Personal Summary:
Frances McDonald is an independent advisor and mentor working primarily in the craft sector. With a background in graphic design, marketing and public relations, she worked in advertising and tourism and was Studio Manager at Joseph Walsh Studio from 2006 to 2010. She has organised numerous craft exhibitions in Ireland and the US including Create, MATERIALpoetry and dubh: dialogues in black. She currently curates studio craft for the SO Fine Art Editions Gallery, which opened in Dublin in 2013. Frances has worked with a number of Enterprise Boards in Ireland, mentoring both craft networks and individuals. She also writes on studio craft and has recently completed an MA in Design History and Material Culture at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin.
Mentoring Experience:
2014 Mentor & Facilitator/craft network – Carlow Enterprise Board
2013 Mentor/craft enterprise (ceramics) – Waterford City Enterprise Board
2012 Mentor/craft enterprise (furniture) - Cork City Enterprise Board
2005 Mentor/craft network (individual business evaluation and development of marketing plans - South Kerry Area Partnership
Qualifications:
2011-2013 MA in Design History and Material Culture - National College of Art & Design, Dublin
2011 Certificate in Communication Skills for new Media - University College Cork
2011 Diploma in Management and Executive Coaching - International Coaching & Training Institute, Dublin
2008 Certificate in Effective Personal Productivity & Communications in the Workplace - Leadership Management International, Cork
1993-1995 Diploma in Public Relations - Irish Academy of Public Relations, Dublin, 1980 – 1984, Degree in Design Communications - Limerick School of Art & Design, Limerick
If you would like to make contact with this mentor, email enterprise@dccoi.ie