The Ivors Academy is being launched in Ireland with former Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin appointed as its new Head of Policy.
Founded in the UK, it is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting music writers and is the leading professional association for songwriters and composers.
The Irish branch will be the academy's first formal presence outside the UK in more than eight decades, with the academy stating that the milestone "creates a new, dedicated home for music writers across the whole island of Ireland, supporting all genres, disciplines and career stages".
The Songwriters' Guild of Great Britain established the Ivor Novello Awards in 1955 to "honour excellence in British music writing", and has recognised many Irish winners and nominees including U2, Hozier, CMAT, Orla Gartland, Fontaines DC, Lankum, Jazzy and Shane MacGowan.
The launch of the Irish academy has welcomed Ivor Novello Award winners Orla Gartland and U2's The Edge.
The Edge, Fellow of The Ivors Academy, said that in "a fast-moving, tech-focused world, it is more important than ever to celebrate and protect human creativity".
The Ivors Academy has "long demonstrated its commitment and support" for music writers at every stage of their careers, he said, adding that the announcement of The Ivors Academy in Ireland, in partnership with IMRO, is "welcome news for the music community".
Former minister Catherine Martin will lead on policy in Ireland and report into Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy.
Ms Martin served in the Irish government as Minister for Arts and Culture from 2020 to 2025.
The academy said that Ms Martin introduced the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme and secured and delivered funding to many other innovative initiatives that placed "creators’ wellbeing, pay and sustainability at the centre of cultural policy," adding that "her proven positive track record with the arts sector and experience in government brings valuable expertise to her policy role with The Ivors Academy in Ireland".
The Ivors academy said that the roll out of an Irish Academy will "enhance engagement at EU level on major topics including AI, copyright, fair terms and remuneration" for songwriters and composers.
CEO of The Ivors Academy Roberto Neri described the launch as a "great step forwards to protect, empower and celebrate music writers globally", adding that he was "delighted to appoint Catherine Martin to lead our policy work".
Ms Martin said that she was "delighted" to take up this new position and that she was looking forward to "advocating for our songwriters and composers whilst also supporting and championing them throughout their careers".
Chair of IMRO Eleanor McEvoy welcomed the launch of the Ivors Academy in Ireland, saying it "marks a powerful step", adding that the initiative "will deepen advocacy and expand opportunities for creators at every stage of their careers".
