Shona McCarthy announced as new director of the Arts Council

Shona McCarthy has been announced as the new director of the Arts Council, with the consent of Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan.

Moving on from her position as Chair of the International Fund for Ireland, the Ballycran Co. Down native has a deep knowledge of the arts sector both in Ireland and internationally. She is a member of the Expert Panel on the UK City of Culture.

McCarthy was the Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the charity that underpins the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, from 2015 to 2025. She also served as Chair of Walk the Plank, Manchester and Chair of the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast.

She holds honorary doctorates from a number of UK universities including Queen Margaret’s University Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.

"Shona is a champion of art in all its forms and brings a wealth of deep experience in cultural leadership at home and internationally," said Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council.

"Her clear commitment to developing opportunities for artists, and access and participation for audiences, is shared with the Arts Council."

She will take up her role in the coming weeks.