Druidstone 2026 Participants

Heather Maitland has worked in Ireland as an arts consultant and trainer since 2004 when she designed and led the first Druidstone Ireland course for Theatre Forum (now Performing Arts Forum).

She has an excellent understanding of Ireland’s cultural organisations having delivered annual audience analysis and consultancy sessions to more than 50 of its theatres, cinemas, arts centres and festivals for 12 years.  She has worked across Europe in a wide range of artforms including visual arts, contemporary dance, theatre for young audiences, cinema, music and digital media.

Most recently, she has helped the Linenhall in Castlebar engage communities across Mayo to co-design their new Five-Year Plan.  She has just completed a review of Culture Night and a review of policies on artists’ pay and conditions involving the creation of a toolkit to support pay policy development, both for the Arts Council and both with Janice McAdam.  As a researcher, she specialises in large-scale, collaborative customer data analysis projects, impact studies and in-depth qualitative research. She first worked with Katy Raines in 1992 and since 2020 they have cooperated on research projects for Performing Arts Forum.

Heather supported over 100 organisations with audience, business and art form development as head of two of the UK’s audience development agencies.  She has nine books on arts marketing and audience development to her credit and has delivered seminars and training programmes throughout the UK, Ireland and worldwide including China, Syria, Colombia and Zimbabwe.

Katy Raines MA MBA (CEO, Indigo-Ltd) is regarded as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading consultants on data-driven strategy for Cultural Organisations. She has developed and led research and implementation programmes for large and middle scale organisations throughout the UK and Europe.

During Covid-19 she developed and delivered the world’s largest collaborative dataset of cultural attenders’ attitudes to returning to cultural events, beginning with After-The-Interval, and working with over 800 organisations – capturing over ½ million responses from attenders, for which Indigo won several awards, and Katy won a UK national award for Outstanding Leadership (Covid Response Awards).

Working with Heather Maitland she ran ‘Missing Audiences Ireland’ in 2022 and appeared on RTÉ’s Culture Files to explore and discuss the findings.

Since then she has led Indigo’s growth, to launch Indigo Share – a new collaborative approach to research across the Arts and Culture and is a finalist in the British Data Awards 2024.
www.indigo-ltd.com @katyraines @indigoltd

Mairead Burke is a freelance arts worker specialising in festivals and film based in Donegal.

Coming from a background in hospitality management and 10 years in Dublin, she  returned home to Donegal to start her journey into the arts sector just over a year ago. She is now filling her calendar with seasonal festival jobs on top of a part time role with the smartphone filmmaking training company Póca Productions, based in Letterkenny.

Mairead’s festival experience varies from pre-production to live event work including roles at Electric Picnic and Borris Festival of Writing and Ideas. Closer to home, she focuses on the Donegal film scene working at Disappear Here Film Festival in October and Rathmullan Film Festival which will run in February, for the latter she is about to start her second year running the marketing campaign.

Mairead took part in the pilot programme of Administrative & Project Management Skills for the Creative & Cultural Sectors run by Skillnet in 2024. Building on this, she is currently doing a post-grad diploma in Cultural Event Management in IADT.

Liza Cox is Sales and Marketing Manager for Axis Ballymun. She has experience in arts marketing, production, communications and development, with companies including Rough Magic, Lords of Strut, and THISISPOPBABY.

She has also worked with international companies including Footsbarn and Thingumajig Theatre. Liza sits on the Arts Council Peer Panel, and has worked as an expert assessor for Creative Europe. She has an artistic practice as a physical and visual theatre artist, designer, and director. She co-founded Baubo Theatre, of which she was Artistic Director, a company combining concept-driven and design-led creation with traditions of clown, bouffon, street theatre and puppetry. She has had work programmed in festivals in Ireland and across Europe, including Spraoi, EAF, the Charleville-Mezières Festival Mondiale du Théâtre de Marionettes, Titirijai, and Footsbarn en Fête.

Liza trained in the Lecoq methodology and with the Curious School of Puppetry in London, and holds an MA in Performance Design.

Sara Cregan is Producer with Rough Magic, one of Ireland’s leading independent theatre companies.

