Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly to step down at end of term

Maureen Kennelly to leave her role in June as Arts Council faces scrutiny over €6.7m failed IT system

Maureen Kennelly announced on Wednesday morning that she will resign as Arts Council director in June. Picture: Maxwells

The director of the Arts Council is due to step down next month, it has been confirmed.

Maureen Kennelly announced on Wednesday morning that she will resign as Arts Council director in June, at the end of her five-year term.

The announcement comes ahead of the Arts Council’s appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday, as the committee is set to examine the €6.7m spent on a failed IT system.

The expenditure prompted the Government to order a full external review of culture and governance at the Arts Council.

An earlier internal investigation by the Department of Arts found that the Arts Council was not adequately prepared for the scale of the IT project and that sufficient resources had not been allocated to deliver it.

In a statement on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the Arts Council confirmed that Ms Kennelly will represent the organisation at both the PAC and other Oireachtas committee hearings before her term concludes.

Ms Kennelly was originally appointed as director in April 2020, during the covid-19 pandemic.

“Maureen’s contribution to the arts in Ireland has been transformative and is recognised both nationally and internationally,” a spokesperson for the Arts Council said.

“Throughout her tenure, Maureen has demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and commitment to public service. Her principled approach to leadership and unwavering dedication to the arts community have been defining hallmarks of her directorship".

Chair of the Arts Council, Maura McGrath, said that Ms Kennelly was “truly of the arts”.

“For her, the role of Director was a vocation, not merely a job. Her commitment and passion were evident every day, and are widely acknowledged across the sector. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication and her loyal service to the arts community,” Ms McGrath added.