Cork theatre company founder and CEO honoured with award

Staff at a children’s arts education and theatre company have been named as the winners of this month’s Cork Persons of the Month award.

In celebration of Graffiti Theatre Company’s 40th anniversary, CEO Niall Cleary and founder Emelie FitzGibbon, have been named as the winner of the August Cork Persons of the Month award for their decades of exceptional work in children’s arts education and theatre.

Mr Cleary has served as CEO of Graffiti since 2018, building upon the company’s artistic vision of creating quality arts experiences to help children imagine a better world.

Under his leadership, Graffiti has expanded its creative learning programmes, theatre productions, and initiatives that celebrate the voices and creativity of young people across Cork.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition alongside Emelie, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for Graffiti to become a nationally renowned arts organisation for children,” said Mr Cleary.

“The arts have an unmatched ability to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation.”

Emelie FitzGibbon founded Graffiti in 1984 with the mission of ensuring every child has access to arts and culture. As artistic director and CEO until 2017, her visionary educational theatre impacted thousands of young audiences in Ireland and internationally.

Ms FitzGibbon’s legacy is being commemorated through the newly established Emelie FitzGibbon Bursary.

“Founding Graffiti was driven by my ion for opening children’s minds to the transformative power of creativity and self-expression,” said Ms FitzGibbon.

“I’m grateful this award highlights the importance of making arts accessible for all young people.”

Awards organiser, Manus O’Callaghan said: “This recognition highlights Emelie and Niall’s dedication to enhancing the lives of children and young people through the arts, their impact on nurturing creativity and imagination in Cork city and county cannot be overstated.”

Through programmes like early years arts, drama workshops, creative writing, and an extensive creative learning curriculum, Graffiti s young people from birth to 18 years old to find their voice and develop their sense of value.

Their names will now go alongside other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Persons of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch to be held in January 2025.