• Leitrim Design House is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting the development and success of designer/makers and artists working in the creative sector
• We provide a market and business support programme that works to create new opportunities, facilitate collaboration, and ultimately innovate and encourage the growth of new and established businesses.
• The Leitrim Design House is dedicated to the promotion and development of the art, design and craft sectors within County Leitrim and to providing a range of services and supports to assist artists and craftspeople working in the region to develop strong and sustainable micro-enterprises
• We promote the excellence of modern Irish craftsmanship through exhibitions of contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass, applied art, textiles and limited edition prints, paintings sculpture and contemporary fashion.
• We provide the opportunity for members of the public and business to become involved in craft and design through workshops, events and commissions.

History

In 1996 Leitrim County Enterprise Board commissioned extensive research into the art and craft sector in the county. The resulting survey found that the wealth of cultural entrepreneurship in County Leitrim had the potential to become a vibrant and productive sector, providing a new economic resource within the county.

The Leitrim Design House initiative, established by Leitrim County Enterprise Board in order to create a formal structure for arts and crafts in Co. Leitrim has become one of the most progressive craft, art & design clusters in Ireland and provides a clear example of how the talents of local people can be turned into a viable enterprise

The enterprise occupies a 1200sq ft unit comprising a dedicated showcase/retail outlet and exhibition facility, on the ground floor of the Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon. Rooms are available for training programmes, networking meetings and workshops. The building is wheelchair accessible and has an internal elevator.

The Leitrim Design House is considered one of the landmark tourist attractions in County Leitrim and attracts substantial visitor numbers into Carrick-on- Shannon providing positive social, economic and environmental gains for the broader community as well as for Leitrim Design House members.

The Leitrim Design House recognises the holistic nature of sustainable development. As well as assisting rurally based creative people to build stronger, more sustainable businesses whilst remaining rooted within their local communities, Leitrim Design House is involved in enabling positive social, economic and environmental gains for the broader community by delivering a broad range of training programmes and networking opportunities

Funding Bodies

The Leitrim Design House is funded currently through Border Action under the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2005-2007 Peace II and by Pobal under its Community Services Programme with support from Leitrim County Enterprise Board.

“Into Leitrim” is a Greenbox funded initiative. The “Into Leitrim” website and its accompanying book are virtual travel guides to the artists and craft-workers of Leitrim.

Board

The Company has an experienced and skilled five member Board of Directors comprised of producers and Leitrim County Enterprise Board representatives. Nine people drawn from the 65 members of Leitrim Design House provide additional support to the Manager and Craft Development Officer through the format of a working group. An experienced team of five staff assist in the day to day running of the organisation.