Previously she was a Producer with Once Off Productions and was Associate Producer with Landmark Productions for a decade. She has worked across a vast range of productions spanning every possible context including festivals, venues of all sizes and even theatre for one.

Victoria Curtis, Marketing Executive , Cork Opera House

Victoria is an experienced Marketing Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the performing arts and events industries. With a BA First Class Honours degree in New Media and a postgraduate diploma in Digital Marketing from MTU, Victoria brought 6 years marketing experience and a passion for musical theatre to Cork Opera House when she took up her role as Marketing Executive in 2023. Her day to day role includes strategising and implementing campaigns that promote the theatre’s in-house productions as well as commercial touring productions.

Victoria hails from Mallow, Co.Cork and in 2017 co-founded the Mallow Arts Festival with her father. She loves to co-ordinate events that bring local communities together and promote the flourishing arts industry in Ireland.

Victoria was also a committee member of Network Cork in 2025 where she organised monthly networking events and panel discussions relating to business, sustainability and wellness.

Aaron Dobson oversees communications, marketing, and public relations for The Dock Arts Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

Aaron received a BSc in Multimedia from Dublin City University in 2021 and, alongside his group, achieved the highest grade for a thesis project in the history of DCU’s School of Communications for their work on an accessible music-centric video game.

Seán Feeny is the Marketing, PR & Development Manager with Earagail Arts Festival in County Donegal.

Working with the festival since 2018, he manages the festival’s communications, audience engagement, and development initiatives. In this role, he works closely with artists, partners, and local organisations to support the delivery and promotion of a wide range of arts projects and events during the festival.

Jack Fitzgerald is a creative and community-minded arts professional with a passion for connecting people through culture. With experience across festivals, galleries, and community projects, they bring a thoughtful, hands-on approach to digital marketing, event promotion, and audience engagement.

Jack has worked with organisations such as Tipperary Dance, The Promenade, and Creative Places Tipperary Town, helping to share stories that celebrate artists and inspire participation. Skilled in social media strategy, content creation, and collaborative campaign planning, they love finding new ways to make the arts accessible and engaging for everyone. Drawing on a background in visual communication and community development, They blends creativity with purpose, building connections, and celebrating inclusivity. Jack bringing energy and heart to every project they’re part of.

Muriel Foxton is Marketing and Communications Manager at VISUAL Carlow, one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres.

She has twelve years’ experience in arts marketing, including roles at VISUAL, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and a freelance role with South Dublin County Council’s Arts Office, where she worked on the Public Art Programme, In Context 4. She leads marketing and communications initiatives that drive awareness and engagement and connect audiences with VISUAL’s diverse programme of exhibitions, performances and events.

Ciarán Gallagher is an Arts Marketing Executive and Theatre Practitioner from Dublin. After graduating from UCD in 2016 with a BA in English and Drama, he began to work as a freelance Director, Designer and Production Manager.

In 2019 Ciarán completed a Certificate in Digital Marketing with DBS, specialising in promotion for the arts and cultural sectors. He later joined The Lir Academy as Marketing Officer, before moving into one of Ireland’s leading talent agencies. In 2024, he joined the Irish National Opera team.

Alongside his professional roles, Ciarán continues to work as a freelance Director and Designer under Ryots Productions, with new immersive projects presented across Ireland and the UK. In recent years, Ciarán has produced a number of new radio plays, with a brand new drama ‘Après’ by Emily Gilmor Murphy debuting on Newstalk later this year.

Janice Gibney been the Marketing Manager at Backstage Theatre for 23 years, and her role has evolved hugely during that time. The core aim remains the same — to sell seats — but the ways we reach audiences have changed beyond recognition. The rise of social media and digital marketing has opened up exciting new avenues for engagement, but it’s also made it more challenging to stand out in an increasingly crowded space. Much of Janice’s work now involves finding creative ways to cut through the noise and connect meaningfully with our audiences.

As Backstage has grown, so too has the scope of her role. The theatre is deeply committed to supporting artists, and Janice’s work now includes promoting not just our busy programme of shows and workshops, but also the initiatives we run within the artistic community — such as our Activate Residency Programme and our Community Outreach Programmes including Ceili Afro Dabke Ukraine with Catherine Young Dance.

Kyle Harvey is a student at ATU Donegal and a former Young Curator for An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny.

