Josepha Madigan, TD Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has appointed Kieran Hanrahan as the new Chair of the Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Committee. Kieran replaces Kevin Rafter who has been appointed Chair of the Arts Council.
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 Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht, provides the resources for our artists to showcase their work on the world stage.
Kieran Hanrahan has worked in the Traditional Arts for over forty years as a performer, promoter and educator. He performed nationally and internationally for approximately thirteen years with the renowned traditional/contemporary group Stockton’s Wing which he co-founded in the late 1970s.
Since ending his career with the band he has worked for RTE Radio as presenter of traditional and folk music on the Fleadh Club and Both Sides Now. He was appointed presenter of the flagship RTE radio programme Céilí House in 1995 and was invited to take up the post of Artistic Director with TradFest Temple Bar in 2009. He is also a lecturer at the Conservatory of Music and Drama in TU Dublin where he helps develop the skills of students who are planning a career in music and performance.
In recent years he has taken up the post of Director Scoil Éigse which is the premier education programme administered by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Since 2013 he has revived the CCE National Folk Orchestra of Ireland.
Because of his expertise and understanding he was invited to take part in assessment panels for Culture Ireland, giving his opinion on music applications for Culture Ireland touring grants. Kieran was appointed as a member of Culture Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee in 2018 and his appointment as Chair to the committee is effective from now until 2022.
In making the announcement the Minister said
The Chair of the Expert Advisory Committee plays a key role in guiding and directing Culture Ireland’s strategy and also in the progression of my Department’s ambitions under Global Ireland 2025. With his many years of diverse involvement in the Arts world, Kieran will bring a large set of skills to the role and also a keen understanding of the challenges and also the opportunities facing Irish artists today. I wish him well in his new position.
On accepting his appointment, Kieran Hanrahan said
Having worked with Culture Ireland for some years as both a panellist and a member of the Advisory Committee, I have seen first-hand the importance of its contribution to promoting Irish arts and artists on the international stage. Within the Culture Ireland team, there’s a great energy and very positive engagement with artists in their career development. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Expert Advisory Committee in support of our artists.