The Arts Council of Ireland has welcomed the establishment of Culture Ireland, a new national agency to promote Irish arts overseas. Culture Ireland, chaired by Professor Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, will support artists and arts organisations based in Ireland to bring their work overseas. The Board was appointed today on the initiative of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, TD. Olive Braiden, Chair of Arts Council Ireland commended both the new organisation itself and Government support for the project. ‘This excellent initiative is yet another indication of the value placed on the arts by Minister O’Donoghue and we congratulate him,’ Mr Braiden said. Arts Council Director Mary Cloake, appointed as an ex officio member of the Culture Ireland Board, said she is looking forward to working with Culture Ireland personnel to maximise artistic opportunities for Irish talent. ‘This will greatly enhance opportunities for artists, for whom the international arena is a crucially important platform,’ she said. For further information, CLICK HERE.