“SHIP-SHAPE” ON MERRION SQUARE FOR OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN 2011

October 04, 2011

For booking and event information, please contact the Open House info desk: +353 (0)85 2392971

For media information, contact Annette Nugent: hello(at)annettenugent.ie +353 (0)86 6820971

Cruth Curach, a dramatic temporary pavilion based on the shape of currach boats, will be installed in Merrion Square during this weekend’s OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN (Friday 7 October to Sunday 9 October 2011). Cruth Curach will act as a venue for events over the weekend as well as being a stunning sculptural installation.

Winner of the ‘Craftitecture’ competition organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI), Cruth Curach was designed and handcrafted by architects Bulcholz McEvoy and Jim and Conall Horgan of the Galway School of Boat Building and constructed using the form of five currachs, in celebration of the Year of Craft 2011 on the island of Ireland.

Over the Open House Dublin weekend, the IAF and CCoI have programmed a series of talks, conversations and performances in Cruth Curach, the Craftitecture Pavilion, that reconnect the disciplines of architecture and craft. Highlights include: Cruth Curach: the story of Craftitecture - Bulcholz McEvoy Architects converse with Jim Horgan, Master Builder Galway School of Boat Builders; Clancy Moore Architects share their experiences of collaborating with craftspeople; Garrett O’Hagan shows examples from his collection of modern and contemporary chair designs and tells the stories behind them; the Craft & Architecture Walking Tour, led by OPW architect Angela Rolfe and applied art historian Dr. Nicola Gordon Bowe, which begins at Cruth Curach; and Pipe Up - a wake-up call with pipers from Na Píobairí Uilleann. A better kick start than coffee!

Speaking about the pavilion at this year’s Open House Dublin, IAF Director Nathalie Weadick said “Part ornament, part functional, Cruth Curach represents an exciting outcome of the meeting of two minds, that of craft and architecture. Both creative practices merge physically into an intriguing, beautiful and experimental sculptural form for visitors to Merrion Square to experience during Open House Dublin 2011.”

“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Irish Architecture Foundation on this exciting project to celebrate Year of Craft 2011”, commented Louise Allen, Education and Innovation Manager at the Crafts Council of Ireland. “The line up of events in Cruth Curach during Open House Dublin will give visitors a fantastic opportunity to learn more about craft and architecture in a unique venue.”

THE FULL CRUTH CURACH PAVILION PROGRAMME IS ONLINE AT www.openhousedublin.com.
All events FREE.

The Irish Architecture Foundation and the Crafts Council of Ireland would like to acknowledge the support of Walls Construction, ITS Global Solutions, 123Signs.ie andyourhandyman.ie in the realisation of this project.

For media information, contact
Annette Nugent :: annette@annettenugent.ie :: +353.86.6820971
Aideen McCole :: openhouse@architecturefoundation.ie :: +353.1.6768867

EDITORS’ NOTES

ABOUT THE IRISH ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION
The Irish Architecture Foundation, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 25,000 people taking to the streets in 2010 to explore their city’s architecture. Established in 2005, The Irish Architecture Foundation’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.

OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN 2011 funders and supporters include: The Arts Council - Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht - Dublin City Council - Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council - Dublin Tourism - JCDecaux - LUAS - RTÉ lyric fm - Temple Bar Cultural Trust - Open House Worldwide - Fundit.

ABOUT THE CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND
The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is responsible for fostering the growth and commercial strength of the crafts industry in Ireland, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality, design, innovation and competitiveness. Based in Kilkenny, the Crafts Council of Ireland has 72 member organisations, and almost 2,500 registered craft enterprises. Its activities are funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland.

Year of Craft, 2011
The Crafts Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland have designated 2011 as Year of Craft. The year is being celebrated through a diverse range of dynamic events and programmes at home and abroad to showcase the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland. Full details of the Year of Craft 2011 programme are available at www.craftinireland.com