Royal Dublin Society
The RDS was founded in 1731 to promote and develop the arts, agriculture, science and industry in Ireland. In 1746 it established the Dublin Society School of Drawing, which later became the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). Since 1834 craft exhibitions have been held at the RDS and in 1968 the RDS National Crafts Competition was launched.
Today the RDS National Crafts Competition is Ireland’s largest craft competition and includes over 20 categories. The annual exhibition of prizewinners and commended entries is one of the highlights of the annual Fáilte Ireland Horse Show. The overall prize fund is now over €30,000, the largest in Europe. Independently adjudicated, the competition is open to designer makers based in Ireland as well as Irish designer makers living abroad. The competition and subsequent travelling exhibitions are recognised as valuable platforms for craft designer makers to gain both national and international recognition for their work and are successful in promoting the diversity of craft practice in Ireland. The competition has been a catalyst for many of today’s top craft designer makers, who in the early stages of their career entered and won awards and prizes.
Activities
Crafts Ccmpetition and exhibition
Who Can Join
Membership is open to anyone wishing to join, see details on website.