Baboró Welcomes Executive Artistic Director

Now entering its 19th year, and recognized as one of the stellar examples of an inclusive, energetic, exciting festival, Galway's Baboró International Arts Festival for Children now looks to the future. The board of Baboró has announced the appointment of Aislinn Ó hEocha to the new position of Executive Artistic Director.

Outgoing Artistic Director Lali Morris is passing the baton after steering Baboró from a 6-day festival, primarily for schools, to what has become one of Ireland's flagship family arts festivals. Leading the organisation for 14 years as Artistic Director, Lali and her dedicated team have developed international partnerships with 17 organisations in 15 countries across Europe, as well as attracting visitors from all around the world to this annual festival based in Galway.

Outgoing Artistic Director, Lali Morris commented:

"I have had the privilege to be involved with Baboró since the very beginning, first as a board member until 2001 and then as Artistic director from 2001 until the present. It has been the job of a lifetime, but now it's time to return to my own artistic endeavours. It is with great pride that I welcome Aislinn Ó hEocha, originally from Galway, who will step into a newly created position of Executive Artistic Director to join our excellent Baboró Team; Teenagh Cunningham, General Manger, Jennifer Ahern, Administrator and Sinead Wynne, Finance."

Sybil Curley, Chair of the Board of Baboró commented:

"The Board and I are delighted to welcome Aislinn Ó hEocha to our team at Baboró in the new position of Executive Artistic Director. With Aislinn's vast experience in the arts, we look forward to Baboró's future growth and development under her dynamic stewardship. We'd like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution Lali Morris has made to Baboró and we wish Lali continued success as she embarks on her own creative projects."

Aislinn Ó hEocha, incoming Executive Artistic Director commented:

"I am absolutely delighted to join the team at Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Ireland's flagship family arts festival, which is so highly regarded both nationally and internationally. Baboró is enjoyed by thousands of children each year, along with their families and schools, and I'm excited to be part of the magic. I'm really looking forward to working with both the Baboró Board and team to lead the organisation into the next phase of its development. And, personally, I'm thrilled to be moving back to my native city of Galway."

Aislinn grew up in Galway and graduated with a BA from NUIG, followed by a Masters in European Studies from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. She worked briefly in banking and software before pursuing a career in the arts. She gained over 14 years experience in arts marketing and programming whilst managing glór in Ennis and working as a freelance arts consultant. Most recently, Aislinn was Artistic Director with The Source Arts Centre in Thurles where she led a team of 16 through a reinvigoration of the centre with a particular emphasis on developing audiences for children, theatre and visual art. She was successful in finding new sources of funding for The Source and facilitated professional development opportunities for arts professionals in the region. In 2014 Aislinn completed an Audience Development Programme, initiated by Arts Audiences and The Arts Council and facilitated by Irish Times Training and accredited by the University of Ulster.

Aislinn Ó hEocha will take up her position as Executive Artistic Director on April 27th, 2015. This year's 19th Baboró International Arts Festival for Children runs from October 12 - 18 in Galway. http://baboro.ie

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children would like to acknowledge the continued support of The Arts Council.

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