26th July 2019
Opened in 2007, Space Craft NI was designed as a focal point for the commissioning, exhibition, promotion and the sale of craft. This College Street retail gallery is managed by CRAFT NI, which is the sector lead body for Craft in Northern Ireland. Space Craft NI celebrates and showcases local craft and supports Craft makers. Be Original, Buy Original!
We sat down with Lotus, the Gallery Manager to discover more about this artsy retail gallery.
Q & A with Lotus of
What products do you sell?
We sell locally handmade craft, produced by independent designer-makers. When you visit us, you will find a stunning selection of craft. From functional objects that can be used every day to one-off and limited-edition decorative pieces. Our ranges include pottery, jewellery, textiles, wood, hand-blown glass and much more. We showcase work from emerging to well established designer-makers.
What makes your products unique?
Everything about them is unique – from who creates them to how they are created and to how they are showcased in the gallery.
Our crafts-people use a range of traditional and contemporary techniques to create their work, we love to show and tell the story of this process. We do this by displaying information alongside each creators work about their practice and background, providing an insight into their craft.
Why do you think Belfast is a great city for art and craft?
Belfast is a friendly small city with a vibrant local art scene and it’s a great place to see and buy craft. It is wonderful to see that other retailers are also selling local handmade craft, such as, ‘Studio Souk’ in Ann Street, ‘Wrapped Up’ in Castle Court, ‘The Wickerman’ in High Street and those outside of the Belfast One area.
Belfast’s Late-Night Art event takes place on the last Thursday of every month, this provides a great opportunity for the public to explore the local art scene, we are excited about taking part in this again soon!
What’s next for your store?
In September 2019 we will be moving to a new premises in Royal Avenue.
This is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our range of local designer-makers as well as showcase a unique exhibition programme in our gallery.
We look forward to welcoming everyone there!
Some Craft that can be found in-store
Name of designers as a follows:
- Hand painted silk scarf by Margaret Jamison based in Lisburn, County Antrim
- Sterling silver ring made by Abbie Dixon based in Dundonald, County Down
- Handblown glass vase by Scott Benefield based in Ballintoy, County Antrim
- Slab built ceramic pot by Rory Shearer based in Ballymena, County Antrim
- Layered wooden bowl by Mark Hanvey based in Newtownards, County Down
- Embroidered cushions made by Deborah Toner based in Belfast
- Handwoven zip pouches made by Nicola Gates based in Belfast
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