Art
Clare fiddler Martin Hayes named Irish World Academy Artist
Clare fiddler Martin Hayes named Irish World Academy Artist. Martin Hayes commences his three-year association with the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick in January 2016.
The University announced the new three-year arts patronage award through the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. The award, entitled Irish World Academy Artist, University of Limerick will facilitate the creative process of selected artists across a three-year period through a budget of €60,000.
Martin Hayes has been internationally acclaimed for bringing his local East Clare traditional fiddle style to a global audience through his many performances and recording. More recently he has formed the ensemble ‘The Gloaming’ which has further pushed the boundaries of Irish traditional music in the field of ensemble playing that started with Sean Ó Riada’s pioneering ensemble ‘Ceóltóirí Chualainn’ in the 1960s. Hayes also acknowledges the significant influence of Dublin fiddler Tommie Potts on his creative output.
The Irish World Academy Artist at the University of Limerick will undertake a series of creative projects across the three-year span. Students of the Academy will have access to open workshops in the state of the art Irish World Academy building on the banks of the river Shannon on the university campus.
Professor Don Barry, President of the university commented on Martin Hayes named Irish World Academy Artist, “It is fitting that an artist of the stature of Martin Hayes should be the inaugural Irish WorldAcademy Artist, given Martin’s unique contribution to our cultural life and the Irish World Academy’s vision for Ireland’s past, present and future.”
On his appointment, Martin Hayes said, “I’m deeply honoured to be named the first Irish World Academy Artist at the University of Limerick and grateful for the opportunity this three-year initiative affords me to explore the possibility of further musical collaboration in such a creative environment.”
Professor Mícheál Ó Súílleabháin, Chair of music and founder director of the Irish World Academy said, “The Irish World Academy Artist initiative is further evidence of the commitment of the University of Limerick to the Performing Arts at the highest level. That the first award goes to a local artist with a global reputation builds on the Irish World Academy record of linking the local with the global towards the mutual benefit of both.”
Check out this video of Martin Hayes named Irish World Academy Artist below.
Pictures: Diarmuid Greene Fusionshooters.
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