People

Damien McGlynn, Director

Damien is responsible for core programming and strategic and organisational development and partnerships, nationally and internationally. He has worked in the cultural sector across Ireland, the UK and Europe for 15 years, including as Ireland Director of Creative Lives and as part of the ARTIST ROOMS team at Tate and National Galleries of Scotland, delivering youth engagement projects across the UK as part of a touring collection of work. Damien was born in Dublin and studied Fine Art (Sculpture) at NCAD.

director[at]create-ireland.ie

Áine Crowley, Programme Manager, Arts and Engagement

Áine advances Create’s work to support artists and communities of interest and/or place to realise high-quality collaborative arts practice, through ongoing professional development support, project opportunities and the development of cross-sectoral alliances and partnerships. Áine coordinates the Artist in the Community Scheme, providing project and proposal advice and support, information and guidance to applicants.  Áine holds a BA Fine Art Printmaking from Limerick School of Art and Design.

support[at]create-ireland.ie

Keelin Murray, Communications and Publishing Manager

Keelin is responsible for developing and overseeing Create’s communications strategy across digital and traditional media, as well as managing publishing activity within the organisation.  Keelin works closely with other staff to ensure optimum visibility for the organisation, its activities and programmes, reflecting the organisation’s strategic goals. Keelin holds a BA in Music and Linguistics from UCD, an MSc and PhD in Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh.

communications[at]create-ireland.ie

Carolann Courtney, Programme Coordinator

Carolann is responsible for programme delivery both for the Creative Places Tuam Pilot and across Create’s programmes. Carolann’s work in Tuam engages directly with communities, artists and stakeholders to successfully realise the programme’s aims and objectives. Prior to this role, Carolann worked as the arts, health and wellbeing specialist for Kildare County Council, progressing the council’s specialist work to create high quality arts practice in health care settings. Carolann holds a BA Fine Art from DIT and a Post Graduate HDip in Community Arts Education from NCAD.

carolanncourtney[at]create-ireland.ie

Jennifer Fitzgibbon, Research and Learning Manager

Jennifer is responsible for the development of Create’s Reading Room and Living Archive of Collaborative Arts, as well as the design of professional development workshops and research and learning strategies in order to further facilitate cross-sectoral learning about collaborative and socially engaged art. She holds a PhD and an MPhil in History of Art from Trinity College, Dublin, and a postgraduate diploma in Library and Information Management from Ulster University.

research[at]create-ireland.ie

Fiona O’Neill, North East Inner City Community Arts Programme Coordinator

Fiona is a socially engaged artist, educator, and creative facilitator with over eight years of experience working with people experiencing forced migration. Her practice combines textiles, social action, and trauma-informed methodologies to create inclusive, healing spaces for self-expression, empowerment, and intercultural dialogue. Fiona holds an MA in Art and Social Action from NCAD.

fionaoneill[at]create-ireland.ie

Joeleen Lynch, CONNECT Programme Coordinator

Joeleen is responsible for the delivery of the Festivals Connect programme, a PEACEPLUS project in partnership with the British Council. Specialising in public engagement, partnership building, cross-border collaboration and project management, Joeleen has led numerous ambitious programmes across Ireland and the UK. She has worked with organisations including the National Trust, The Eden Project, DCCI, Business to Arts, Sligo County Council, Belfast Photo Festival and The Dock – Contemporary Arts Centre.  Joeleen holds a Master’s in Contemporary Curatorial Practice from Falmouth University and a degree in the History of Art from the University of Aberdeen. 

joeleenlynch[at]create-ireland.ie

Vance Wing-Sze Lau, Producer, Programme and Digital Media

Vance provides project and event management support for Create projects, professional development workshops and cultural events. She has also been responsible for developing and managing digital platforms, communications and audience engagement strategies for the Collaborative Arts Partnership Programme (CAPP).  Vance holds a BSocSc Honours in Criminal Justice from the University of Hong Kong and an MA in Cultural Policy and Arts Management from University College Dublin.

producer[at]create-ireland.ie

Mary Callaghan, Finance Manager

Mary oversees the overall finances of Create and supports the financial management of its various programs. Prior to joining the Create team, Mary held roles in arts management, community development administration, and ran her own creative business for nine years. Mary holds a BA in Visual Arts Practice from the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire and is finalising her MA in Financial Management from TUS Athlone.

finance[at]create-ireland.ie

Jane O’Rourke, Office Manager

Jane is responsible for administrative and operational support for Create projects and events. She works closely with Jenny on the day to day running of the office, and across the team supporting opportunities for artists. She holds a HND in Design from Blackrock Institute of Further Education and a BSc in Education and Training from Dublin City University, where she is currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing.

info[at]create-ireland.ie

Neil Ryan, Member and Affiliate Services Officer

Neil is responsible for the development and operation of the Vetting Service, including liaising with the National Garda Vetting Bureau, stakeholders and service users. Prior to beginning his role in Create, he worked as an art handler in Australia and as production and technical coordinator in both Ireland and Australia, working with artists such as Charles Blackman, Manon De Boer and Stephanie Syjuco. He spent a number of years managing venues for conferencing and events in New Zealand. Neil holds a BA in Fine Art from DIT.

vetting[at]create-ireland.ie

Jenny Corcoran, Finance and Operations Officer

Jenny provides administrative, finance and operational support to Create, working closely with the team to facilitate all programme, events and operations. Jenny has over 10 years’ experience in office management and people operations roles, and has worked in the cultural sector in Ireland for over 5 years. She holds a BA in History of Art and Architecture with Classical Civilisation from Trinity College, Dublin.

jennycorcoran[at]create-ireland.ie

Tatiana Santos – AIC Scheme Support Officer

Tatiana supports the administration and development of the Artist in the Community Scheme. In collaboration with Áine Crowley, Programme Manager for Arts and Engagement, her work fosters and sustains a growing and diverse network of practitioners and communities. She holds a BA in Journalism and an MA in Conflict Resolution, with research focused on de-escalating conflicts through arts and education. As a socially engaged artist, she is one of the leading artists exploring Brazilian rhythms in Irish dance spaces, using dance, talking circles and writing to transcend cultural barriers and promote social cohesion.

tatianadossantos[at]create-ireland.ie

In addition to our core team, Create works with independent researchers, artists and curators.

Currently working with Create are:

Karen Aguiar is socially engaged artist, producer and dancer. She is currently supporting the NEIC Community Arts Programme managed by Create, as Producer. As the founder and creative director of Go Dance For Change, a platform for intercultural collaboration, Karen envisions dance as a means of meaningful integration, individual growth, and collective action.

Evelyn Broderick is a visual artist, maker and ceoltóir. Her practice MAKING|THINKING is an open dialogue that evolves through the interactions of the communities she engages with. She is currently working with Create as Public Art Liaison for the Citizen Commissioners programme at Dolphin House in Dublin 8.

Graphic Design Panel

In 2023, Create is pleased to have established a panel of Graphic Designers, with which we will work over the coming years. These include Fintan Wall, Dave Darcy, Clare Lynch, Allyson Larkin, and Niall McCormack.