Inspiring Makers Gather at Kinsale for Final Making In Symposium

The final Making In symposium took place at Joseph Walsh’s workshop near Kinsale, Co Cork, showcasing the talents of diverse makers from around the globe. This annual event, which began in 2017, brought together a unique mix of artisans, designers, and thinkers, all contributing to a vibrant dialogue on creativity and craftsmanship.

Organised by Frances McDonald, the symposium featured Glenn Adamson as the longtime moderator, guiding discussions that highlighted the intersection of art, design, and community. The event opened with a presentation from Tarlach and Aine de Blacam, founders of a successful knitwear business on Inis Meain, who discussed the challenges of operating on a remote island. Their insights resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and local production.

Canadian social entrepreneur Zita Cobb captivated attendees with her story of revitalising Fogo Island, Newfoundland, after the collapse of the cod fishing industry. Through her charity, Shorefast, she established a thriving community, including an award-winning inn and artist residencies. Her presentation received a standing ovation, reflecting the event’s commitment to innovative economic development.

The symposium also featured Peter Ward of Country Choice, who passionately advocated for local food producers. He shared a humorous anecdote about how a local farmer’s wife convinced her husband to allow her to pick the sweetest crab apples from the tractor. “Sales of food in car parks is of national importance,” he stated, highlighting the need for better market access for small producers. His conversation with garden designer Oliver Schurmann, who recently launched Mount Venus nursery, added depth to discussions on the value of local agriculture.

In a moment that combined art and fashion, Olivier Gabet, director of the Louvre, shared insights from his groundbreaking exhibition, Louvre Couture, which attracted over one million visitors. He discussed plans to explore craft and design further, stating, “The next step for the Louvre will be craft and design; we call it metiers d’art.” This forward-thinking approach was echoed by Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, director of the new Victoria & Albert East, who stressed the importance of cultural diversity in contemporary museums.

Classic guitarist Milos shared his journey, inspired by the legendary John Williams, and reflected on his upbringing in Montenegro, where music education was accessible. His performance left a lasting impression on the audience, showcasing the power of music to inspire future generations.

An engaging highlight of the symposium was the introduction of Frere Paolo, a French Benedictine monk and zither maker, by Niall Burgess, the Irish Ambassador to France. Frere Paolo demonstrated the construction of zithers and even shared the stage with acclaimed Irish fiddler Martin Hayes during a break. Ambassador Burgess also noted that the Book of St Gall, an important historical manuscript, is on loan to the National Museum of Ireland until October 24, 2025, marking a significant cultural exchange.

As the symposium concluded, Joseph Walsh revealed plans for a reimagined Irish cottage in collaboration with architects O’Donnell and Twomey. This follows a trilogy of innovative architectural projects on his family farm, including the Hedge Theatre and the Stone Vessel. Although he announced that this would be the last Making In symposium, he hinted at potential future iterations. His latest work, a monumental sculpture for the Irish Pavilion at Expo Osaka in Japan, promises to continue his legacy of pushing creative boundaries.

A documentary by Pat Collins showcasing last year’s symposium is available on RTÉ Player, allowing a broader audience to engage with the inspiring discussions and presentations that took place. This year’s event left an indelible mark on attendees, celebrating the spirit of creativity and collaboration within the global maker community.