The Institute of Advertising Practitioners of Ireland (IAPI) Chief Executive has announced her move to take over as Director of Creative Ireland.
Tania Banotti has been appointed as the new Director of Creative Ireland, the Government’s five-year plan to place the creative arts at the heart of communities throughout Ireland. Banotti takes over the role from former Director John Concannon, bringing her extensive experience in arts and advertising, and background in media, politics and economics, to the initiative. Concannon is now head of the Taoiseach’s Strategic Communications Unit (SCU).
Banotti most recently served as Chief Executive of Advertising Practitioners of Ireland (IAPI). Before taking the position at IAPI in 2012, where she established a number of new campaigns – including a successful drive for new members – Banotti served as Chief Executive of Theatre Forum Ireland, where for nine years she worked to expand and promote the organisation as Ireland’s leading performing arts group.
At IAPI, Banotti led efforts to promote women in the workplace, launching the Doyenne Awards in 2014. She was also integral to the move to involve the IAPI with the Cannes Festival.
“The IAPI board looked for someone with outstanding leadership credentials and who can credibly represent us,” said former IAPI president and Dentsu Aegis Ireland boss Liam McDonnell, who praised Banotti for her ability to unite the IAPI’s diverse set of stakeholders through her considerable talent and experience.
Congratulating Banotti on her new role, the Minster for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD said today that: “I have no doubt she will make an enormous contribution to the work of Creative Ireland and continue to ‘place creativity at the centre of public policy’.”
Of her new role, Banotti has stated: “I am over the moon to be appointed to this role. Creative Ireland is a hugely ambitious initiative. Many of its goals are ones I have worked on my whole professional life so I’m looking forward to starting.”
Banotti holds a master’s in film in television from Dublin City University and studied politics and economics in Trinity College Dublin. The daughter of former Fine Gael MEP Mary Banotti and niece of ex-FG government minister Nora Owen, she is a founder and former Chief Executive of Screen Producers Ireland (SPI). She has also worked for the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA).
