Artistic Director Julie Kelleher departs Mermaid Arts Centre

It has been announced today that Julie Kelleher will step down as Artistic Director & CEO of Mermaid Arts Centre after 4 years, in October 2024. She is leaving to pursue her own artistic practice as a theatre director and creative consultant.


Remarking on her departure, Julie said: “I came to Mermaid with the intention to test my mettle as a leader and landed in September 2020 with our doors closed and an uncertain future ahead. In facing that test, I have been blessed with an exemplary team, a hugely supportive board and an inspiring artistic community in Co. Wicklow, all of whom I have learned something valuable from in the last four years. Now, as I feel my own “creative power restive and uprising”, to borrow from the great Mary Oliver, it’s time for me to make space for another leader to carry the torch at what I am proud to leave behind as one of Ireland’s busiest, most energetic and thriving arts centres.” Mermaid Arts Centre is Co. Wicklow’s creative engine-room and under Julie’s leadership, it has seen the restoration of audiences to pre-pandemic levels with a joyfully diverse and exciting artistic programme, expansion of the Mermaid team, initiation of the radical artist support scheme Transform, celebration of Mermaid’s 21 years in operation, and the establishment of a Strategic Plan that sets out a vision for futureproofing Mermaid and further deepening its roots in the community.


Anne Ferris, Chair of Mermaid, on behalf of the current and past Boards thanked Julie for the inspiration and creativity she brought to Mermaid over the past four years. “Julie arrived as the new Artistic Director when the country was closed down with Covid and, quite brilliantly, she steered Mermaid through the tough times until we could open our doors again. Julie has instilled a sense of belonging to the large community that regularly visits Mermaid and has been of huge support to local artists in Wicklow and further afield. While the Board members and the Mermaid team will miss Julie terribly, we are delighted that she intends to pursue her own passions in the artistic world. We would all like to congratulate Julie for her leadership, commitment, and talent and we wish her well in her future artistic endeavours.”


Speaking on behalf of the team at Mermaid, Aoife Demel, Communications Manager said: “Julie has led at Mermaid with incredible strength and compassion. Her positivity and inclusiveness have been instrumental in supporting, encouraging and empowering the team. We’ll miss her infectious optimism and energy, and her always insightful guidance. Her influence and vision will inspire for many years to come at Mermaid.”


Mermaid’s Board of Directors will manage the transition to new leadership. A recruitment process will follow shortly and the board hopes to make an appointment in the coming months.


For information on Mermaid Arts Centre contact: Aoife Demel, aoife@mermaidartscentre.ie.