Arts Council names Shona McCarthy as new Director
The Arts Council has appointed Shona McCarthy as its new Director, following her tenure as Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. She is expected to lead the organization as it manages increased state funding and expanded operations.
Why it matters
The appointment is significant for the Irish cultural sector, as the Arts Council plays a central role in state-funded artistic development and policy.
The Arts Council has announced the appointment of Shona McCarthy as its new Director.
Ms McCarthy, who is from Ballycran in County Down, is expected to take up the position in the coming weeks, subject to the consent of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan.
She joins the Arts Council from her roles as Chair of the International Fund for Ireland and a member of the Expert Panel on the UK City of Culture.
Ms McCarthy was Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society from 2015 until 2025. She has also served as Chair of Walk the Plank in Manchester and the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast.
She holds honorary doctorates from a number of UK universities, including Queen Margaret University Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.
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