The Model, home of the Niland Collection and one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art spaces, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Bláithín Gallagher to the role of Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

A passionately motivated social scientist with a strong interest in equality, ageing, disability and gender, Dr Gallagher has many years of experience in research and management, both in the academic and not for profit sector. She has been the recipient of a number of prestigious, highly sought after fellowships, (HRB & Marie Curie). With a strong record in successful funding applications, strategic planning and implementation on a national and international level, The Model is delighted to bring Dr Gallagher’s experience and expertise to the board. She is currently Vice President of the European Network for Vision Impairment Training, Education and Research (ENVITER), and a member of the executive committee of the European Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation (ESLRR). She is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy UK (HEA).

Bláíthín has a long association with the arts having studied Communications and Media studies at undergraduate level and has keen interest in visual art, film, photography, creative writing, music and current affairs. She has been editor of the Leitrim Guardian journal since 2010, an annual snapshot of life and culture in County Leitrim, first published in 1968.

Commenting on the announcement, Acting Director Emer McGarry said: “Everyone at The Model is over the moon with Bláithín’s appointment and we look forward to working with her as Chair of the Board of Directors.”

Bláithín stated that she is delighted with the appointment and is looking forward to working with all involved to steer The Model over the next number of years. “I am very excited about the challenges ahead. To have the opportunity to build on the hard work and dedication of former board members and the many local people who have made The Model one of the most outstanding spaces for contemporary culture in the country, is something I particularly relish. I look forward to working with the staff and board, our local and regional artists, audiences and all of The Model’s stakeholders to build a strong future for this special institution”.

Dr Gallagher will take up her new position as chairperson with immediate effect.