Frequently Asked Questions

Photo: Silver and gold bangle (detail); Maker: Eddie Doherty; Photo credit: Eddie Doherty

What does Craft NI do?

Craft NI is the sector-lead body for the promotion and development of the design-led contemporary craft industry in Northern Ireland. We provide information and signposting for craft makers, training for small creative businesses, promotion and awareness-raising and we run the Craft NI Maker Directory. Our principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

I would like to apply for funding from Craft NI, who do I contact?

The vast majority of funding for individual makers comes from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, so please see here for opportunities: www.artscouncil-ni.org.  We run training to help makers make their businesses more sustainable – check out the news pages on our website or subscribe to our Craft Ni Makers and Industry Newsletter (Plan C) to stay up to date here.

I am thinking of setting up a craft business, who do I contact?

Local Councils and Enterprise Agencies are the main sources of funding and advice for small and micro-businesses in Northern Ireland, especially at the start-up stage. It’s a good idea to follow news from your local enterprise centre and we also include opportunities from local government in our newsletters and on our website.

I am thinking of applying for a retail opportunity advertised by Craft NI, am I eligible?

Unless otherwise stated, Craft NI opportunities are for designer-makers living and working in Northern Ireland. Read more about who we support here.

How can I become a member of Craft NI? 

There are a few ways to keep in touch with Craft NI. You can join our mailing list here for news about events, training and maker opportunities locally and across the islands.  You may also be interested in joining the Craft NI Makers Directory – see below for more information.

Craft NI Makers Directory

Craft NI hosts the Northern Ireland Makers Directory, the publicly searchable database of Northern Ireland Craft Makers which benefits from digital advertising and awareness-raising as well as SEO optimisation from Craft NI. Directory entry is by application only and an application can be submitted at any time, with decisions every three months. Clear selection criteria impart confidence in Directory users that the work is of a high standard.

Directory members will receive the Directory logo, a personalised QR code and and other marketing collateral for use on your own social media and will benefit from a range of promotional and awareness-raising activities throughout the year from Craft NI.