Craft NI: Making It

Overview

Craft NI's making it programme is focussed on supporting designer-makers as they take their first steps towards establishing sustainable craft businesses.

What is making it?

making it is a model of best practice in craft enterprise development and aims to support:

• development of quality craft practice
• establishment of sustainable craft business
• development of a network of expertise for emerging craft businesses
• development of audiences and markets for contemporary craft

Who is it for?

The programme is open to:

• motivated, ambitious designer-makers who want to see their business grow within the craft industry;
• arts centres, educational institutions and other arts and cultural organisations that will benefit from a maker's creative input;
• commercial businesses in partnership with local cultural organisations and local enterprise agencies.

What’s on offer to makers? Selected makers will receive a comprehensive package of support including:

• Studio space, overheads and additional support services
• A place on Craft NI’s business development programme (currently running for the 2013-15 participants)
• Audience development and facilitation opportunities
• Makers may also apply to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s SIAP (Support for the Individual Artist Programme). This can be used towards equipment and other resources (subject to ACNI application). During the 2013 programme, this had the potential to amount to up to £9,000 of funding over 2 years. However, in light of the current government funding cutbacks, it is unclear if SIAP will be available in the future. A decision to participate in the making it programme should not be based solely on an expectation that you will receive SIAP funding.

What's on offer to host organisations?

• Professional, creative input from skilled makers
• Programme and audience development opportunities
• Strengthened links to creative industries & enterprise economy