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 Made in Sligo was established in 2010 as a not for profit network of craft workers who came together with the support of Sligo County Enterprise Board and Sligo LEADER Partnership to promote the very best quality of Sligo design and craft products. Each member is a micro business committed to making their living from their craft which is independently assessed to qualify for involvement in the brand. A constitution and membership criteria has been agreed.
The objectives of the project have been defined as: - Promoting county Sligo on a national and international level as a top tourist shopping destination for high quality, locally made, authentic crafts.
- To highlight and advance the visibility of the craft sector in the county thus ensuring the commercial viability and the future of our industry.
- To encourage and support one another to use the group as a resource to network and do business within our own sector and the wider business community on a countywide, national, and international level.
- Facilitate the development of members business and marketing skills
- Facilitate greater involvement between members with enterprise and tourism bodies in the county.
The craft businesses involved are at various stages in their development – from start up to well established makers. They use various marketing tactics and contribute annually to a joint marketing fund (€150 joining fee and a further €100 marketing fund payment due in April each year).
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
- All work must be made in County Sligo
- Work must be of a high standard and potential members must be willing to have their work adjudicated by a panel.
- Must be a full time dedicated craftsperson with a workshop that can be included on the Made in Sligo craft trail
- Must be willing to attend at least 8 out of 12 monthly meetings and get involved in group activities i.e. events, marketing & promotions etc
2010 was certainly a major kick start year for Made in Sligo. Launched just after Showcase, the group completed a Sligo Leader funded training course - County Sligo Crafts Development Programme which was focused on setting up network structures and marketing training.
Highlights of the year were
- Launch of website (including capacity to sell gift vouchers online) www.madeinsligo.com
- Launch and circulation of 20,000 brochures to promote the craft trail involving a 12 page profile with map and money off voucher
- High profile launch of project by Senator David Norris in November 2010
- Craft sales pod and plinths displaying capsule collections of Made in Sligo work used for shows, events and permanent sales presence
- Launch of a Gift voucher (online and offline) which can be redeemed in any Made in Sligo Craft Trail Outlet
- Group participation at numerous events – Showcase 2011 –with the key support of Sligo County Enterprise Board, So Sligo festival and other events
- Strong emphasis on social media marketing – the Facebook page had over 1,200 likes in its first week of operation and is now over 2,300
- Numerous press features including RTE’s Nationwide and national press
- A Yeat’s inspired Group Exhibition The Poetry of Craft held in Sligo to celebrate the Year of Craft
- Pop up shop in Tohers, Sligo for 6 weeks and a Christmas sales campaign planned.
New members will benefit from this important groundwork and contribute to new and fresh priorities.
Made in Sligo wants to expand the membership to create a strong network representative of key craft disciplines. Craftspeople are invited to apply to join Made in Sligo and to be part of this network of highly skilled craft workers. APPLICATION PROCESS The application process for membership of Made in Sligo is now open. Written applications are available by clicking here, supporting photos etc must be submitted by 2nd November. Forms must be submitted by close of business on 2nd November by email to
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or by post to; Made in Sligo
c/o Liam Kiely, Sligo County Enterprise Board,
Sligo Development Centre, Cleveragh Road
Sligo, Co. Sligo
Shortlisted applications will be invited to submit samples of their work for assessment on 7th November. The assessment is an important process, this is an excellent opportunity to join a respected & high profile craft network, so please put your best foot forward in preparing your submission.
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