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.
Robbie Kitt
Chairperson
I am a musician and DJ who has volunteered and worked as a part of various DIY multi-disciplinary cultural groups for over a decade in Dublin. I am deeply interested in how cultural communities provide critically needed and vibrant social infrastructure, and this interest has driven much of my work and activism over the years.
I believe a union is something that is fundamental to artists of all types building power to influence the conditions of their work. We are some of the atomised, isolated and vulnerable workers, and we can only exert meaningful pressure when we come together.
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.
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)
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).
Niamh McGuinness
Treasurer
I’m a visual artist from Clare.
I work across multiple mediums with an emphasis on sculpture and textiles. My work explores tactility, heritage and identity.
I am compassionate about collective action and advocating for better living and working conditions for all.
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.
Andrea Newman
Communications Officer
I am a visual artist working and living in Cork City. In my work I utilise lost Irish language to explore Ireland’s current housing crisis. I am specifically interested in documenting socioeconomic issues within this work. I combine photography and print in my work and have explored installation and bookmaking to combine these mediums. My work has explored such topics such as the history of and ongoing neglect of social housing in my local area.
As an artist and an activist being a member of Praxis to me means, ensuring and creating community and solidarity in the arts across Ireland.
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.
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.
Declan Synnott
Munster Recruitment Officer
I am a musician from Wexford, based in Cork.
I have been involved in DIY music for decades; playing music, running gigs, being a point of contact for musicians touring, releasing music and making independent radio. The music I make varies from being a member of bands to solo electronics. Through working in DIY music scenes, I find myself focused on the value of artist led institutions, collective and collaborative action and the importance of seeing unifying struggles between artists, using these to build strength and improve conditions and means for artists.
Dwayne Woods
Welfare Officer
Dwayne Woods (he/him) is a queer, neurodivergent music industry professional with over 20 years’ experience across radio, journalism, and events. He currently runs his own artist management and PR company, Butter Wouldn’t Melt, where wellbeing and diversity are embedded into everyday practice.
He holds qualifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mental Health First Aid, and Dealing with Addiction in the Music Industry, along with a diploma in Addiction Studies.
Having navigated his own struggles with mental health, addiction, and homelessness, Dwayne brings a deep well of lived experience, empathy, and resilience to his role as Welfare Officer.
He recently completed a degree in Digital Marketing and Public Relations, further sharpening his communication, organisational, and advocacy skills.
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.
Disputes Officer
Incoming 2026
Disputes Officer
Incoming 2026
Contact Us
General Enquiries: info@praxisunion.ie
Member Support: welfare@praxisunion.ie
Press Enquiries: comms@praxisunion.ie
