Announcement: The Appointment of Barry Lennon as Operations Manager at Poetry Ireland
Poetry Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Lennon to a new role as Operations Manager at Poetry Ireland. Barry has over twenty years’ experience as a creative producer, project manager and director of several leading creative and arts focussed projects and organisations.
Prior to joining Poetry Ireland, Barry was the Director of the all-island arts-based educational outreach programme, Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs). He was a founder and Director of the Richter Collective, an independent record label which developed into a platform to support independent Irish artists to reach wider audiences. Barry was also involved in the launch and development of the community television station Dublin Community Television (DCTV).
Professor Ciaran Benson, Poetry Ireland Chairman in announcing Barry Lennon's appointment said, “we warmly welcome Barry Lennon to Poetry Ireland. He brings with him twenty years’ experience as a creative producer, project manager and director of several leading creative and arts focussed projects and organisations. His vast experience and expertise in the arts, coupled with a passion for poetry will play a central role in the development of the organisation and will help us reimagine and renew Poetry Ireland's programmes.”
Barry is currently undertaking an MA in Creative Writing, specialising in poetry, at Manchester Metropolitan University. Prior to this, he was selected as one of twelve international poets to attend the Seamus Heaney Summer School at Queens University in 2023.
Director Liz Kelly added, “Our newly appointed Operations Manager, Barry Lennon brings vast knowledge of the arts with him, both as a creative practitioner and as a manager and producer of creative projects. He joins us at an exciting turning point for the organisation as work commences on the refurbishment of Poetry Ireland House at Number 11 Parnell Square. We are delighted that Barry has joined Poetry Ireland and we very much look forward to working with him.”