Fingal Arts Office

Fingal County Council has long recognised the importance of the arts in helping to develop healthy and vibrant communities, in a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse Fingal.

In 1994, the post of County Arts Officer was established. Rory O’Byrne was appointed and began the long process of developing an arts infrastructure in Fingal. Central to this, was advising senior managers and elected members as to the benefits of arts and its key role, in supporting communities.

The Arts Office grew with the appointment in 2005 of Sarah O’Neill, Deputy Arts Officer, Caroline Cowley, Public Art Co-ordinator and Julie Clarke, Youth & Education Officer. In 2023, Sarah O’Neill assumed the role of County Arts Officer following the retirement of longstanding Arts officer, Rory O’Byrne and in 2024, Síle Stewart ÓShea was appointed as Deputy Arts Officer.

Having four members of staff, as well as Arts Centre staff, each with their own area of expertise, has allowed us to focus long-term goals. This has been central to the delivery of a coherent and integrated arts service for the people of Fingal.