Ards Crafts was established in 1996 by Ards Borough Council as a showcase retail craft and design centre for local traditional and contemporary craft. Its bright and contemporary interior provides the perfect platform for a rich array of craft, ranging from creative ceramics and decorative pottery to stylish woodturning, textiles, jewellery, mixed media and glass. Customers can avail of a wedding list and gift wrapping service.

Craft Development Services

'As the Craft Development function of Ards Borough Council, Ards Crafts has developed key strategic alliances to significantly raise the profile of Craft throughout the region and Northern Ireland. Craft is one of the Creative Industries sectors which is growing strongly and we will continue to support creativity in as many ways as possible' - Heather Parker, Craft Development Manager for Ards Borough Council.

Partnerships

Leonardo da Vinci Sustainable Craft Networks Project

'Ards Borough Council is participating in a two year project with four European countries; Ireland, Finland, Spain and Italy to investigate how craft businesses and the networks and organisations which represent them can become more innovative and sustainable'. Three visits have been made recently by both Council representatives and commercial craft businesses to Partners in Ireland (Louth Craftmark) and Finland (Vanha Paukku, Lapua) and Italy (Conform, Avellino). Further visits will take place to Spain in October 2010. Ards will host a visit in May 2011.

Project Updates and Information

Visit Sustainable Craft Networks .

Visit The Creative Peninsula . Partners' work will be on display at the annual Creative Peninsula Exhibition , Ards Arts Centre, August 2010.

Training & Development

Visual Artists Ireland

If you are a visual artist and meet membership criteria, then take advantage of joining this all Ireland network and avail of many important upcoming training and development opportunities for your practice. Follow the link in the 'Links section' at the bottom of this page.

Creative Choices

Creative Choices is the first online service to provide the tools, knowledge and networks to support every individual and business to get in, and get on, in the creative industries and cultural sector.

Follow the link below to take a look at this very informative site which covers all regions of the UK, or sign up to their monthly newsletter for regular updates on career development opportunities.

The Cultural Leadership Programme and Creative Choices are also offering a social networking tool for creatives, available through this site. Click on 'Networks' to get started!

Events

Creative Peninsula

Click the logo above to visit CraftNI for more creative events as part of CraftNI's craft month.

As part of Ards Crafts' meet the maker…series, Designer Makers will be taking to the stage on the last Saturday of each month, in Ards Crafts to showcase their designs, talk about and demonstrate their work. This event is free, however scheduled Demonstrations and Talks are limited to 10 places. To avoid disappointment, please contact Ards Crafts or Ards Tourist Information Centre to reserve your free place. For a complete listing of Makers taking part, Demonstration and Talk times, download the Meet the Maker Programme below in PDF format :-

Meet the Maker 2010

Art in the Loft

This year's Art in the Loft exhibition series in the Loft Gallery of Portaferry Tourist Information and Visitor Centre focuses on aspects of the Slow Movement within craft and design. It aims to convey the concept of taking time in the making it process, reflecting on heritage, sustainability, community.

For further Information on the Exhibitions and Workshops, download the Art in the Loft Programme PDF below :-

Art in the Loft Programme 2010

Other Support Services & Useful Links

Ards Crafts provides Business Support Signposting, access to training and networking opportunities. Useful information can also be found on the following links :

www.craftni.org

www.craftnidirectory.org

www.creative-choices.co.uk

www.ardsart.com

www.craftanddesigncollective.com

www.artscouncil-ni.org

www.ccoi.ie

www.visualartists.ie

www.sustainablecraftnetworks.ning.com

How can you contact us?

Ards Crafts is situated within the Ards Tourist Information Centre (beside the bus station) at the following address :

Ards Crafts
31 Regent Street
Newtownards
BT23 4AD

If you have any comments or suggestions about the services offered by Ards Crafts or would like to know more about our work, please do not hesitate to contact us either in person, in writing, by telephone, email or fax.

Tel 028 9182 6846
Fax 028 9182 6681

ards.crafts@ards-council.gov.uk

Our opening times are :

Mon. - Fri. 9.15am - 5.00pm
Sat. 9.15am - 5.00pm