The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Ireland announced the appointment of Sarah Glennie as its new Director. She will take up her new position in January 2018.
This is welcome news after a disruptive 2015 which saw mass protests from students and staff about conditions and governance in the university.“Students at the country’s leading fine art college demonstrated today against cuts and overcrowding they say are damaging the quality of their studies…” RTE Report, Friday, 20 Mar 2015. Former Director Declan McGonagle stepped down in late 2015, resulting in an interim and then an acting director for the past year-and-a-half.
Sarah Glennie, a distinguished leader in the arts in Ireland and internationally will bring with her extensive experience to her new role in NCAD.
Former roles include Director of IMMA since 2012, and Director of the Irish Film Institute (IFI) (2008-2012). She oversaw a major redevelopment programme, developing new ‘programmatic and organisational strategies that led to significant audience growth and greater financial sustainability.’
She has a vast experience of directing and working in numerous public cultural institutions in both Ireland and Britain.
She was Artistic Director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo (2005-2008), where she initiated a nationally and internationally significant programme, including The Eternal Now: Warhol and the Factory and an exhibition and unique performance by Patti Smith.
She was commissioner of Ireland’s participation in the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005 and has curated many other notable visual art projects, both in Ireland and internationally, including Romantic Detachment at PSI MOMA in 2004 and Stopover at the Venice Biennale in 2003. Her curatorial experience includes exhibitions and projects by Olafur Eliasson, Dorothy Cross, Paul McCarthy, Duncan Campbell, Jaki Irvine, Tacita Dean and Isabel Nolan amongst many others.
Her curatorial experience includes exhibitions and projects by Olafur Eliasson, Dorothy Cross, Paul McCarthy, Duncan Campbell, Jaki Irvine, Tacita Dean and Isabel Nolan amongst many others.
Professor Niamh Brennan, Chairperson of NCAD says:
“We are delighted to be making this announcement today. Sarah is a highly distinguished and experienced leader in the arts and we know she will make a superb Director of the College. As Director of IMMA she has taken the organisation through significant organisational and programmatic change, to achieve IMMA’s highest audience figures in 2016. Under her stewardship, we at NCAD look forward to a creative and dynamic future with confidence.
“I would like to thank and pay warm tribute to Bernard Hanratty, our Acting Director, who will be completing his time with us in August. Bernard’s commitment, enthusiasm, and many positive initiatives during this time have contributed enormously – and with long-term benefits – to life at the College. We all wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Sarah Glennie says: “I am delighted to be taking up this very exciting opportunity of working with the staff and students of NCAD to build a strong, creative and inspiring future for the College. At a time when creativity can make such an important contribution to our changing society, NCAD has a vital role to play as an organisation that can nurture and grow creativity in Ireland. The recent degree shows are testament to the depth of talent that exists within the College.
“I am delighted to be taking up this very exciting opportunity of working with the staff and students of NCAD to build a strong, creative and inspiring future for the College. At a time when creativity can make such an important contribution to our changing society, NCAD has a vital role to play as an organisation that can nurture and grow creativity in Ireland. The recent degree shows are testament to the depth of talent that exists within the College.
“I am very much looking forward to taking up the position of Director in January 2018.”
“As a graduate of the National College of Art and design, I am reassured with this appointment and hope NCAD can continue to thrive under her leadership.” (Fiona Doyle, Founder of The Artiscape Magazine)
