Save the date: Craft NI Maker Forum 2024

8 April 2024

Save the date and join us on Wednesday 24th April for the Craft NI Maker Forum 2024, taking place at Bangor Carnegie Library.

We’re delighted to be joined online by Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of the Heritage Crafts Association, who’ll be talking about the HCA’s work and support available for craft makers. He’ll also give a quick update on the UK’s forthcoming ratification of the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage and how we can take part in the government consultation.

We’re also delighted to welcome in person, two NI recipients of Heritage Crafts Association’s awards, damask weaver and lecturer at Belfast School of Art, Deborah White and jeweller and silversmith, Claire Mooney. We’ll hear about their experiences and practices since winning the awards.

This year, the Craft NI Maker Forum welcomes representatives from the Ards and North Down Borough Council, Arts & Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford, and Creative and Digital Officer, Niall Drew who will discuss upcoming opportunities, news and support available to makers in the borough.

There will be time for a Q&A and to network.

Deborah White and Claire Mooney pictured above

Forum agenda;

• 9.30am arrival and refreshments
• 9.45am start, introductions and update by Craft NI
• 10am, introductions and update by Ards and North Down Borough Council Arts & Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford and Creative and Digital Officer, Niall Drew from the AND Business Team

10.20am, short comfort break

• 10.30am, Heritage Crafts Association Talk, news, opportunities and support
• 10.50am, Deborah White Maker Talk
• 11.10am, Claire Mooney Maker Talk
• 11.30am, time for a Q&A

11.40am, short comfort break

• 11.50am-12.30pm, table discussions and refreshments.

*please let us know when registering if you would like a light lunch included.

We look forward to seeing you there, make sure to reserve your place by emailing lorna.towns@craftni.org or by calling the Craft NI gallery on 028 9032 9342.

Please let us know if you would like a light lunch included. If you have any dietary or access requirements, make sure to note them.

Register your place by Friday 19th April, 5pm.

Venue Access information: 

Bangor Carnegie Library have access for disabled customers, disabled toilets on all 3 floors and share 3 disabled parking spaces with the users of Ward Park which may be accessed via the intercom.

Unfortunately parking is limited but there’s free parking on the streets nearby including Park Drive, Prospect Road, Springfield Road and Moira Drive.  There’s also paid parking at Mills Road.

The room hired for the Maker Forum, named ‘The Curve’ is located on the ground floor situated behind reception. Staff and signage will be available to direct you.