Éimear O’Connor, Mark O’Regan and Ciarán Walsh have been appointed to the Irish Arts Council.

The three new appointees join a board of twelve members, which meets monthly — the other current members are Pat Moylan (Chairman), Louise Donlon, Paul Johnson, Fiona Kearney, Aibhlín McCrann, Caroline Senior, Judith Woodworth and John O’Donnell.

Éimear O’Connor (pictured) is an artist and art historian specialising in Irish art. She holds a PhD from University College, Dublin, and has lectured on Irish art in Ireland and in the United States, as well as editing and writing books on the subject and curating exhibitions. O’Connor was elected an Honorary Royal Hibernian Academician in 2010 for her contribution to the arts in Ireland.

Mark O’Regan is an actor who has worked internationally in TV, film and theatre. He has appeared in numerous plays at Dublin’s Abbey, Gate and Gaiety theatres over the last thirty years, including Juno and the Paycock, The Plough and the Stars, Sweeney Todd, The Field and All My Sons. Film credits include Into the West and Angela’s Ashes.

Ciarán Walsh currently works with the Department of Foreign Affairs where, amongst other things, he manages the cultural programme of the President’s visits abroad. In the past he has been General Manager of the Dublin Theatre Festival, Managing Director of Druid Theatre Company and Director of Long Road Productions.

A number of consultant arts advisers were also announced. Arts advisers roles include providing ‘appraisal and assessment of funding applications’ and ‘critical advice on work’. Music-related appointments include the reappointment of Peter Browne as Traditional Arts Adviser, Randall Shannon as Opera Adviser and Rachel Holstead as Music Adviser.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, who announced the new Council members, also welcomed the newly appointed Arts Council Director, Orlaith McBride who commenced her role earlier this month, replacing outgoing Director of seven years, Mary Cloake.

www.artscouncil.ie