Eugene Downes

Eugene Downes has served since 2019 in the newly created role of Cultural Director of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leading the Irish Government’s cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations. In that capacity he is the Irish member of the Heads group of EUNIC (EU National Institutes of Culture). He previously served as Artistic & Executive Director of Kilkenny Arts Festival and as founding Chief Executive of Culture Ireland, the state body for the promotion and advancement of Irish arts worldwide.