Orlaith McBride has been appointed the new Director of the Arts Council. McBride, who takes over from Mary Cloake in September, is the Director of the National Association for Youth Drama and has worked in the arts in various capacities for fifteen years. She has previously served as a member of the Arts Council for seven years.
The Arts Council, the agency for funding and developing the arts in Ireland, had its Government funding reduced last year by 5%, a relatively modest cut in times of financial crisis. While it has been restructured in recent years, reducing its staff by nearly a quarter, the Arts Council’s successive years of cuts have had consequences across the arts, reducing the capacity of companies, closing several and prompting the introduction of new project-oriented funding systems.
Welcoming McBride to the position, Pat Moylan, Chairman of the Arts Council, praised her experience while invoking the challenges ahead. “Orlaith has already demonstrated her wide-ranging expertise and successful experience in the arts,” she said. “In her executive roles with local authorities and as Director of the National Association for Youth Drama (NAYD), she has proven her ability in delivering high quality arts experiences and building organisations. As a former member of the Arts Council, she has a tremendous strategic insight into the challenges the organisation faces.
“I am sure the Arts Council will benefit enormously from Orlaith's knowledge and insight and her work with younger people. At this time of economic challenge and creative opportunity, she will play a pivotal role in both the leadership and management of the Arts Council and will facilitate the delivery of the organisation's strategic objectives to enhance Irish cultural and artistic life."