Extension of appointments to the board of the Arts Council NI

The Department for Communities has extended the term of appointment of the Vice-Chair and two Members to the Board of the Arts Council NI.

Dr Katy Radford had been appointed for a term of four years as a Vice-Chair from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2019.  Her term of appointment has been extended from 1 December 2019 to 31 March 2020.

Dr Siún Hanrahan had been appointed as a Member for a term of four years with effect from 1 November 2014 to 31 October 2018. Her term of appointments had been extended from 1 November 2018 to 31 October 2019. A further extension from 1 November 2019 to 31 March 2020 has now been made.

Mr Cian Smyth had been appointed for a term of four years as a Member from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2019.  His term of appointment has been extended from 1 December 2019 to 31 March 2020.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Arts Council NI 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. It is also responsible for the distribution of Lottery grants. Its statutory functions are set out in The Arts Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
2. Board Member positions are not remunerated but attract travel and subsistence allowances. They require a commitment of at least 11 days for Board meetings, 4 planning days and approximately 6 days for committee meetings plus other time associated with the position
3. In addition, all Members are expected to ensure the visibility of the Council by attending arts events on a regular basis.
4. These extensions have been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published.
6. Biographical details of appointed Members:

Dr Katy Radford

Dr Radford has served as Vice Chair on the Board of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland for 4 years currently chairing its audit and risk committee. She has a PhD in Ethnomusicology and a background in international feature film production. She works at the Institute for Conflict Research and is a trained mediator bringing communication and inter personal skills to the body. Other Ministerial appointments she currently holds are on the Commission for Flags, Identity Culture and Tradition and as a Commissioner on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. She was awarded an MBE in 2011 for advancing Community Relations. Dr Radford does not hold any other public appointments and has not undertaken any political activity in the last 5 years.

Dr Siún Hanrahan

Dr Hanrahan is currently Head of Academic Affairs and Research at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin on an interim basis. She was previously Head of Academic Affairs and Research, and Head of Research and Postgraduate development in the National College of Art and Design. She brings experience within the arts field, as well as experience of equality issues, to the body. Dr Hanrahan does not hold any other public appointments and has not undertaken any political activity in the last 5 years.

Mr Cian Smyth

Mr Smyth is currently the Chairperson of Outburst Arts and has achieved a European Masters in Audiovisual Management. He is Artistic Advisor for 1418 Now, which is the UK’s official cultural programme for the centenary of WW1. He brings arts experience, and skills in equality and social inclusion, to the body Mr Smith does not hold any other public appointments and has not undertaken any political activity in the last 5 years.

7. Media enquiries to DFC Press Office on 02890823532 or email: Press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
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