Katriona Gillespie
Westport
Summary
Arts manager with over fifteen years cross functional experience in curation, production and development. Articulate communicator with strong interpersonal skills essential in establishing positive relationships with arts, heritage and tourism funding bodies, stakeholders and partners.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Custom House Studios + Gallery
08.2025 - Current
- Supporting curatorial teams, managing installations, preparing catalogues, handling artist contracts, and booking logistics.
- Budget management and writing grant proposals to secure arts funding.
- Updating the website/social media, managing mailing lists, and building public relationships.
- Developing developmental programmes and fostering collaborations with artists and cultural organisations.
- Developing income generating opportunities through funding, project grants, etc
- Implementing an inclusive, engaging and diverse programme of exhibitions with limited resources
- Preparing budgets for the annual programme and monitor out-turns against budgets on a periodic basis and reporting to Director
- Ensuring that all monies due are brought to account, to include grant claims, sponsorships, box-office receipts, and other income.
- Coordinated strategic plans for administrative services management and optimisation to best use available resources.
- Set accurate budgets based on historical data and forecasted trends to keep operations financially sound.
Assistant Arts Officer
Mayo County Council
01.2019 - 12.2025
- The Arts Service is responsible for the development and implementation of services which provide support for the arts in Mayo through the provision of grants, funding and programming
- Prepared detailed reports for senior management, outlining operational performance and strategic recommendations.
- Performance-managed organisation in line with policies and objectives.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve goals of organisation.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing workplace accidents and promoting a safe environment.
- Prepared detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, and investigations, maintaining accurate records for legal proceedings.
- Investigated complaints and took corrective actions, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Formulated organisational policies, rules and regulations.
Curator
Athlone Arts and Tourism
Athlone
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Ensuring the smooth operations of all three facilities
- Planning and assisting with the operational procedures for the Castle, Gallery and Studios
- Management of office operations, premises and resources
- Ensuring company and facilities operations and activities are health & safety compliant
- Managing the terms of use of venues vis-a-vis community groups, artists and interested parties
- Overseeing the buildings, its facilities and equipment regarding maintenance and cleanliness with cognisance of the License to Use Agreement between Athlone Arts & Tourism Ltd and Westmeath County Council
- Developing, delivering and managing a varied and integrated programme of events, exhibitions and educational activities across all three facilities
- Developing and managing Abbey Road Artists' Studios residencies, educational activities and events
- Working with the gallery exhibitions panel to devise, initiate and manage an innovative and interactive arts, heritage & cultural tourism programme for the three facilities
- Developing strategies, marketing and business plans
Producer
Sidney Nolan Trust
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Coordinate events linking West Ireland organizations with Sidney Nolan Trust
- Select and acquire artworks for the Trust
- Plan and install artwork displays
- Apply for funding from national and local bodies
- Consult with stakeholders like Clare County Council, Burren College of Art
- Promote events through press and arts publications
Producer
Impressions Print Expos
Galway
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Coordinated Ireland's longest-running National Open Print Exhibition at GMIT.
- Integrated event with the Galway International Arts Festival, attracting 250,000 visitors.
- Introduced new branding and website, improving artist submissions, and volunteer management.
- Established partnerships with arts and educational organisations in Ireland and the UK.
- Expanded event reach to participants in Italy, Canada, the US, and Australia.
- Secured funding from key local and national bodies.
Manager
Galway Print Studio
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Developing income-generating opportunities through funding, project grants, and other means.
- Budget holder and finance administrator.
- Preparing budgets for the annual programme and monitoring outturns against budgets on a periodic basis.
- Overseeing the day-to-day administration and finances of the studio.
- Preparing management accounts for the Board of Directors.
- Ensuring that all monies due are brought to account, to include grant claims, sponsorships, and other income.
- Monitoring and managing spending, and reporting on weekly takings in accordance with policies.
- Ensuring that all cash handling procedures and policies are adhered to.
- Preparing accounts annually for audit purposes, and liaising with the auditor.
- Working with an accountant to legally establish the new trading name of the company as Galway Print Studio, and set it up as a limited company.
- Contacting and securing board members to aid with the ongoing development of the facility under new operational procedures.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programmes, improving team skills and performance.
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Conducted performance reviews, identifying areas for development and rewarding high achievers.
- Cultivated work environment focused on personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality results.
Administrator
126 Artist Run Gallery
Galway
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Managed daily administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings and organising files, to support office efficiency.
- Administered physical and digital filing systems, keeping records well-organised and easily retrievable for team members.
- Oversaw day-to-day office operations such as organising correspondence, managing incoming calls and creating business records.
- Completed daily billing, collections and reporting duties.
- Monitored and controlled office inventory, ensuring adequate supply levels, timely product ordering and efficient management of company resources.
- Set up new files and assigned tracking numbers.
Arts Office Assistant
Galway University Hospital Trust
Galway
01.2010 - 12.2011
Coordinator
Linenhall Arts Centre
Castlebar, Co. Mayo
01.2009 - 12.2010
Project Coordinator
Arts in Action
01.2009 - 12.2010
Facilitator
Bealtaine Festival
Dominic St, Galway
01.2004 - 12.2008
Education
BA - Fine Art
Centre for Creative Arts and Media
Galway12.2003
Effective Management & Leadership -
UCD Professional Academy
01.2021
Art in the Public Sphere -
Atlantic Technical University
01.2020
MA - Arts Policy and Practice
National University of Ireland
Galway01.2010
Project Management, Level 6 Fetac -
Western Management Centre
Galway01.2006
Skills
- Grant Management
- Fundraising & Sponsorship
- Financial Management & Logistical Planning
- Project Management
- Reporting & Documenting
- Programme development & Exhibition Design
- Line Management
- Leadership & Negotiation Skills
- Profile Building
- Administration Skills
- Microsoft Systems & Outlook
- Arts Marketing & Law
- Performance evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Event coordination
- Compliance monitoring
- Team building
- Stakeholder engagement
- Mentoring and coaching
- Community outreach
Languages
English
Timeline
Manager
Custom House Studios + Gallery
08.2025 - Current
Assistant Arts Officer
Mayo County Council
01.2019 - 12.2025
Producer
Sidney Nolan Trust
01.2017 - 12.2017
Curator
Athlone Arts and Tourism
01.2016 - 12.2019
Producer
Impressions Print Expos
01.2013 - 12.2016
Manager
Galway Print Studio
01.2013 - 12.2016
Administrator
126 Artist Run Gallery
01.2011 - 12.2013
Arts Office Assistant
Galway University Hospital Trust
01.2010 - 12.2011
Coordinator
Linenhall Arts Centre
01.2009 - 12.2010
Project Coordinator
Arts in Action
01.2009 - 12.2010
Facilitator
Bealtaine Festival
01.2004 - 12.2008
BA - Fine Art
Centre for Creative Arts and Media
Effective Management & Leadership -
UCD Professional Academy
Art in the Public Sphere -
Atlantic Technical University
MA - Arts Policy and Practice
National University of Ireland
Project Management, Level 6 Fetac -
Western Management Centre