The former boss of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy has been announced as the new director of the Arts Council
She is leaving the job of Chair of the International Fund for Ireland to take up her new position within a few weeks.
Ms McCarthy was Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for ten years until last year, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh Napier University. She will now head up the Irish body from its base in Dublin. The Arts Council say that Ms McCarthy brings a wealth of senior leadership experience, as well as a deep knowledge of the arts sector both in Ireland and internationally.
Maura McGrath Chair of the Arts Council of Ireland said: “The Arts Council welcomes the appointment of Shona McCarthy to the role of Director. Shona is a champion of art in all its forms and brings a wealth of deep experience in cultural leadership at home and internationally. Her clear commitment to developing opportunities for artists, and access and participation for audiences, is shared with the Arts Council.
“Her leadership will bring a new perspective and a fresh focus to the organisation’s work, as it continues to develop the arts in Ireland on behalf of the State. The Arts Council and the sector will benefit greatly from her expertise and vision.
‘I wish to extend sincere thanks to Moling Ryan for his contributions as Interim Director. He brought a steadying hand to the organisation at a time of great challenge and reset. Today’s appointment continues this process of renewal for the organisation.”
It was under the leadership of Ms McCarthy that the EFFS received funding from the UK Government to allow it to renovate and subsequently move into the former South Bridge Community Resource Centre, a Grade B listed building on Infirmary Street as the new hub called Fringe Central.
In 2025 Ms MCarthy said: “The conversion of South Bridge Resource Centre into a year-round Fringe home will allow local cultural and community organisations and Fringe artists the opportunity to utilise this space as well as being a new space for the Fringe Society team.It will allow a permanent home for our August community hub, known as Fringe Central, which artists, arts industry, media and international delegates access each summer for events, networking and industry gatherings. This is a significant moment for the Fringe in ensuring a permanent home for the festival.”
