The
Craft Connection
The Craft Connection
is the project of a group of craft producers from the North Antrim
area, who believe that the main barrier to successfully pursuing craft
as a full-time business and self-employment opportunity is the lack
of a marketing support service available to all small scale craft
producers in Northern Ireland, rather than a lack of business skills
amongst individual craft producers themselves.
As
a Community business the Craft Connection would aim to:
•
Provide a marketing backbone to support craft workers by means of
an active marketing plan which incorporates annual craft fairs/exhibitions
and permanent retail outlets;
•
Connect craft producers and hobbyists with the large retail markets
and networks open to those wishing to pursue craft as a part-time
or full-time business opportunity.
•
Bridge the gap between the small scale producer and wider market
opportunities through provision of marketing & business skills
and support and access to these.
INITIATIVES
TO DATE
- A retail outlet
at Sea front Centre Ballycastle Easter and Summer months also
at Ideal Home and Balmoral Exhibitions, joint stands for members-making
it more affordable for them. Organised Craft Fairs at both Northern
Lights Festival and Lammas Fair Craft people demonstrating their
craft at the Giants Causeway Centre - rota basis - a week each
from June/Sept.
- The Craft
Connection are currently supplying a craft shop, "Bazois"
in France.
- In September
1996 a group of 5 went to Curbiny for the International Craft
Fair.
Craft
Connections :
