Composer Rachel Holstead has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Ealaín na Gaeltachta. She commenced her new role on 1 June. Ealaín na Gaeltachta, a subsidiary of the regional authority Údarás na Gaeltachta, supports the development of the arts in Irish-language areas. The body employs regional officers in Donegal, Galway, Meath and Munster, and provides a range of funding supports.

Holstead, who is from Corca Dhuibhne in County Kerry, has been an Arts Facilitator for the Munster region with Ealaín na Gaeltachta since 2017. She was previously Music Adviser to the Arts Council from 2008 to 2013 and also served on the board of the National Concert Hall.

As a composer, she has written for the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra, and was commissioned by RTÉ to compose a short string quartet for Seamus Heaney’s 70th birthday celebrations. She has a degree in music from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in composition from Queen’s University Belfast.

Commenting on Holstead’s appointment, Tomás Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:

We wish Rachel every success as she takes up her duties as Chief Executive of Ealaín na Gaeltachta Teo. As a subsidiary of the Udarás, Ealaín na Gaeltachta’s work and activities support the fostering and development of a thriving, energetic and viable arts environment and contributes greatly to the enrichment and strengthening of the Gaeltacht community, language and culture. The company’s activities have grown significantly over the past few years and these developments will continue under the direction of Rachel Holstead.

Ealaín na Gaeltachta is currently recruiting a successor to the role of Arts Facilitator for the Munster Gaeltacht. Visit https://ealain.ie/tar-ag-obair-linn.

Subscribe to our newsletter.