Kyle has had experience in communications and marketing from his experience at Student Inc, the Marine Institute, the ATU Letterkenny Film and Drama society and his events programming for the Lasta Young Curator Programme, which included a dramatic production workshop and a student-focused art exhibition.

He is currently a final-year bioanalytical science student, combining an analytical mindset with a passion for storytelling, creativity and public engagement.  Eager to explore multiple career paths, Kyle considers himself to be a “jack of all trades”, connecting his interest in science, the arts and communication to make a meaningful contribution to all fields he enters.

Róisín Hearne joined the National Opera House in 2016 and have had the benefit of working in many different departments including, Box Office, Accounts, Development and Marketing for both the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera.

Róisín is currently the Marketing Manager for the National Opera House exclusively. With a background in architecture and digital design in addition to marketing, it’s no surprise that she also engage with creative energy outside of work as well – craft making being my favourite hobby.

When I’m not behind a computer or craft table ,Róisín can be found outdoors on one of Wexford’s many hiking trails.

Rebecca King (with a strong foundation in Graphic and Digital Design) began her career in advertising agencies in Edinburgh, honing her creative and strategic skills. After relocating to Ireland, she transitioned into marketing within the luxury hotel and spa industry, where she developed a passion for crafting compelling brand stories.

Rebecca joined The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in 2022 and now oversees all aspects of marketing and communications. From captivating copy to dynamic web content, she brings creativity and precision to every project, ensuring the Centre’s unique voice shines through.

Jamie McGuinness Kennedy is the Marketing Executive for Music Network, Irelands national music touring and development company. His position primarily involves promoting 8 – 10 annual tours, through content creation, social media marketing and digital & print marketing. He holds a BMus from MTU Cork School of Music, where he studied piano and viola, and an MSc in Digital Marketing from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Following his BMus in 2014, he worked in a variety of areas including private teaching, orchestral performance and musical theatre. Alongside his love of music he explored other creative areas, particularly textiles, knitwear and yarn dying. Jamie’s interest in knitting lead to him appearing on the Channel 4 TV show Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas and working as a professional yarn dyer.

Furthering his studies with an MSc has allowed him to utilise the skills and knowledge gained in both music and marketing.

Noel Minogue is a theatre practitioner based in Galway, currently working in marketing and administration for Branar.

Noel is a graduate from the University of Galway having attained an MA in Drama and Theatre Studies (2021) and a BSc in Computer Science and IT (2020). He was a young curator for the 2024 edition of the Lasta Festival for the Town Hall Theatre, Galway. He also works with Púca Productions, an events company based in Galway.

Ferga Moran is Executive Producer at Carlow Arts Festival, where she supports ambitious work across performance, interdisciplinary projects and creative experiences.

With a background in producing, artist support and development, and programme management, she is committed to creating space where artists can take risks and audiences can encounter new ideas in accessible, engaging ways. Ferga promotes collaborative processes, community engagement and artistic experimentation. Her work focuses on building sustainable frameworks for creation, prioritising care, curiosity and space to think.

She is interested in exploring new approaches to festival-making, models of artistic collaboration, and practices that foster long-term relationships between artists, producers and communities.

Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh is an emerging arts marketing professional with a strong background in digital communications, community engagement, and Irish-language advocacy. She currently serves as Oifigeach Margaíochta at An Taibhdhearc, where she leads marketing and communications strategy, audience engagement, and promotional campaigns for Ireland’s national Irish-language theatre.

Eímear brings wide-ranging experience from roles across cultural, educational, and public-sector organisations. She previously worked as a Social Media Specialist with Eurofins Scientific, managing digital content and public communications, and served as a Development Executive with Enterprise Ireland, coordinating marketing campaigns, client support, and international event logistics. Her earlier roles with Conradh na Gaeilge and the NUI Galway Students’ Union strengthened her skills in event management, strategic communication, and Irish-language policy development .

Eímear holds an MSc in Digital Marketing and a BA in Law and Irish from the University of Galway. She joins Druidstone to deepen her arts marketing practice, develop industry connections, and contribute to a thriving Irish-language and Irish-based performing arts landscape.

