Roscommon tapestry artist Frances Crowe is among 12 makers shortlisted for the 2026 RDS Craft Awards, whose work features in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
The exhibition, launched on September 30th, marks a new partnership between the museum and the Royal Dublin Society. It opens to the public on October 1st and runs until April 2027, with free admission.
Crowe is shortlisted in the established makers category for her tapestry weaving. The exhibition brings together six emerging and six established makers working across disciplines including ceramics, textiles, wood, glass, metal, jewellery and lace.
The awards have a €60,000 prize fund, described by the RDS as the largest of its kind for craft in Europe.
Curated by Dee Morgan-Smyth, the exhibition places contemporary work alongside the museum’s decorative arts, craft and design collections.
Dr Éimear O’Connor, Interim Director of the National Museum of Ireland, said the partnership shows how craft continues to evolve while remaining connected to Ireland’s cultural heritage.
The winners will be announced at the RDS Craft Awards ceremony on November 19th.
