As the year draws to a close, we have many IDI achievements to be proud of this year. 

We strive to amplify the views of our members at all times, championing design and communicating its value. In 2023 we made great strides with some key projects, further solidifying the IDI as the representative body for commercial designers in Ireland - giving collective strength to your individual voice. 

From developing our connections in the regions, to launching a sustainability platform, to developing new strategic partnerships and championing design in government, below is a snapshot of twelve months of hard work from our small but energetic and committed team. 

We simply can't achieve all of this without the generosity of our President Mary Doherty, our voluntary board of directors and many many others who so generously lean into our community for the greater good of all.

Sincere thanks to our partners, sponsors, and grant funders for their support in 2023; we look forward to continued collaboration in 2024.

And of course, we thank you for your membership and look forward to the next year as we continue to drive the standard of Irish design. 

 

Funding Success:

• Secured a second round of funding through Creative Ireland’s Economic Action Fund.
• Collaborated with the Western Development Commission and Sligo County Council to support designers in the West.
• Secured Climate Action Funds and British Council support for our new sustainability platform, Design Declares with the 100 Archive

Regional Development:

• Appointed Deirdra McBeth as Regional Development Officer to connect designers and enhance collaboration with growth industries.

Living West Forum:

• Hosted the first-ever Living West forum with over 50 participants, fostering engagement and networking.

Design Declares Sustainability Programme:

• Ireland became the first global adopter of Design Declares, focusing on driving sustainability in design practices.
• Launched DesignDeclares.ie in November with a strong commitment to further events with the 100 Archive in 2024.

Government Engagement:

• Continuing progress with Creative Ireland in positioning design in the Commercial Creative Industries space.
• Joined Minister Donohoe in launching the Action Plan for Designing Better Public Services in November.
• Began a programme of work with Enterprise Ireland to better engage design businesses in the supports available through EI. 
• Continued our partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design to better promote and understand design for all.

Member Opportunities:

• Introduced exclusive opportunities for members, including the Designer in Residence Program 2024 and participation in Ideal Home Shows. Negotiated discounts for Fontstand and EPDA.

Events and Initiatives:

• Supported various events such as the European Brand & Packaging Design Association Conference and TG4 Fashion Programme.
• Organized forums, Why Design, and FEED events throughout the year to facilitate discussions and collaboration.

Awards Success:

• Refreshed the Graduate Design Awards, attracting over 750 entries and holding a successful ceremony at Belfast School of Art.
• Revamped IDI Awards with a focus on sustainability, leading to the biggest-ever ceremony at the RDS concert hall.

New Board Directors:

• Welcomed three new directors: Aisling Farinella, Ann Kehoe, and Dr. Brian Dixon, strengthening the IDI Board's voice.

Community Engagement:

• Engaged with the design community through various initiatives, including the official promotional partnership for DESIGN POP in Cork.