Nine New Members Elected to Aosdána at 43rd General Assembly

Nine new members were elected to Aosdána, the prestigious affiliation of creative artists in Ireland, during its 43rd general assembly held on March 14, 2024, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The newly elected members include renowned musician Paul Brady, writers Áine Ní Ghlinn and Nuala O’Connor, writer and director Paul Mercier, architect Shih-Fu Peng, choreographer Mufutau Yusuf, and visual artists Alan Gilsenan, Orla Barry, and Locky Morris. This election increases the total membership of Aosdána to 250 individuals.

During the assembly, Maura McGrath, chairperson of the Arts Council, emphasized the significance of Aosdána within the broader arts community. She stated, “Aosdána is a cherished part of the Arts Council and of the wider arts community. Today we gather to celebrate the spirit of creativity while also honouring and remembering those members who are no longer with us.” In a poignant moment, attendees observed a minute’s silence for former Aosdána members who passed away in the previous year, including prominent figures such as Edna O’Brien, Michael Longley, Paul Durcan, and Michael Kane.

The Arts Council highlighted the notable achievements of the newly elected members. Paul Brady, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and musician, has been a significant figure in Irish music for over 50 years, influencing both traditional and contemporary genres.

Visual artist Alan Gilsenan is recognized for his diverse body of work that encompasses creative documentaries and feature films, alongside more experimental endeavors. Architect Shih-Fu Peng, cofounder of Heneghan Peng Architects, has contributed to high-profile projects including the Grand Egyptian Museum and the refurbishment of the National Gallery of Ireland’s historic wings.

Writer and director Paul Mercier is known for cofounding Passion Machine, which produced 12 original plays that toured internationally. His collaborations with the Abbey Theatre and Fíbín Theatre have included significant Irish-language productions.

Choreographer Mufutau Yusuf, who splits his time between Ireland and Brussels, has gained recognition for his performances with the Liz Roche Company in both Ireland and the USA. His choreographic debut in New York City occurred in 2022 with the piece Òwe at the Irish Arts Centre.

Writer Áine Ní Ghlinn, who has authored 36 books, served as Ireland’s Laureate na nÓg from 2020 to 2023. Her contributions to children’s literature have garnered considerable acclaim. Visual artist Locky Morris, known for his early works addressing the conflict in Northern Ireland, has since expanded his artistic vocabulary to explore personal and political themes.

Nuala O’Connor’s latest novel, *NORA*, which centers on Nora Barnacle, the wife and muse of James Joyce, received critical acclaim upon its release. The novel is available in multiple languages, enhancing O’Connor’s reputation as a contemporary literary voice.

The election of these new members reflects Aosdána’s ongoing commitment to promoting and celebrating the artistic endeavors of its members. As the organization continues to grow, it maintains its role as a vital part of Ireland’s cultural landscape.