Limerick City of Culture has appointed a new interim boss, following the resignation of its Artistic Director and Chief Executive.
Academic and curator Mike Fitzpatrick will take over both positions temporarily, pending permanent appointments.
Mr Fitzpatrick currently works at the Limerick School of Art and Design, where he has been the Head of School since 2009. LIT President Dr. Maria Hinfelaar has agreed to his secondment to the City of Culture project.
Interim duties
The Board of the City of Culture has agreed that Mr. Fitzpatrick will advise the Board and engage with the existing artistic fora. Departing CEO, Patricia Ryan, will provide a handover to Mr. Fitzpatrick, and the operations team will report to him.
At the end of this interim position, Mike Fitzpatrick will take up a non-executive role on the board of Limerick National City of Culture 2014.
Broadening of Board
The Board has also confirmed that it is to broaden its membership, with the nomination of three directors who represent Limerick's arts and culture community and two representatives from Limerick City and County Council.
The position of Vice Chairman has been filled by Limerick man Tim O'Connor, the outgoing Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Gathering Ireland 2013.
Chairman's thanks
Chairman of the Board Pat Cox said: “I wish to express my profound gratitude on behalf of the City of Culture to the President of LIT Dr Maria Hinfelaar and Mike Fitzpatrick for stepping up to the mark at this time and for showing commendable civic leadership. The fact that Limerick has within its ranks someone of Mike Fitzpatrick’s calibre and quality, leading one of the Top 50 fashion schools in the world, illustrates the depth and strength of arts and culture in Limerick.
“The Board wishes to thank Patricia Ryan for her selfless dedication to this project, further demonstrated by the dignified way in which she has agreed, despite the difficult personal circumstances, to assist with a smooth transition.”
