This publication is intended to inform and develop effective board leadership within the arts sector. The six chapters in this 48-page publication cover areas such as: legal structure, role of the board, elements of a ‘good board’, legal duties of board members and the board and the CEO. The book was commissioned by the Arts Council and written by Ms Linda Scales, solicitor. At the release of the publication, Ireland's Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, TD, said: “Not just the Government, but any of the many patrons who support the arts today, want to be reassured that the money they invest is well spent. So a special burden falls on the many dedicated people who serve on the boards of the arts organisations which serve the arts in all parts of the country. The board of an arts organisation has its own distinct role, which is very much the same role as the board of directors in any commercial company. It is their job, and theirs alone, to set out the overall vision of the organisation, and then on a day-to-day basis to exercise the necessary oversight to make sure that the organisation travels effectively towards realising that vision. This publication is rigorously thought out and presented - and covers all the main points to assist board members in carrying out their important work”.

http://www.artscouncil.ie/library/downloads/BoardMemberGuidelines.pdf