Emerging Maker Categories
Future Maker Emerging Makers Award
1 Award of € 3,500
To reward excellence, creativity, technical ability and to give support to students demonstrating most potential to develop their creative practice beyond their current course of study. The Future Maker Emerging Maker Award offers professional support and the opportunity for makers/designers/craftspeople to build their profile at an early stage in their career.
Award for Sustainable Design
1 Award of €2,000
This award rewards talented and innovative designers and makers who embed sustainability into their practice. Sustainability can take many forms from responsible sourcing of materials, made to order production, natural dying and glazes, utilising processes or technology to reduce waste, reducing your products carbon footprint etc.
By applying for a Future Makers Support, you will automatically be considered for this award.
Studio Supports of €1,000
- Four supports available
To assist with the costs relating to the set up of a design or craft based studio/enterprise OR the further development of existing studio/enterprise. This support can be used towards studio equipment, raw materials, tools, fixtures and fitting, machinery, branding and signage.
Residencies/Training Supports of €1,000
- Three supports available
Towards the cost of national or international design and craft based residency programmes or specialised course in a craft and design discipline during college or summer term. Residency funding aims to support students in the development of their practice and skills and to gain experience of international trends and best practice.
Exhibition Supports of €1,000
- Three supports available
To participate in a relevant exhibition or trade event, to participate in an international or national student exhibition or networking event that will enhance learning relating to specific craft and design discipline or process. The Exhibition award aims to provide the opportunity to learn, network and build contacts in an international arena.
Pathway to the RDS Craft Awards 2023
The Design & Crafts Council Ireland's Future Makers Awards & Supports programme is the qualifying competition for the RDS Craft Awards. RDS Craft Awards offers five x €10,000 bursaries for emerging Irish craft makers.To be eligible to apply for the RDS Craft Awards emerging makers must have received a Future Makers Award or Support in the preceding year.
For more information, please visit the RDS website