Louise O’Reilly, New CEO Business to Arts
29th March 2022
Business to Arts has announced that Louise O’Reilly will be joining the organisation as Chief Executive. Louise has over 20 years of experience in developing and delivering purpose-driven and mission-led strategic initiatives and special projects at the intersection of art and science, culture and innovation. She has a proven track record in engaging, influencing, and establishing cross-sectoral multi-stakeholder partnerships in both Ireland and international contexts that deliver transformative results.
Louise’s depth of expertise in arts management and cultural projects ranges across visual art, film, socially-engaged practice, music, theatre, heritage, architecture, art-science, technology, and innovation, from start-up to execution and evaluation. She was also a founding team member of a new social sciences, arts, and humanities lab at The Dock, Accenture’s global research and innovation hub. Immersed in the latest thinking around ESG standards she has pioneered conscientious innovation, helping global corporate leaders move beyond good intentions in creating value for people and society.
Louise previously led on the strategic network development of new Science Gallery locations in London, Melbourne, Bangalore, and Venice, on the international development of the Irish Film Institute Player, and on the operational establishment of Dublin City Council Culture Company. She has also worked as a lobbyist and coordinator for the National Campaign for the Arts and is an alumna of the international Clore and Common Purpose Leadership Programmes.
Louise currently sits on the Board of Directors for Irish Architecture Foundation, and CREATE, the National Development Agency for Collaborative Art, providing her with invaluable governance, HR, legal, financial oversight and risk management experience. Having led the development of five-year strategies for both organisations, her work has been central to leveraging strategic funding increases and driving organisational and strategic momentum.
In 2020 Louise graduated with a Diploma in Legal Studies from The Honorable Society of The King’s Inns and in 2021 received her Diploma in Intellectual Property and Tech Law from the Law Society.
Speaking about her appointment Louise said: “I have long been motivated to create the conditions for artists to make great work, and I believe Business to Arts can unlock real value for our clients across the private and public sector, arts, and culture. I look forward to leading Business to Arts, its team, and activities, in catalysing conversations between Ireland’s cultural and corporate communities, and in building partnerships that lead to projects with real societal impact.”
Davina Saint, Chair of Business to Arts said: ‘I am really looking forward to working with Louise and to her joining the Business to Arts team. Louise brings a wealth of experience with her to the role, and I believe that she will broaden our stakeholder engagement and develop Business to Arts in line with our strategic vision.’
Louise will join Business to Arts on 4th April. Nominations for the 30th anniversary of the Business to Arts Awards are currently open until 26th April.
