Briery Gap artistic director Mike Ryan set to step down

The Briery Gap Cultural Centre in Macroom has announced that Mike Ryan is to step down from his position as artistic director at the end of the month.

Mr Ryan helped to oversee the reopening of the venue in the Mid-Cork town and helped to successfully develop a diverse program as the Briery Gap aims to be a vital cultural hub in rural Ireland.

Under his leadership, the Briery Gap has hosted a variety of events and productions, while helping to create partnerships with national and international arts organisations.

He is set to return to his roots as a freelance creative practitioner, where he is expected to continue to make a significant contribution to to the acts landscape both in Ireland and internationally.

Mr Ryan said: “When I first took up my position in September 2023, I was given a laptop and a rented office across the road from a building site and tasked with opening a vibrant, multi-disciplinary arts venue.

“Working with the team to realise that goal has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.

“Briery Gap is a special place and I am proud of what my incredible team and I have accomplished together.

“I look forward to returning in the future as an audience member and as an artist, just as I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive.”

Briery Gap board chairperson Noel O’Driscoll added:

“We are deeply grateful to Mike for his outstanding contributions.

“His leadership has been transformative, and his passion for the arts has inspired us all.

“While we will miss him, we are equally excited to see what he achieves and the next exciting chapter in Briery Gap’s story.”

Macroom’s Briery Gap Theatre and Library was badly damaged in a devastating fire in 2016, but was renovated at a cost of €10.3m and reopened last September after being closed for eight years.

It has been re-established as a hub for theatre, music, and film in the area — with a wide range of events on offer.

Speaking at the time of the reopening, County Mayor Joe Carroll said the Briery Gap had long played an important role for the people of the town, providing a cultural, educational and social space for the community.

“Today, we see that legacy continue, but in an enhanced way — through this beautiful, modern, and welcoming space that is ideally positioned in the centre of Macroom and which is accessible to all,” he said.