Páraic Breathnach, one of the leading figures in the Galway arts scene, has announced his retirement as managing director of the Galway Arts Centre.
Following 13 years in the position, he will stand down to pursue his own personal creative pursuits, particularly writing.
“During the ongoing lockdown I have started working on my autobiography and it has become a demanding endeavour to which I want to dedicate time in the future,” he said. “There are also a few plays and stories to be finished and I would like to return to working in acting and theatre design.”
He thanked the chairpersons and the board members of the GAC for giving him “the opportunity to contribute to the arts”, and he noted that working with Cúirt and Galway Youth Theatre were particular highlights.
“The neighbours of Dominick Street and Nuns’ Island are supportive of the Centre and I would like to thank them for helping me on many occasions,” he added. “The business community deserves gratitude for their continued sponsorship of the arts.”
'A challenging time for the arts'
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Páraic has been involved in the development of a new strategic plan for the Galway Arts Centre, focused on its important role in sustaining and supporting the arts in Galway.
“It is certainly a challenging time for the arts, but we look forward to brighter days ahead,” said Galway Arts Centre chair, Fiona Neary. “As the Galway Arts Centre seeks to enhance its role in the arts, we will be guided by our new strategic plan and by Galway City Council’s new arts strategy. In doing so, we will be building on the legacy that Páraic leaves behind. On behalf of the Galway Arts Centre Board, I would like to wish Páraic every success in his retirement and in his creative pursuits to come.”
