Ireland Invites is a visionary female-led collective that has redefined how Irish art and design are represented and experienced on the international stage. Founded by Barbara Dawson, Director, Hugh Lane Gallery, Annie Fletcher, Director, IMMA, and Sharon Barry, Director, Culture Ireland, the initiative was born from a shared belief that Irish creativity deserves a louder, more inclusive global voice. Through innovation, collaboration, and leadership, Ireland Invites has become an ambassador for contemporary Irish culture, celebrating diversity, sustainability, and artistic excellence in equal measure.
Since its inception, Ireland Invites has already succeeded in facilitating 20 Irish artists’ work (15 of which are women) to be presented on the international stage of renowned biennials around the world, from those upcoming in Venice and Sydney to this year’s Helsinki Biennial, Hawaii Triennial, Edinburgh Art Festival, and Liverpool Biennale, as well as previously in Bangkok, Lahore and Toronto. This represents a vastly dramatic increase in the inclusion of Irish artists within these high-profile and well-respected exhibitions, where previously Irish art practices had been largely notably absent. The impact of being featured within these exhibitions on an artist’s career is significant, creating worldwide exposure and building strategic professional networks.
At the heart of Ireland Invites lies a powerful ethos: that creativity thrives when women are empowered to lead, connect, and innovate. By establishing platforms where emerging and established artists can engage with global networks, the collective fosters opportunities for mentorship, cross-cultural dialogue, and artistic exchange. It has successfully partnered with leading institutions, embassies, and design councils to ensure that Irish voices – particularly those of women – are visible, valued, and celebrated on the world stage.
The collective’s impact goes far beyond exhibitions. Ireland Invites actively supports sustainability in art and design, encouraging environmentally conscious practices and spotlighting Irish craftsmanship rooted in heritage materials and techniques. From promoting ethical textile production to reimagining traditional Irish design for contemporary audiences, the group demonstrates how creative leadership can contribute to both cultural preservation and progressive change.
Equally inspiring is the collective’s commitment to inclusivity. Ireland Invites champions artists from diverse backgrounds, including those working in rural communities and underrepresented groups, ensuring that the story of Irish art is told in its full richness and variety. By embracing digital platforms, it has also expanded access to Irish art for international audiences, transcending borders and enabling cultural connection in new, meaningful ways.
The women behind Ireland Invites exemplify creativity with purpose. Their leadership has transformed an idea into a movement – one that uplifts Irish art, empowers women, and strengthens Ireland’s cultural identity abroad. Their success proves that collaboration and vision, when guided by passion and integrity, can change not only how a nation’s art is perceived, but how its values are shared with the world.
For their extraordinary contribution to art, design, and cultural leadership – and for their unwavering commitment to championing women in the creative industries — Ireland Invites founders Barbara Dawson, Director, Hugh Lane Gallery, Annie Fletcher, Director, IMMA, and Sharon Barry, Director, Culture Ireland, richly deserve recognition with the Woman of the Year Award for Art and Design.
