Mary Cloake has been appointed the new director of the Arts Council.
In a statement issued on the 28th of June 2004 Chair Olive Braiden said
“We are delighted Mary’s deep knowledge of, and interest in, the arts; her understanding of the needs of artists and arts organisations will be wonderful assets to her in her new role. We on the Council look forward very much to working closely with her in the exciting times ahead.”
Mary Cloake who is from County Wexford, joined the Arts Council in 1993 as Regional Development Officer and was appointed Development Director in 1997. Previously, she worked as Arts Officer in Dundalk Urban District Council. She is a member of RTÉ’s Audience Council and was appointed to the Bloomsday 100 Committee by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue T.D. She holds an M.A. from Dublin City University and a B.A. (Mod) from Trinity College, Dublin.
Cloake said of her new role: “There is extraordinary work ongoing in the arts in Ireland. There is talent and ambition, which must be fostered and realised. The challenge is to create a changed role for the Arts Council, which will ensure that we seize the opportunity to respond. Council and staff together represent a truly dedicated team. I look forward to working very closely with them and with the arts community in my new role”.
For further info: www.artscouncil.ie
