Future Island-Island Impact Cards: Making it on Rathlin: Craft Tourism

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