Rory O’ Neill, aka Panti Bliss, a graduate of the Graphic Design programme at IADT in the early 1990’s, is to be honoured with the award of lifelong Honorary Fellow for his "outstanding contribution, both as Rory O’ Neill and as Panti Bliss, to popular debate and as a performer/activist in the field of sexual identity and politics, and for the promotion of gay rights in Ireland".
IADT is Ireland’s only specialist Institute of Technology for the Creative and Cultural Industries and is one that promotes informed debate and awareness of cultural shifts, with a particular concern for Visual and Performing Arts. IADT has stated that the contribution of Panti Bliss through performance and public debate represents the best of IADT’s graduate spirit, challenging informed, compassionate, creative and honest. Rory’s final graduation show included one of his first performances in drag.
Dr Annie Doona President of IADT said: "IADT is delighted to be honouring our graduate Rory for his outstanding contribution to gay rights in Ireland and for his contribution to evolving culture nationally and internationally, both as himself and as the lovely Panti Bliss“.
The award of Honorary Fellow and the presentation of the Fellow’s medal will be made to Rory at the annual IADT Conferring ceremony at the RDS on Wednesday 18th November. The ceremony starts at 3.00pm.
Read our interview with Rory O'Neill and 'Queen of Ireland' director Conor Horgan here.
