Praxis’ hybrid AGM in Cork & Online, 2022
About Praxis Artist Union
The Artists’ Union of Ireland is a new trade union for artists across all disciplines in Ireland. We define ‘artist’ in the widest sense of the word. The union is committed to giving artists strategic power in their places of work and to improving their living and working conditions.
Vision Strategy Principles
Our vision is of a society that values art for its innate worth; one which provides equal, ample, and quality access to art for all. Praxis will deliver on its vision by building power through its membership, giving artists a strong voice and fighting for a fairer & more fulfilling society for all.
Click button below to download our Vision Strategy PDF.
Eoghan Carrick
Chairperson
Eoghan is an artist working primarily in theatre and opera. He works in Ireland and internationally, on new and established texts, with a focus on innovative interpretations and interdisciplinary collaboration. He was a member of the steering committee of the National Campaign for the Arts from 2016-2022. Visit: www.eoghancarrick.com
Elinor O'Donovan
Secretary
I am a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Cork City. In my playful practice which spans drawing, digital collage, sculpture, and film I explore the ways that popular culture influences memory and knowledge.
As part of Praxis, I aim to use my time to further advocate for other artists in their workplaces and to push for a society which supports our right to live and work well.
Áine O'Hara
Equality & Accessibility Officer
Áine O’Hara is an award winning visual artist, theatre maker and facilitator focused on creating exciting and vulnerable work for and with people who are often left out of traditional art and performance spaces. They are the co-director of Chronic Collective
eao@praxisunion.ie
Cóilín O'Connell
Communications Officer
I am a visual artist from Dublin. I make art in physical and digital media including video, installation and print. I also publish, design and edit art pamphlets and zines.
I’m proud to have been involved in Praxis since its inception and I’m excited to be involved in a more active role as the unions communication officer.
Tadhg Ó Cuirrín
Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist based in Co Galway. I work in a variety of media, with a primary focus on painting, and an interest in personal, cultural, and architectural memory. I’ve worked for a number of artist run spaces around Ireland over the years, and I’m excited to be a part of Praxis as it develops. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of artists and helping to grow the organisation.
Pea Dinneen
Welfare Officer
Pea Dinneen is a theatre maker and cabaret artist from Dublin. In 2023, she was awarded the Next Generation Artist award from the Arts Council of Ireland. Pea’s work discusses transgender issues in a contemporary Irish context. Currently, she is developing her play Cool Suburban Mam with Rough Magic Theatre Company and her solo cabaret play Pea Dinneen: Raising Her Voice with support from The Arts Council of Ireland, The Abbey Theatre and Project Arts Centre. When she’s not writing plays, Pea is the co-founder and co-host of Dublin’s spiciest DIY queer cabaret night EGG.
Jo Heffernan
Treasurer
I am a writer, filmmaker and stand up comedian with an extensive back ground in project management and financial administration
Lily O'Shea
Munster Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist based in Cork city. My practice uses sculpture, publishing and video to engage with political questions surrounding contemporary labour and home.
My background in activism and trade unionism, particularly focusing on issues like housing and the living wage, has significantly shaped my early life and career. As the Munster Recruitment Officer, I am eager to channel my organizing skills to help expand the union’s
membership while advocating for financial stability for artists, improving living and working conditions, and ensuring sustained funding and resources within the arts sector.
My background in activism and trade unionism, particularly focusing on issues like housing and the living wage, has significantly shaped my early life and career. As the Munster Recruitment Officer, I am eager to channel my organizing skills to help expand the union’s
membership while advocating for financial stability for artists, improving living and working conditions, and ensuring sustained funding and resources within the arts sector.
Dan Colley
Legal Officer
I’m a theatre maker with a particular focus on devised ensemble work, theatre-for-young-audiences, and large-scale spectacle. I trained as a youth theatre facilitator with Youth Theatre Ireland and I’ve been Artistic Director of Collapsing Horse and Co-Artistic Director of the Kilkenny Cat Laughs comedy festival. I’ve directed productions for the Abbey Theatre, Macnas and has been dramaturg to WillFredd, Louise White and Sugarglass among others.
Rik Higashikawa
Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist and writer based between Wicklow and Dublin. Through grassroots organisations I learned how to think strategically, set goals and maintain policies of accountability.
Niamh O'Beirne
Disputes Officer
disputes@praxisunion.ie
Daniel Brennan
Director
I am a writer and collaborative artist based in Dublin. I believe collective action is the clearest road to a better world and Praxis embodies that idea. As a Director of the Union, I will work to create a democratic and members led union that will secure meaningful change for our members
Eve Woods
Director
I’m a visual artist and arts worker based in Dublin. I’m thrilled to continue to work with the dedicated Officers on this vital mission. I’m looking forward to the positive influence Praxis can impact on the Irish Art landscape through supporting artists of all mediums.
Contact Us
General Enquiries: info@praxisunion.ie
Member Support: welfare@praxisunion.ie
Press Enquiries: comms@praxisunion.ie
Outreach: outreach@praxisunion.ie
