Craft NI @RUA 2025

Andrea Spencer, Siren Song in Harmonies of Sea Blue’, £750

Adam Frew, ‘Large Round Pot’, £1200

Caitlin Murphy, ‘Crinkle 45’, £425

Craft NI Showcase @ RUA’s 144th Annual Exhibition
Celebrating the Strength of Northern Ireland’s Craft designer-makers

The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA), Northern Ireland’s largest artist-led visual arts organisation, will present its 144th Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, from 19 October 2025 to 4 January 2026.

For the first time, Craft NI, the sector-lead body for the promotion and development of craft in Northern Ireland, will present a guest showcase within this landmark exhibition, debuting in one of the region’s most prestigious visual arts events with an exciting presentation of ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and metalwork by some of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished contemporary designer-makers. This inaugural partnership between the RUA and Craft NI brings together two leading organisations dedicated to nurturing and celebrating artistic excellence. The showcase will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of works, demonstrating some of the creative innovation, design, and technical mastery within Northern Ireland’s thriving craft sector.

To view details of the works on display and purchase, please click on the images below which will take you to RUA’s online catalogue. Please contact us at gallery@craftni.org with any further questions.

Caitlin Murphy, ‘Wavy weave’, £1050

Grainne Watts, ‘Flaming Float Vessel’, £650

John Piekaar, ‘Waterfall’ console table, £1650

The Academy has a long-standing commitment to recognising craft as an integral part of contemporary visual culture: RUA academicians exhibiting this year include celebrated ceramicist Anne Butler, glass artist Alison Lowry and renowned silversmith Cara Murphy, whose exquisite, sculptural silver vessels and tableware have been commissioned at the highest levels, including Downing Street and as the maker of four Grand National trophies.

The Craft NI Showcase will further expand on this celebration of material-based practice, featuring works by Adam Frew, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Caitlin Murphy, Celine Traynor, Derek Wilson, Grainne Watts, Jack Doherty, Jakki Trainor, Janice Gilmore, Joel Smith, John Piekaar, Mark Hanvey, Mario Sierra (Mourne Textiles), Patricia Kelly and Scott Benefield. From wheel-thrown porcelain to blown glass sculptures, woven textiles to meticulously crafted jewellery, visitors will encounter a diverse spectrum of work that demonstrates both tradition and innovation.