Craft businesses and designers get a shot at international success

Some of Galway’s best and most popular emerging craft and design companies will get a shot at international attention this month.

More than 100 Irish companies will get the chance to meet with buyers from around the world as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2023 Showcase event in the RDS, running from January 22-24.

Galway will be represented at the event by Irish Sock Society, Wild Atlantic Wicks, Sketchico Prints, writer Catherine Dunne, Martha Begley – Galway Fairytales, Orla Culligan Ceramics, and artist Fiona Concannon.

An initiative of Ireland’s Local Enterprise Offices, this is a special area of the Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest design talent. 

It’s expected that the event, which will see thousands of buyers from around the world, could generate millions of euros in sales orders for these artisans and artists.

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally.

Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland said that they are greatly looking forward to the return of their international trade fair.

“Showcase 2023. Showcase offers designers and makers the opportunity to not only meet and do business with buyers from Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe and Asia”.

It is also, she added, a “chance to come together to celebrate the creativity, the impact and the importance of the heritage of the Irish craft and design sector globally.”

“With restrictions linked to the pandemic due to be fully lifted for Showcase 2023, we look forward to even more buyer attendance this year.” 

In 2022 there were thousands of buyers from 25 countries in attendance at the event in the RDS and it is expected this will increase again following the lifting of Covid restrictions that were still in place early last year. 

Local Enterprise Office Galway has been working with the exhibiting Galway businesses on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.  

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