Arts Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced appointments to the Board of the Arts Council NI.
After an open competition, Katy Radford MBE has been appointed as the new Vice-Chair of the Arts Council NI, while Jarlath Kearney, Roisin Mohan and Cian Smyth have been appointed as new Arts Council NI Board Members.
All of the appointments took effect from 1 December 2015 for a term of up to four years.
The appointment of Bob Collins, Chair of the Arts Council NI, has been extended for up to 12 months from 1 December 2015.
Five other existing Board Members, all of whom have served one term of appointment from 1 December 2011 to 30 November 2015, have been reappointed for a further term of up to four years with effect from 1 December 2015. These are:
* David Alderdice * Anna Carragher * Noelle McAlinden * Katherine McCloskey * and Paul Mullan.
Welcoming the appointments the Minister said: “I am pleased to make these appointments given the wealth of skills and experience that each appointee brings. Although this is a challenging time for the Arts Council NI Board, I am confident that each Member will be of great assistance to the Board as it progresses and leads in the development of the arts, particularly with disadvantaged and isolated communities and individuals.”
She also thanked the outgoing Vice-Chair and Board Members saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the outgoing Vice-Chair, Damien Coyle, and Board Members Professor Paul Seawright, Brian Sore and Professor Ian Montgomery for their dedication to the Arts Council and contribution to the arts sector as a whole.”
The Arts Council has a key role to play in developing and improving the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, and increasing public access to and participation in the arts. The Arts Council is also responsible for the distribution of Lottery grants. Its statutory functions are set out in The Arts Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
The Chair position attracts remuneration of £10,000 per annum. Travel and subsistence allowances are also payable. This post will require a commitment of at least 20 days per year.
The Vice-Chair position attracts remuneration of £3,500 per annum. Travel and subsistence allowances are also payable. This post will require a commitment of at least 20 days per year.
The Board member positions are not remunerated but attract travel and subsistence allowances. These posts will require a commitment of at least 11 days per year.
In addition, all Members are expected to ensure the visibility of the Council by attending arts events on a regular basis.
