Catherine Martin, T.D. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has appointed Louise Donlon as the new Chair of the Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Committee. Louise replaces Kieran Hanrahan as Chair who has now completed his term.
Culture Ireland was established in 2005 as a Division of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide, strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation and increasing career opportunities for Irish artists globally.
In mid 2018, the Government launched Global Ireland 2025 which sets out a number of key actions across culture, heritage, business and tourism to be undertaken in order to increase the impact of Ireland’s global footprint. The initiative brings an unprecedented emphasis on the importance of Ireland’s arts and culture in the global arena and Culture Ireland, at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, provides the resources for our artists to showcase their work on the world stage.
Louise Donlon has worked at the forefront of arts administration for over thirty years and has served as a member of the Arts Council and on the board of Siamsa Tíre. Louise is currently the Executive Director of the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable in Limerick. Because of her expertise, Louise was appointed as a member of Culture Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee in 2021 and her appointment as Chair to the committee is effective from now until the end of 2026.
In making the announcement the Minister said “The Chair of the Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Committee plays an important role in guiding Culture Ireland’s strategy and also in the progression of my Department’s ambitions under Global Ireland 2025. With her many years of involvement in the Irish theatre and Arts sector, Louise will bring a large set of skills to the role and also a keen appreciation and understanding of the challenges and also the opportunities facing Irish artists today. I wish her well in her new position.”
On accepting her appointment, Louise Donlon said “The global impact of Irish arts and culture is quite phenomenal, exceeding that of countries much larger than Ireland. The investment by artists, arts organisations and Government continues to reap many rewards and accolades, which benefits all sectors of society and the economy. I am delighted to have been invited to chair Culture Ireland at this exciting time and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Expert Advisory Committee to continue the great work being done by Culture Ireland in showcasing Irish arts on the global stage.”
