A major exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland will showcase the best of contemporary Irish craft and European design stories.
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has announced the shortlist for the 2026 RDS Craft Awards, a prestigious prize fund totaling €60,000 aimed at supporting the professional development of Irish makers. Twelve finalists have been selected to compete for the bursaries, which are designed to help craftspeople transition into full-time professional practice. The announcement marks the beginning of a significant cultural collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland, where the shortlisted works will be displayed to the public starting October 1, 2026.
The upcoming exhibition, titled 'Craft Lines – European Stories in Making', will run through April 2027 at the National Museum of Ireland. This curated showcase is not merely a display of finished objects but serves as the centerpiece for a broader regional program. The initiative will include a public forum, makers’ skill exchange activities, and various workshops intended to foster a deeper connection between the public and the craft sector. Schools engagement initiatives and live demonstrations are also planned to highlight the technical mastery involved in contemporary Irish craft.
By partnering with a national institution, the RDS Craft Awards aim to elevate the profile of traditional and modern craft disciplines, ranging from ceramics and glass to furniture design and textiles. The 'European Stories in Making' theme suggests a focus on the shared heritage and evolving techniques that link Irish craftsmanship to the wider continent. Further details regarding the specific makers and the full exhibition program are expected to be released as the opening date approaches, providing a comprehensive look at how these twelve artists are shaping the future of the creative economy in Ireland.
For UK-based creatives, this highlights significant funding opportunities and high-profile exhibition spaces available in the neighboring Irish market. The focus on 'European Stories in Making' also signals a strong interest in cross-border cultural exchange and the shared heritage of craftsmanship across the British Isles and Europe.
LoopEditions, our marketplace for buying original art, music and photography direct from independent creators, is at www.loopeditions.com. A machine-readable summary of this site is at /llms.txt.
This page needs JavaScript for the full experience. Read more about CreativLoop at www.creativloop.com.