Remarks at the official opening of Showcase 2012 - Ireland’s Creative Expo
RDS, Dublin, 22nd January 2012
Tá an-áthas orm bheith i bhur láthair ar an ocáid seo. Tá me buíoch dibh as an cuireadh agus an fáilte forchaoin a chur sibh romham.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am delighted to be here today to open Showcase Ireland’s Creative Expo. I’d like to thank Laura Magahy for her kind invitation to join you all this morning. I would also like to thank Frank Ryan and his team at Enterprise Ireland and all of the participating County Enterprise Boards and, of course, everyone whose Trojan work ensures, each year, the success of this important event.
Last year was designated Year of Craft and I was delighted to have the opportunity to witness first-hand the skills of dozens of talented makers and view their beautiful work when I visited The Irish Craft Village at The Tall Ships Races in Waterford last summer. I was struck by the enthusiasm of the general public, especially young children, in watching the craft demonstrations and participating in the craft workshops. It was great, and indeed very encouraging to see such a renewed interest in the skills of making and crafting.
Tá Showcase ar an saol le sé bliana is tríocha anuas. B’áit an éagsúil a bhí in Éirinn nuair a tháinig sé ar an saol, beagnach dhá scór bliain ó shin, seachas an tír a bhfuil aithne againn inniu uirthi; d’fhéadfá a rá gur tír an-éagsúil a bhí ann ar go leor bealaigh san am sin atá caite. Ba thír i bhfad níos neamhurchóidigh a bhí againn, ar ndóigh, ach bhíomar ar tí dul faoi athruithe suntasacha agus dramatúla agus sinn ag fanacht lenár n-áit a ghlacadh ar an stáitse Eorpach agus domhanda. Bhíomar, muintir na hÉireann, sách mífhoighneach agus bhí cuid mhaith dár muintire ar bís le gluaiseacht chun cinn agus an chuing a chaitheamh dínn agus gach a raibh tábhachtach fúinn féin a chaitheamh i dtraipisí, gach a raibh luachmhar agus sainiúil maidir lenár bhféiniúlacht. Agus cultúr níos nua-aoisigh á ghabháil chugainn féin, bhí daoine go leor a cheap gur cheart dúinn ár dtraidisiúin féin a fhágáil inár ndiaidh, agus iad á séanadh againn mar ghnéithe náireacha, mothaolacha, ciotacha. Ach bímis buíoch go raibh go leor daoine a raibh dúchas na cruthaitheachta iontu freisin; daoine a d’aithin fós an luach ann féin a bhí in imeachtaí mar Showcase agus an tábhacht lenár n-acmhainní saibhre cultúrtha agus oidhreachta a chothú agus deis níos fearr a thabhairt do gach duine teacht orthu sin agus léirthuiscint a fháil orthu; aithint a thabhairt do chion tairbhe na hoidhreachta sin dár bhféiniúlacht, dár bpobal agus dár ngeilleagar.
Showcase is now in its 36th year. Its birth, almost four decades ago, was in a very different Ireland from the one we know today; a past which was, in many ways, indeed another country. We were, of course, a much more innocent Country, but one on the cusp of seismic and dramatic change as we waited to take our place on the European and Global stage.
We were a somewhat impatient Ireland where many people, in their rush to move forward, were anxious to shake off all that was so important about ourselves, all that was most precious and unique to our individuality. In embracing a more modern culture, it was felt by so many that we had to leave our own traditions behind, disown them as embarrassing, unsophisticated, gauche. Thankfully, there were also many instinctively creative people; people like those who continued to recognise the intrinsic worth of events like Showcase and of maintaining and increasing access to, and appreciation of, our rich cultural and heritage assets; recognising the critical contribution of that heritage to our identity, community and economy.
Today, as we emerge from an era of mass consumption and consumerism, more and more of us are thankfully once again beginning to value skill and craftsmanship, to recognise quality, and to appreciate the uniqueness of what Ireland’s talented makers have to offer. It is both inspirational and apt that this year Showcase has gone back to its roots and is celebrating our fundamental Irishness, inspired by our rich heritage and landscape. As we become more interconnected and globalised, we begin to understand the importance of cultural authenticity, and the value of locally produced, well-designed crafted objects. As we can see from the work of Ireland’s designers, manufacturers and craftspeople on display here in the RDS, Ireland has so much to offer in that regard.
Throughout history, humanity has been compelled to make. In Ireland our heritage and culture is deeply embedded in crafted objects. The Book of Kells, the Tara Brooch and the Sam Maguire Cup are examples of symbolically rich, exquisitely rendered crafted objects that add meaning and value to all citizens of Ireland. While craft is continually evolving, and it can and does use technological advancement to its benefit, craft retains its ability to remind us of and connect us to our roots. Indeed, the work on display at Showcase 2012, and particularly in Creative Island, represents both traditional techniques and contemporary materials.
We must, of course, never lose sight of the far reaching economic benefits of promoting the craft industry. I know that Irish crafts primarily involve micro-businesses that are typically highly labour intensive. These craft businesses form an important part of many rural and local economies and communities. The new Enterprise Zone launched at Showcase 2012, is particularly encouraging, featuring new talent from 15 counties around Ireland under the umbrella of their County Enterprise Boards. These are small businesses with unique products reflecting their own county’s heritage.
While there are major challenges facing the industry, I believe that the underlying skill and talent of craft workers in Ireland and the positive market reputation for Irish crafts means that there is potential for growth. This means that the sector has the potential to expand exports, output and employment. The future of Irish craft lies in the hands of our talented designers and makers who run successful craft enterprises and in our emerging craftspeople who are studying or have recently graduated from a third level college or apprenticeship. It is inspiring to see the work of innovative and imaginative Irish craftspeople receiving wide acclaim on both the national and international stage. Irish creativity is something to be celebrated and we should all take pride in our country’s reputation as a world class source for quality and craftsmanship
Showcase has been for over three decades now, the largest international trade show in Ireland. I know that the event delivers real, tangible economic opportunity for Ireland’s leading designers, craftspeople and manufacturers, with over twenty million euro in sales orders expected over the four days of Showcase 2012. I congratulate all of you who are involved with this important and significant event.
I am very, very glad to have had the opportunity to come here today and see such wonderful evidence that our culture and creativity remains at the heart of much of our economic activity.
I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to all visitors from overseas. I know that the four days of Showcase will be extremely busy for you. However, I hope that during your time in Dublin you will also have an opportunity to enjoy the networking events and experience the friendliness and hospitality of our capital city.
I would like to wish all those of you showcasing your wonderful work here today every success in the future. I had the pleasure of meeting some of you earlier this morning and also enjoyed a live demonstration of glass blowing by the Irish handmade glass company from Waterford.
Finally, I would like to say that I am delighted to declare Showcase 2012 officially open for business. I wish you all a very successful Showcase and every good fortune in the coming year.
Comhghairdeachas inniu agus go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.