Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism announced new membership to the Arts Council including the appointment of independent theatre and film producer, Pat Moylan as the new Chairperson. Six other appointments have been made to the Board, including one re appointment.
The appointments for the Arts Council, the Government State Agency charged with the promotion and development of the arts in Ireland is as follows:
Pat Moylan, Chairperson, Independent Theatre and Film Producer;
Louise Donlon, Director, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise;
Paul Johnson, Dancer, Choreographer and Chief Executive of Dance Ireland;
Fiona Kearney, Director, Glucksman Gallery, Cork;
Sheelagh O’Neill, Former marketing and tourism professional;
Caroline Senior, Artistic Director, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford;
outgoing member Orlaith McBride, Director, National Association for Youth Drama, has been reappointed.
The Chairperson and members announced today will join the six current Board Members of the Arts Council who are Maurice Foley, Deputy Chairperson; John Crumlish, Manager of the Galway Arts Festival; Philip King, filmmaker and musician; Aibhlín McCrann, musician and communications consultant; Alan Stanford, actor, and writer Colm Tóibín.
Speaking on Wednesday, Minister Martin Cullen TD said: “I am delighted that Pat Moylan has accepted my invitation to be the new Chairperson of the Arts Council. An exceptional businesswoman with a great passion and commitment to the arts, Pat Moylan’s unique management experience and perspective will enrich the important work undertaken by the Arts Council.”
Pat Moylan was Artistic Director of Andrews Lane Theatre for 18 years. As an independent producer, Pat founded Lane Productions and has a list of credits to her name including ‘Twelve Angry Men’, ‘Stones in His Pockets’, ‘I Keano’, ‘Alone it Stands’, the ‘Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer’. In film, Pat Moylan has produced the multi-award winning short film ‘The Breakfast’ and the successful feature film ‘Borstal Boy’, both directed by Peter Sheridan. In 2008, she was nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award for her contribution to the Arts.
Acknowledging the work of the outgoing Chairperson, Dr Olive Braiden, and the Minister said: "Olive Braiden’s ability to listen to artists, convey their passion and then advocate on their behalf has been very successful. I thank Olive for her professionalism, dedication and commitment to her role over the past five years."
On making the new appointments, Minister Cullen extended his gratitude to the previous Council members saying: "The Council’s outgoing members have presided over a period of unprecedented increases in funding for the arts.
Their dedicated role in overseeing the application of Government funding to the arts and their contribution to arts policy in Ireland during their term of office is very much appreciated."
