Chief Executive Announcement

Roisín's retirement will mark the end of more than two decades of leadership during which the Arts Council has overseen significant developments in arts infrastructure, public funding, cultural participation and partnerships across Northern Ireland. During her tenure, Roisín oversaw the investment of National Lottery and Exchequer funding, supporting thousands of artists and arts organisations through periods of considerable social, political and economic change. This investment has helped broaden access to the arts, support artistic development and strengthen the contribution of arts and culture to communities, wellbeing and the wider economy.

Under Roisín's leadership, there was a significant expansion and improvement of arts infrastructure across Northern Ireland, with the Arts Council investing in a capital development and restoration programme supporting 58 theatres and arts centres across the region, including the Millennium Forum in Derry, the Market Place Theatre in Armagh, the Lyric Theatre and the MAC in Belfast. This investment has helped strengthen Northern Ireland's network of cultural venues, ensuring that there is an arts centre within 20 km of everyone living, working and investing in Northern Ireland.

During this period, the Arts Council also developed programmes recognising the role of arts and culture in addressing the legacy of conflict and supporting community development. These included the Re-Imaging Programme, which supported the transformation of public spaces through art, and Building Peace Through the Arts, which encouraged community engagement and reconciliation. Other initiatives introduced during her tenure included the Local Government Challenge Fund and the Arts and Older People Programme, developed in partnership with the Public Health Agency to support participation, health and wellbeing among older people.

Roisín led the development of partnerships with Queen's University Belfast, the Education Authority and An Chomhairle Ealaíon, including initiatives recognising the literary contribution of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney. She also championed the introduction of the Inter-Cultural Arts Programme, reflecting Northern Ireland's changing population and the importance of supporting cultural diversity and participation in the arts.

Throughout her time as Chief Executive, Roisín has worked with artists, arts organisations, government departments and partners across Northern Ireland and beyond, contributing to the development of the arts sector and its role in cultural, social and economic life.

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, said, 

“It's been an immense privilege to have worked in such a wonderfully creative and life-affirming sector as the arts for all these years. My colleagues couldn't have been better companions on the road travelled, and I know I was fortunate to have one of the best jobs in Northern Ireland. Our artists and creative practitioners hold their own on the world stage and, consequently, we all stand a little taller because of them. Thank you.”

Nora Douds, Chair of Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: 

“On behalf of the Board of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, I would like to thank Roisín for her 26 years of dedicated service to the organisation and the wider arts sector. During this time, she has contributed to significant developments in arts funding, infrastructure and cultural participation, working with artists, organisations and partners across Northern Ireland and beyond.

We are grateful for her considerable contribution and longstanding commitment to the Arts Council and the arts community. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming months and wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

The Board of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has commenced the process of recruiting its next Chief Executive, with details of the opportunity to be published shortly. Roisín McDonough will remain in post until the end of March 2027.