Fitzpatrick confirmed as new interim Limerick City of Culture boss
Mike Fitzpatrick has been confirmed as the interim head of Limerick City of Culture today.
The announcement follows the recent resignations of Patricia Ryan and Karl Wallace from their respective roles as chief executive and artistic director.
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 when he resumes his post as head of Limerick School of Art & Design.
The board also announced that it has appointed one of its members, Tim O’Connor, to the new position of vice chairman.
Mr O’Connor, from Co. Limerick, is the outgoing chairman of the Advisory Board of The Gathering Ireland 2013 and a retired senior public servant.
Speaking today, board chairman 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.”
