Praxis’ hybrid AGM in Cork & Online, 2022
About Praxis Artist Union
The Artists’ Union of Ireland is a new trade union for artists across all disciplines in Ireland. We define ‘artist’ in the widest sense of the word. The union is committed to giving artists strategic power in their places of work and to improving their living and working conditions.
Vision Strategy Principles
Our vision is of a society that values art for its innate worth; one which provides equal, ample, and quality access to art for all. Praxis will deliver on its vision by building power through its membership, giving artists a strong voice and fighting for a fairer & more fulfilling society for all.
Click button below to download our Vision Strategy PDF.
Clíodhna Bhreatnach
Secretary
I am a poet from Waterford, living in Dublin.
My writing explores the connections between women workers and the social world, between contemporary technologies and historical memory. Above all, my poems are interested in the human voice. My debut pamphlet Pink Roses, Green, about working time, was published in June 2025 by Green Bottle Press. I have also curated an exhibition on the marriage bar.
I believe in building worker power to create a better world. Artists can act collectively through Praxis — I’m proud to join them.
Cóilín O'Connell
Campaigns Officer
I am a visual artist from Dublin. I make art in physical and digital media including video, installation and print. I also publish, design and edit art pamphlets and zines.
I’m proud to have been involved in Praxis since its inception and I’m excited to be involved in a more active role as the union’s Campaigns Officer.
Tadhg Ó Cuirrín
Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist based in Co Galway. I work in a variety of media, with a primary focus on painting, and an interest in personal, cultural, and architectural memory. I’ve worked for a number of artist run spaces around Ireland over the years, and I’m excited to be a part of Praxis as it develops. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of artists and helping to grow the organisation.
Jo Heffernan
Treasurer
I am a writer, filmmaker and stand up comedian with an extensive back ground in project management and financial administration
Lily O'Shea
Munster Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist based in Cork city. My practice uses sculpture, publishing and video to engage with political questions surrounding contemporary labour and home.
My background in activism and trade unionism, particularly focusing on issues like housing and the living wage, has significantly shaped my early life and career. As the Munster Recruitment Officer, I am eager to channel my organizing skills to help expand the union’s
membership while advocating for financial stability for artists, improving living and working conditions, and ensuring sustained funding and resources within the arts sector.
My background in activism and trade unionism, particularly focusing on issues like housing and the living wage, has significantly shaped my early life and career. As the Munster Recruitment Officer, I am eager to channel my organizing skills to help expand the union’s
membership while advocating for financial stability for artists, improving living and working conditions, and ensuring sustained funding and resources within the arts sector.
Michaele Cutaya
Policy Officer
I am a writer, researcher and editor on art living in County Galway. My reviews and essays have been most recently published in Enclave Review, minor literature[s] and Art Monthly. I collaborate with artists towards specific art projects and residencies. I was co-founding editor of Fugitive Papers (2011–2013) and editor of Circa Art Magazine (2016-2022).
Rik Higashikawa
Recruitment Officer
I am a visual artist and writer based between Wicklow and Dublin. Through grassroots organisations I learned how to think strategically, set goals and maintain policies of accountability.
Janice de Bróithe
Campaigns Officer
Janice is a Theatre Director, Producer and Facilitator.
She is the Artistic Director of Barnstorm Theatre Company.
Prior to this, she was the Artistic Coordinator of Equinox Theatre Company at KCAT Arts Centre.
Previous freelance work includes: Asylum Productions, Carlow Arts Festival, Carlow Live & Local music festival and VISUAL Carlow.
She currently sits on the Boards of Performing Arts Forum and Carlow Arts Festival and her favourite colour is blue. (Klein blue to be specific)
Billy Lingwood
Communications Officer
I’m a visual artist from Cork. My research is rooted in queer ecology. The resulting work explores the impacts of social, cultural, policy and post-colonial legacy structures on Ireland’s resident lifeforms while working through the media of printmaking, installation, co-creation & intervention.
Roberta Ceginskaite
Disputes Officer
I am a dance artist based in Galway City. My work focuses on collective training of resilience, endurance and empathy, often using text, sound and film. In my continuous learning and practice of communication, I often collaborate with artists of different disciplines. To my role, I bring an expansive openness of mind, big listening ears and a determined curiosity to solve issues together.
Contact Us
General Enquiries: info@praxisunion.ie
Member Support: welfare@praxisunion.ie
Press Enquiries: comms@praxisunion.ie
Outreach: outreach@praxisunion.ie
