Arts Council Ireland Chair, Olive Braiden, has revealed the new Director of the Council. In an announcement today, it was announced that Mary Cloake will assume the role of Director, guiding the Council into 'changed' waters. ‘Mary’s deep knowledge of, and interest in, the arts; her understanding of the needs of artists and arts organisations will be wonderful assets to her in her new role. We on the Council look forward very much to working closely with her in the exciting times ahead,’ said Ms Braiden. ‘There is extraordinary work ongoing in the arts in Ireland,’ said Ms Cloake, who joined the Arts Council in 1993 as Regional Development Officer and was appointed Development Director in 1997. ‘The challenge is to create a changed role for the Arts Council, which will ensure that we seize the opportunity to respond. Council and staff together represent a truly dedicated team. I look forward to working very closely with them and with the arts community in my new role’. Ms Cloake is a member of RTÉ’s Audience Council and was appointed to the Bloomsday 100 Committee by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue T.D. For further information, CLICK HERE.