Twelve new members were elected today to Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland, bringing its total membership to 210. The new members were elected following a ballot at this year’s General Assembly, which was held at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin. This year there were 12 available places with 23 nominations. The 12 new members include prominent poets, visual artists, composers, film-makers and one writer. Membership of Aosdána, which is by peer nomination and election, honours artists engaged in architecture, choreography, music, literature and the visual arts, who have produced a distinguished body of work. The affiliation was established in 1981 by the Arts Council to honour artists who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland. In its funding allocations for 2005 the Arts Council provided additional provision for Aosdána, which allowed for the election these new members - the highest additional membership since 2001. The Arts Council funding for 2005 is €1,630,000 - an increase of €80,000 on the 2004 figure. Affiliation members may avail, under certain conditions, of the Cnuas-an annual Arts Council stipend valued at over €12,000 designed to enable the artists to devote their energies fully to their work. Aosdána Registrar, Paul Johnson said: “More funding will be needed to support these artists and other artists in to the future.” For more information, CLICK HERE