The musical genius of Clare fiddler Martin Hayes has been acknowledged in his selection as the first recipient of a prestigious new award at the University of Limerick.
UL has announced a new three-year arts patronage award through the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. The Irish World Academy Artist, will facilitate the creative process of selected artists across a three-year period through a budget of €60,000.
Martin Hayes, the first recipient, has been internationally acclaimed for bringing his local East Clare traditional fiddle style to a global audience through his many performances and recording.
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 building on the banks of the river Shannon on the University Campus.
Professor Don Barry, president of UL, said, “It is fitting that an artist of the stature of Martin Hayes should be the inaugural Irish World Academy 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 initiative is further evidence of the commitment of UL to the performing arts at the highest level.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.