Minister Patrick O’Donovan announces appointment of Dr Moling Ryan as Interim Director of the Arts Council
- Published on: 11 September 2025
- Last updated on: 25 September 2025
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, today announced the appointment of Dr Moling Ryan as Interim Director of the Arts Council.
Dr. Moling Ryan served as Chief Executive of the Legal Aid Board for 10 years. He subsequently served as Interim Director and Chief Executive of the Irish Museum of Modern Art for a period of 15 months up to March 2019 and as adviser to the National Concert Hall. He was also Director of Human Resources and Change Management in the Courts Service for 5 years and has previously worked in a number of government departments in both policy and operational areas including what was then the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. He has undertaken consultancy roles in government offices and departments and was a member of the Policing Authority for 8 years.
The appointment will be for a period of up to twelve months or until a permanent Director is recruited through a competitive recruitment process via Publicjobs.
Speaking today, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:
"I am delighted that someone of such an impressive calibre, with such a wide range of experience as Dr Moling Ryan has taken up the position of Interim Director of the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased by 75% in recent years to €140 million in 2025. This is a very significant investment by Government on behalf of the taxpayer in supporting artists and developing the arts in Ireland. I want to thank Dr Ryan for taking on this important role which will maintain stability for the Arts Council until such time as a permanent Director can be recruited."
Chair of the Arts Council, Maura McGrath, said:
"I look forward to working with Moling and anticipate that his vast knowledge and experience will be of real value to the Arts Council at this time. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Moling and wish him all the best in his new role."