RDS Craft Awards
The annual RDS Craft Awards showcase and reward excellence in Irish craft. Established in 1968, the Awards follow an RDS tradition of promoting Irish craft which dates back to the nineteenth century. The RDS Craft Awards is an open platform for Irish craftspeople to have their work assessed by an independent judging panel of Irish and international craft experts. The prize fund in 2017 is in excess of €30,000. Each year, the winning and commended entries are showcased at the RDS Craft Awards Exhibition during the Dublin Horse Show and prize winners are exhibited again at the National Crafts & Design Fair in the RDS in December.
Structure of the RDS Craft Awards 2017
Prospective entrants should read the RDS Craft Awards rules of entry.
ENTER 2017 RDS CRAFT AWARDS HERE
There are 10 categories in the 2017 competition. Entrants should reflect their primary skill when selecting a category for their entry. There is a maximum of one entry per person. Please note that a single entry can comprise a number of related items. Some categories (calligraphy & lettering, carving, basketry and leatherwork) are rotated every second year. In 2017, basketry and calligraphy & lettering will be included in the Craft Awards the following year carving and leatherwork.
2017 Categories
1. Constructed Textiles (woven, knitted, crocheted, felted textiles, lace)
2. Embellished Textiles (embroidery, patchwork, quilting, batik, printed textiles)
3. Basketry
4. Jewellery
5. Silversmithing & Metalwork
6. Furniture
7. Ceramics
8. Glass
9. Calligraphy & Lettering
10. Woodturning
Important Dates for RDS Craft Awards 2017:
Online applications open: 21 March
Deadline for applications: 14 June
Delivery of Work to RDS for Judging: 28 & 29 June
Judging Days: 3 & 4 July
Collection of Work not Selected: 11 & 12 July
Exhibition Launch and Awards Presentation: 1 August
Exhibition Open to Public Free of Charge: 2 – 4 August
Exhibition at Dublin Horse Show: 9 – 13 August
Winners shown at National Crafts & Design Fair: Early December
For further information please contact:
Dara O’Leary RDS Arts Programme Manager Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0) 1 240 7255 Email: arts@rds.ie
