The Stage

Cloake named Irish Arts Council director

Published Monday 5 July 2004 at 13:20 by Anthony Garvey

Irish Arts Council has appointed Mary Cloake as its new director, following the controversial resignation some months ago of Patricia Quinn in protest at the abandonment of a five-year arts plan.

Cloake, who was the council’s development director for the past seven years, has been filling in as acting director since Ms Quinn’s departure. She takes over officially later this month.

Despite the recent controversy, it is understood there were more than 30 applications for the post and that Cloake was chosen from a shortlist of six. The in-house appointment has been welcomed in the Irish arts community as it ensures continuity, following the recent turbulence.

Cloake, a native of Wexford and a graduate of both Trinity College and Dublin City University, joined the arts council in 1993 as regional development officer. Previously, she worked as arts officer with Dundalk Urban District Council and there was particular delight in the area at her latest promotion.

“I think she is a tremendous appointment,” said Declan Gorman of Dundalk’s Upstate Theatre. “She brings both great knowledge and sensitivity to the job and has a deep understanding of the world of the artist.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the the chairwoman of the arts council, Olive Braiden, who hailed the appointment as representing a real change in the council. “Ms Cloake has a special understanding of the needs of artists and arts organisations that will be important assets in her new role,” she said.

There was a perception, she added, that it was difficult to communicate with the council and she expected that to change. “We on the council look forward very much to working closely with the new director in the exciting times ahead.”

Cloake had been closely associated with the former director Patricia Quinn and the aborted five-year arts plan, which had been criticised in some quarters for attempting to dictate to artists rather than meeting their needs. In a statement on her appointment, she signalled a new approach.

“There is extraordinary work ongoing in the arts in Ireland,” she said. “There is talent and ambition which must be fostered and realised. The challenge is to create a changed role for the arts council, which will ensure we seize the opportunity to respond.”