Damien McGlynn appointed as Director of Create
News
Create is pleased to announce the appointment of Damien McGlynn as Director of the organisation.
Damien has worked in the cultural sector across Ireland, the UK and Europe for 15 years. He is currently the Ireland Director of Creative Lives, where he has managed major public engagement projects such as Creative Places: Edenderry and the Get Creative Festival, while also playing a leading role in a number of Creative Europe and Erasmus+ projects. Prior to this, he was 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 the National College of Art & Design. He is a trustee of Waterford Healing Arts Trust as well as Engage and Sydenham Arts in the UK
Commenting on Damien’s appointment, chair of the board Clodagh Kenny said “Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted to welcome Damien to Create. He is coming to a strong and resilient organisation with a clear reputation in the field of collaborative arts practice in Ireland and abroad. Damien has extensive experience strategically managing the complexities of partnerships, stakeholder relationships and in realising creative projects. His experience and ambition make him very well placed to lead the work of Create nationally and internationally. The board and team are looking forward to working with Damien as he leads this next phase of the organisation’s development”.
Damien McGlynn commented on his appointment, stating “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be taking on the role of Director in such a critically important organisation in the Irish cultural sector. I’ve admired the work of Create ever since I was studying and I’m excited to build on that strong legacy and the outstanding work of Ailbhe and the team in recent years. I strongly believe in the transformative impact that Create, and the artists we support, can have in Irish society by leading and developing ambitious and innovative collaborative arts practice across Ireland.”
Damien McGlynn’s appointment sees him take on the position held by Dr Ailbhe Murphy since 2015. The board and executive wish to sincerely thank Ailbhe for her leadership, dedication and passion over the past eight years. Clodagh Kenny says “We wish to thank Ailbhe for her steady, and inspirational leadership since 2015. She has truly practiced the art of collaboration in all her partnerships, both externally and in her dealings with the board and team. She has continually highlighted the importance of the intersectionality of the practice and in our partnerships, leading Create to be a more inclusive, informed and outward looking organisation. We look forward to continuing this vital work in Create under Damien’s stewardship.
Ailbhe Murphy said “It has been an honour to lead Create over the last eight years. In these times of unprecedented change, I believe collaborative and socially engaged art has never been so relevant. It’s been my very good fortune to have worked with the fantastic team and board at Create, and with the very many artists, community partners and key stakeholders to advance the practice and to continually advocate for its relevance and strategic importance”.
Damien will take on his new role as Director of Create from 12th September 2022.
