Aosd�na Elects Two Choreographers

Dance Ireland welcomes the announcement of the election of choreographers David Bolger and Cindy Cummings to Aosd�na. For the first time in its history, Aosd�na has voted in two choreographers: David Bolger, artistic director of CoisC�im Dance Theatre, and independent dance artist Cindy Cummings.

Dance Ireland Chairperson Liz Roche expressed her delight, noting:

'on behalf of our members and the wider dance community I congratulate David and Cindy on this momentous occasion. While it is a personal endorsement of their respective practices by our peers, it is also, for the dance community a milestone, and a wonderful endorsement of dance; a time for all to celebrate and share in their success'.

Aosd�na is an affiliation of creative artists engaged in architecture, literature, music, visual arts, and as from now - choreography. Established by the Arts Council in 1981 to honour those artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland and to encourage and assist members in devoting their energies fully to their art, membership of Aosd�na, which is by peer nomination and election only, is limited to 250. To be eligible for nomination, an artist must have been born in Ireland or resident for five years, and must have produced a body of work that is original and creative. They are among 15 other artists elected at the General Assembly; their election brings the total membership to 227. (For those interested in learning more about Aosd�na's purpose, membership and activities, a comprehensive resource can be found at www.artscouncil.ie/aosdana).

David Bolger and Cindy Cummings are innovative dance artists, who have both forged unique choreographic paths and have made significant contributions to the development of dance practices in Ireland. Dance Ireland recognises these appointments as reflective of an increasing awareness and appreciation of dance.