Director of the Arts Council Maureen Kennelly will step down in June after concluding her five-year term, it has been confirmed this morning.
A statement issued by the board of the Arts Council, said the members announced, with "deep regret" that Ms Kennelly will step down.
It added that although her term concluded in May, Ms Kennelly has "generously agreed to remain in her role to represent the Arts Council at upcoming Public Accounts Committee and Oireachtas hearings".
Ms Kennelly was appointed director in April 2020.
The statement went on to say that she led the organisation through an exceptionally challenging time, "guiding it with strength and vision".
Under her leadership, the Arts Council underwent a period of significant cultural change, with a strong focus on organisational development and staff wellbeing, the board also stated.
Her achievement of securing "unprecedented increases in state funding for the arts" is also referenced in this morning's statement, adding that she championed higher professional standards and fostered a "climate of trust and respect across the wider arts sector".
Ms Kennelly's contribution to the arts in Ireland has been transformative and is recognised both nationally and internationally, the board said, pointing to her tenure's legacy.
The statement added that Ms Kennelly has demonstrated "the highest levels of integrity and commitment to public service".
Chair of the Arts Council Maura McGrath said: "Maureen is truly of the arts. For her, the role of Director was a vocation, not merely a job.
"Her commitment and passion were evident every day, and are widely acknowledged across the sector.
"We are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication and her loyal service to the arts community."
The board expressed its "heartfelt thanks" to Ms Kennelly for her "enormous contribution" and extended its very best wishes for her future endeavours, the statement concluded.
Ms Kennelly is due to appear with members of the Arts Council at the public ccounts ommittee tomorrow to address issues including the loss of €6.7 million for an "unsuccessful" IT system project.
