Our Team

Sinéad Dunphy Festival Director

Sinéad Dunphy, is the Festival Director of Imagine Arts Festival and Managing Director of Eventi Management and has been involved in the arts and events industry for over twenty years in many guises including as a performer, producer, director and event organiser of many prestigious arts Festivals, shows and events. Sinéad served as Festival Director of Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2018 and successfully rejuvenated this festival to international acclaim. Her work with the Festival received further recognition in winning the Cork Business Association Overall Business of the Year Award 2018. From running award-winning marketing and PR campaigns to physically running events, Sinéad has become synonymous with the arts and events world in Ireland.

Prior to Eventi Management and the Jazz Festival she also was the Festival Manager of the Cork International Choral Festival for 6 years, where she saw the Festival double in size while also increasing its international profile through its artistic programme and brand marketing, where once again she was recognised for her holistic approach to all things marketing and events, with two prestigious business awards, both for the Festival itself and her own professional profile.

Her commitment to both the arts, in all its forms, and tourism sectors has been apparent and acknowledged by several national and local bodies through various awards, both as an individual and for the companies she represents as well as receiving invitations to speak on an international level as a guest speaker and academic.

Lina Akli Festival Manager

Lina Akli, is the Festival Manager of Imagine Arts Festival. A dynamic and results-oriented professional with diverse experience encompassing roles in community management, project leadership, product management and business development.

Her experience spans various sectors including government local, technology, event management and energy. She has my varied experiences and skills that make her well equipped to contribute effectively to dynamic projects and initiatives. Lina has project management skills and qualities with a proven ability to lead projects from conception to completion, ensuring on-time delivery.

She is proficient in creating cohesive communication across various channels, including social media, web, print and events. She knows how to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals. As a Community Manager, she managed, successfully led and moderated the social media platforms of a town hall in France, for which the topics were very varied and aimed at a multiple audience.

Her responsibilities extended to carrying out comprehensive reputation monitoring in line, providing effective responses and ensuring consistency across communication channels.

Our Committee

John Fitzpatrick - Chairperson

John Fitzpatrick is the Front of House Manager at the Theatre Royal Waterford and is a long-time supporter of all things arts in Waterford! He especially loves people!
Donal Nolan - Secretary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in project management, community engagement, and leadership roles. Seeking opportunities to leverage skills and experience to drive strategic initiatives and make a positive impact in organizations focused on economic development, cultural enrichment, and environmental sustainability He has worked as Strategic Projects Manager Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Development Director in Institute of Industrial Engineering & Safety Management System. He’s also a member Waterford Cultural Quarter steering committee.
Fiachra Ó Céilleachair

Fiachra Ó Céilleachair is the Media Relations/Communications Manager for HSE/South East Community Healthcare. A native of An Rinn (Ring) but living in Waterford for over 20 years. Served 17 years as Board member of the Údarás na Gaeltachta state agency and 12 as an elected member of Dungarvan Town and Waterford County Councils. More recently, spent six years as a Trustee of the Solas Cancer Support Centre. A supporter of the arts in Waterford.
Deirdre Dwyer

Deirdre Dwyer is a theatre maker. She spent much of her career working as a set and costume designer and, in the past number of years, has transitioned to creating her own work, sometimes adaptations. She is interested in making work that is accessible to people of all ages and her practice now encompasses writing, working as dramaturg and directing, alongside continuing to work as a designer.
Maolíosa Ní Chléirigh

Maolíosa Ní Chléirigh volunteers with a number of local community groups and is passionate about community-driven initiatives. She has a great grá for the Arts agus don Ghaeilge.
Ollie Breslin

Ollie Breslin works full time for Waterford Youth Arts. He has volunteered for imagine Arts Festival since its inception. He also volunteers with Feile John Dwyer traditional music festival and Waterford Film Centre.
Cllr. Seamus Ryan

Cllr Seamus Ryan member of Waterford City and County Council and huge supporter of the arts and music!