublin taking home the Sustainability Award for 2023.
Minister of State Dara Calleary said: “I’m delighted to be part of the prestigious Future Makers Awards 2023.”
“The design and craft sector plays an important role in terms of contribution to the overall economy, and it is an honour to witness the remarkable talent displayed by both students and emerging makers,” he said.
Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft and Education at Design and Crafts Council Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce the winners of Future Makers 2023, an initiative that recognises and rewards vision, innovation, and excellence in both making and the creative design process among students and emerging makers.”
“It was a difficult decision for the judges involved. This year’s winning entries are inspirational, and are the epitome of creativity, the future of Irish craft, making and design are in very good hands,” she concluded.