Clair O’Brien is a Design & Communications professional with Galway Arts Centre. In this position she is responsible for marketing & communications, design, digital content creation and website maintenance. In addition, she manages, delivers, and is arts administrator for a number of engagement programmes to include Galway Youth Theatre’s Fighting Words, ‘Thursday Lates’ and Galway Arts Centre | Nuns Island Theatre programmes.

Operating across two venues, 47 Dominick Street and Galway Arts Centre | Nuns Island Theatre, Galway Arts Centre programmes feature visual art exhibitions, events, films, music, literature, workshops, residencies, festivals, theatre and performance, and has been the nurturing seed bed for some of Galway’s leading cultural events and resources, including Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway Youth Theatre, Red Bird Youth Collective, TULCA Festival of Visual Art and Galway Theatre Festival.

Clair holds a B.A. in Design in Visual Communications and most recently a Postgraduate
Certificate in Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship from Trinity College Dublin.

Kate O’Brien has worked in the arts and PR Sector for over 10 years, most recently heading up the communications department at Project Arts Centre for the last two years.

Kate holds a MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Dublin City University and is a qualified ballet teacher with The Royal Academy of Dance. She has worked in the PR and comms industry in both an agency and in-house capacity for clients such as Liz Roche Company (now LUAIL), Ballet Ireland, Other Voices, Westival, Tullamore Dew, Hendricks Gin, FULFIL Nutrition, Kopparberg and a variety of FMCG brands.

Kate has taught in Ireland’s leading development organisation for dance ‘Dance Ireland’, and also at an inclusive school for children and young adults with additional needs ‘Free 2 Be Me Dance’.

Ellen Reidy is the Marketing and Communications Assistant at Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray.

Ellen has a background as an actor and stage manager, having studied drama and sociology in Trinity College Dublin and screen acting at Bow Street National Screen Acting Academy. Prior to working at Mermaid Ellen had past experience working in Box Office and Front of House.

Annemarie Ryan (Annie) is Marketing Manager at the ‘Source’ Arts Centre in Thurles. Annie has been in this role since 2022, and works closely with Source Manager Brendan Maher and team to bring the best of arts and entertainment to Thurles and the wider area.

Marketing events well is vital with competing events and entertainment available to a discerning public. Social media, Posters and local newspaper articles all form part of the marketing process and continued attention to all aspects is vital and carried out in a very capable and timely fashion by Annie.

A mentoring programme with one to one tuition was invaluable (provided by South Tipperary Development company) to Annie in developing the skills to make the most of social media promotion opportunities.

Annie worked as Projectionist and Cinema Manager at Tipperary Excel Heritage Company for seventeen years and has a huge experience in the promotion of arts and entertainment.

Rachel Sweeney has a background is in Graphic Design and has been working with Mermaid Arts Centre for over a decade, starting at front of house and working her way up to her current role as Marketing & Communications Manager.

Tara Utke is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Cork Arts Theatre, where she focuses on social media marketing, content creation, and analytics to enhance audience engagement and brand visibility.

With a strong foundation in digital media, Tara brings over a decade of diverse experience spanning marketing, UX-focused web support, content design, and multimedia production. Her background includes managing email marketing and website content, supporting digital initiatives across platforms, and producing high-quality video, motion graphics, and visual assets.

Tara also has experience in e-commerce, product photography, and brand development, complemented by a Master’s in Digital Film and Animation and a Bachelor’s in Media Arts and Animation. Known for her creativity, technical skillset, and data-driven mindset, she blends artistic vision with strategic thinking to deliver compelling digital experiences and measurable results.

Helen Whiteley has worked for Riverbank Arts Centre since 2015, being appointed Marketing & PR Manager in July 2023. Her role comprises developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing plans for Riverbank Arts Centre. She is responsible for all aspects of communication and promotion of Riverbank Arts Centre and its artistic programme.

Graduating with a Masters in History of Art (Hons) in 2007, Helen has also completed the Digital Marketing Institutes Certified Digital Marketing Professional course (2022), UCD Professional Academy’s Professional Diploma in PR & Marketing Communications (2023), and more recently, a Higher Diploma in Science in Marketing with Analytics from SETU (2024). She is currently undertaking a Professional Diploma in UX Design.