Elaine Forde leaves Artlink

Elaine Forde is to step down as director of the Buncrana-based arts organisation Artlink to lead a new International Culture Arts Networking (ICAN) project at the Playhouse in Derry. Ms. Forde, a graduate from the Chelsea Art College, University of the Arts, held the Artlink post for just under two years. She said while she was looking forward to a “new and exciting position,” she would continue to support Artlink in its “future growth.” She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Artlink and with the community in Inishowen. I hope Artlink will continue to get great local support, especially as the organisation embarks on an exciting capital relocation project to create a centre of excellence in Buncrana.” She added: “I will continue to support Artlink in whatever way I can in the future as it is a great organisation. I would like to thank the Artlink board of directors and staff, Buncrana Town Council, especially Mayor Lee Tedstone and local councilors, Senator Cecilia Keaveney, artists, community groups and organisations.” Her new role will see her lead a flagship project created by the Playhouse in association with North 55 aimed initially at bringing high profile international artists to Derry and Donegal to work with local community groups to exchange skills. Cllr. Tedstone paid tribute to the work Ms. Forde had made to the arts, not just in Buncrana, but to Inishowen as a whole. He said: “I had the pleasure of working with her over the past year. She has great vision and dedication. Artlink and Buncrana benefited from in her time here and she will be great asset to the Playhouse. I will remain to keep in touch with Elaine in her new capacity to work with her on cross-boarder projects.” Senator Cecilia Keaveney said she was “disappointed” to hear of Ms. Forde’s departure, adding “Buncrana’s loss was Derry’s gain.” She said: “It is disappointing to hear of Elaine moving to Derry. Artlink have been going from strength to strength in Buncrana and this supports the Arts development throughout the peninsula. It is a challenging but exciting time for Artlink in that they have very substantial grants to draw down at the moment and this needs to be led by an artistic director. “While this project cannot be allowed to flag at this point I can only wish Elaine well in her work and her new challenge. “ Senator Keaveney concluded: “The area of using the Arts as a vehicle for developing understanding rather than letting it be used as a weapon to perpetuate conflict, is a core research project that I wish to pursue academically. Elaine will be involved at the practical end of this activity. I know therefore our paths will cross in the future. Artlink and Buncrana’s loss is Derry’s gain.”