Obituary: Denis Smyth (1936-2025)
6th June, 2025
The Arts Council has learned with sadness of the death in May of Denis Smyth, a former colleague and a significant figure in the development of theatre and dance in Northern Ireland.
Denis worked at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland from 1970 – 1995, becoming Youth Drama Director in 1978, then Drama and Dance Director in 1986. In this time, he was responsible for a series of transformative developments, including the establishment of the Ulster Youth Drama Scheme, Ulster Youth Theatre and Ulster Youth Dance.
As an actor, teacher and theatre director, as well as art administrator, his contribution to the arts extended far beyond his work at the Arts Council, as is marked by the heartfelt tribute from the Lyric Theatre to their former Director, which you can view here.
Our thoughts are with his family.