Introducing Meitheal: A Branar Initiative – Producer Development Strand at Riverbank Arts Centre
In November 2022 Branar opened applications for the Meitheal Emerging Producer in Residence Award. This award was aimed at producers who were working, or interested in working, across the area of performing arts for young audiences. After a great response from applicants Caoimhe Whelan was announced as the recipient of the award.
Linda Geraghty -Creative Producer for Meitheal: A Branar Initiative states “We are delighted to announce the introduction of the Emerging Producer in Residence Award as part of the Meitheal programme in 2023. We welcome Caoimhe Whelan and look forward to supporting her professional development throughout the year, in partnership with Riverbank Arts Centre.
The producer holds a crucial role in the performing arts ecosystem. There is a dearth of independent producers currently available, and particularly in the field of work for young audiences. Through this residency we are aiming to deepen and advance the knowledge and experience of an emerging producer while providing the support and insight of working within a venue context.
Given the understanding, experience, and connection that Riverbank Arts Centre holds with artists, schools, and family audiences across visual and performing arts for young audiences, Riverbank is the ideal host partner for an emerging producer to gain a strong foundation in this field.”
Riverbank Arts Centre Venue Director Caroline Williams says “We are delighted to be a supporting partner of Meitheal, an initiative by Branar: Téatar do Pháistí. As part of our partnership, we committed to hosting a year-long residency for an emerging producer – this will enable a producer to access our resources, all our events, and importantly be part of the core team to experience how an arts centre programmes and produces work for young audiences. Welcome aboard, Caoimhe! “
About Caoimhe Whelan
Caoimhe is a producer based in Dublin, Ireland. In 2022 Caoimhe returned to live in Ireland from Toronto, Canada where she most recently held the position of People & Operations Manager with Luminato Festival Toronto. Prior to moving to Canada in 2018, Caoimhe worked primarily as a freelance stage manager with theatres and companies in Dublin such as The Gate Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre and Fishamble. She studied Drama and Theatre at Trinity College Dublin. Caoimhe had her start in the arts at a young age through the wonderful work of Clondalkin Youth Theatre. She is so thankful to Branar and Riverbank Arts Centre who have gifted her with the opportunity to develop her Producing practice in the Theatre for Young Audiences sector.
About Meitheal: A Branar Initiative, supported by Arts Council of Ireland Creative Production Services Award.
Meitheal is a creative supports initiative committed to the development, creation & presentation of performing arts for young audiences across Ireland. Devised and initiated by Branar, this is a pilot scheme funded by the Arts Council.
Meitheal provides independent artists, at all stages of their careers, with a suite of bespoke and agile supports at key stages of their creative cycle. This will enable them to realise their artistic goals and achieve sustainable practice.