Making it on Rathlin – Craft Tourism

Design Fellow: Dr Pamela Whitaker
Co-Investigator: Dr Susann Power

Challenge

In supporting the professional development of the craft and artist community on Rathlin Island, this fellowship sought to promote creative enterprise through design of a creative tourism package, web platform, and printed marketing materials. The fellowship is aimed at advancing sustainable tourism, local community stewardship and visitor engagement.

Approach

Creative tourism encourages active participation and immersive experiences between local people and visitors. The design approach nurtures respect for local culture, authenticity, learning and mutual exchange. Creative tourism also contributes to the local economy, promoting island enterprise, resiliency and initiative.

Outcomes

The first craft tourism package on Rathlin Island has been listed in Craft NI’s August Craft Month 2025 directory. Local crafters received expert mentoring and training from the Director and Digital Development Officers at Craft NI. A dedicated webpage, marketing materials, and new signage were designed to promote artist profiles, monthly craft markets, and promote products from the island’s creative community.

Learnings

The partnership with Craft NI has increased confidence among participating crafters and enhanced their knowledge and skills on marketing, pricing and package development. This has encouraged makers to consider their unique creative story and product. The newly established monthly craft market on Rathlin Island has further supported professional development, enterprise and tourism engagement.

Impact

This design fellowship project has generated:

• Development of a new craft tourism package
• A new marketing and e-commerce webpage and platform
• Capacity building for local crafters and artists
• Collaboration with relevant industry bodies such as Craft NI and Tourism NI