Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland, has elected nine new members at its 43rd General Assembly, held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The announcement was made by the Arts Council, which administers Aosdána.
The newly elected members are:
Paul Brady (Music)
Alan Gilsenan (Visual Art)
Shih-Fu Peng (Architecture)
Paul Mercier (Literature)
Orla Barry (Visual Arts)
Áine Ní Ghlinn (Literature)
Locky Morris (Visual Arts)
Mufutau Yusuf (Choreography)
Nuala O'Connor (Literature)
Their election brings the total number of Aosdána members to 250.
Singer-songwriter and musician Paul Brady was recognised for a career spanning over five decades. Alan Gilsenan is a filmmaker and writer known for his work in documentary and feature film. Architect Shih-Fu Peng is noted for projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giant's Causeway Visitors’ Centre.
New literary members include playwright and filmmaker Paul Mercier, poet and children's author Áine Ní Ghlinn and novelist Nuala O’Connor. Orla Barry and Locky Morris, both visual artists, and choreographer Mufutau Yusuf also join the organisation.
A minute’s silence was observed at the Assembly to honour members who have died since the last General Assembly in March 2024. Those remembered include:
Edna O’Brien (Literature, 1930–2024)
Michael Longley (Literature, 1939–2025)
Jennifer Johnston (Literature, 1930–2025)
Gene Lambert (Visual Arts, 1952–2025)
Alice Hanratty (Visual Arts, 1939–2025)
Paul Durcan (Literature, 1944–2025)
Michael Kane (Visual Arts, 1935–2025)
Michael Warren (Visual Arts, 1950–2025)
George Morrison (Visual Arts, 1922–2025)
Aosdána was established in 1981 to honour outstanding contributions to the creative arts in Ireland. Membership is by peer nomination and election. The Arts Council supports the organisation and provides funding for its members through the cnuas, a stipend that allows artists to devote time to their practice.
