The death has occurred of prominent arts manager and festival programmer Miriam Dunne.
A resident of Waterford City, she programmed Spraoi International Street Arts Festival since its inception and she created extensive international cultural networks for Waterford.
Her other production credits include Cat Laughs and Kilkenomics in Kilkenny, Dublin Docklands Festival and onshore entertainment for two Tall Ships Races in Waterford. She served as a member of The Arts Council and was the Chairperson of ISACS, Ireland’s national body representing circus and street performance artists.
The Chairperson of Waterford Spraoi, Jaimie Dower, said: “Miriam leaves an outstanding legacy. She had an immeasurable influence on the development of street performance in Ireland. As a programmer, she brought her imaginative and organisational skills to bear to create unique experiences for audiences in Waterford and beyond. Her work is known and hugely respected by her peers nationally and internationally. Above all that though, her contagious enthusiasm and energy will never be forgotten by anyone who worked with or even met her. We, in Spraoi are incredibly proud of her and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her extended family.”
Miriam Dunne contributed to an array of Waterford arts projects. She administered the then emerging Red Kettle Theatre Company, and she pioneered Teenage Kicks an initiative to promote young Waterford bands and musicians.
She is survived by her son Christopher, his partner Liz, her grandchildren Molly and Leo, her sister Liz, brothers Liam and Paul, and her extended family.
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