"Sarah Glennie is a distinguished leader in the arts in Ireland and internationally, working professionally in the cultural realm for 20 years," points out NCAD in a press statement to announce the appointment. "She has extensive experience of directing and working in a number of public cultural institutions in both Ireland and Britain.
"She will bring extensive experience to NCAD from her roles as Director of IMMA since 2012, and previously as Director of the Irish Film Institute (IFI) (2008-2012), where she oversaw a major redevelopment programme.
At both organisations she developed new programmatic and organisational strategies that led to significant audience growth and greater financial sustainability."
Among other roles, she was also Artistic Director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo (2005-2008), where she initiated a nationally and internationally significant programme, including The Eternal Now: Warhol and the Factory and an exhibition and unique performance by Patti Smith.
Sarah Glennie was commissioner of Ireland's participation in the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005 and has curated many other notable visual art projects, both in Ireland and internationally, including Romantic Detachment at PSI MOMA in 2004 and Stopover at the Venice Biennale in 2003. Her curatorial experience includes exhibitions and projects by Olafur Eliasson, Dorothy Cross, Paul McCarthy, Duncan Campbell, Jaki Irvine, Tacita Dean and Isabel Nolan amongst many others.
Professor Niamh Brennan, Chairperson of NCAD says: “We are delighted to be making this announcement today. Sarah is a highly distinguished and experienced leader in the arts and we know she will make a superb Director of the College.
"As Director of IMMA she has taken the organisation through significant organisational and programmatic change, to achieve IMMA’s highest audience figures in 2016. Under her stewardship, we at NCAD look forward to a creative and dynamic future with confidence.
“I would like to thank and pay warm tribute to Bernard Hanratty, our Acting Director, who will be completing his time with us in August. Bernard’s commitment, enthusiasm, and many positive initiatives during this time have contributed enormously – and with long-term benefits – to life at the College. We all wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Sarah Glennie says: “I am delighted to be taking up this very exciting opportunity of working with the staff and students of NCAD to build a strong, creative and inspiring future for the College.
"At a time when creativity can make such an important contribution to our changing society, NCAD has a vital role to play as an organisation that can nurture and grow creativity in Ireland.
"The recent degree shows are testament to the depth of talent that exists within the College. I am very much looking forward to taking up the position of Director in January 2018.”