Galway creators chosen for prestigious design programme

TWO Galway designer/makers are among the 48 people selected for Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI)’s PORTFOLIO 2026/2027.

Joe Hogan has been selected for his basketry skills while Owen Quinlan has been selected for ceramics design.

The annual programme recognises those who create work that appeals to the high-end gallery market and demonstrates excellence in design, craftmanship, innovation and technical skill at a world-class level.

The two selected makers from Galway have a long-established reputation in their crafts not only in Ireland but around the world.

Basket-maker Joe Hogan has been practicing the craft since 1978, earning a reputation for making strong, durable baskets of the highest quality.

He uses natural willows grown at Loch na Fooey to weave his baskets including indigenous Irish baskets such as the creel.

Owen Quinlan on the other hand is known for his focus on the physical and communicative properties of ceramic materials and exploring how they connect us to history, culture and our lived environments.

Established in 2005, PORTFOLIO has become one of Ireland’s most respected craft initiatives.

Selection for PORTFOLIO provides a range of opportunities and supports for participating designer makers, such as inclusion of their works in the PORTFOLIO publication, participation in a curated biannual exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Kilkenny and opportunities for consideration for future international exhibitions and showcases.