The Ivors Academy has announced the launch of The Ivors Academy in Ireland, its first formal presence outside the UK in more than eight decades of championing songwriters and composers. This milestone creates a new, dedicated home for music writers across the whole island of Ireland, supporting all genres, disciplines and career stages.
The Ivors Academy has celebrated Irish creative excellence for more than seventy years through the Ivor Novello Awards, recognising outstanding songwriting and composition. Irish winners and nominees include U2, Hozier, CMAT, Orla Gartland, Fontaines DC, Lankum, Jazzy, Shane MacGowan and more.
The launch of The Ivors Academy in Ireland is a natural next step, moving from longstanding recognition into deeper, sustained support on the issues that shape writers’ rights, livelihoods and careers.
U2’s The Edge, Fellow of The Ivors Academy, said: “In a fast-moving, tech-focused world, it is more important than ever to celebrate and protect human creativity. The Ivors Academy has long demonstrated its commitment and support for music writers at every stage of their careers. The announcement of The Ivors Academy in Ireland, in partnership with IMRO, is welcome news for the music community, coming with its significant experience, energy and focus on the many important issues facing songwriters and composers today and into the future.”
Orla Gartland, Ivor Novello Award winning singer-songwriter, said: “Ireland has always and continues to punch well above its weight in its output of incredible songs, so I'm delighted to see The Ivors Academy launch their presence there to advocate for Irish songwriters. This feels important both on an individual and nationwide scale; as a country known globally for its music and art, we need to make sure that those who contribute to that culture are protected and paid.”
Catherine Martin, former Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, will lead on policy in Ireland and report into Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy. The Ivors Academy in Ireland will strengthen the Academy’s advocacy, ensuring greater protection, representation and influence for Irish songwriters and composers.
Catherine served in the Irish government as Minister of Arts and Culture from 2020 to 2025, during which time she led and delivered significant reforms to how the arts were supported and funded. She introduced the groundbreaking Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme and secured and delivered funding to many other innovative initiatives that placed creators’ wellbeing, pay and sustainability at the centre of cultural policy. Her proven positive track record with the arts sector and experience in government brings valuable expertise to her policy role with The Ivors Academy in Ireland.
With a formal presence in Ireland, The Ivors Academy will enhance engagement at EU level on major topics including AI, copyright, fair terms and remuneration for songwriters and composers. Members in Ireland will have new opportunities to contribute to campaigns and take part in industry conversations through the Academy’s member-led structures.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “Launching The Ivors Academy in Ireland is an important step to put songwriters and composers first. This is a great step forwards to protect, empower and celebrate music writers globally. I’m delighted to appoint Catherine Martin to lead our policy work in Ireland to create a new, dedicated home for music writers focused on fair pay, creative freedom and long-term sustainability.”
Catherine Martin, Head of Policy, Ireland for The Ivors Academy, said: “I am delighted to take up this new position with The Ivors Academy. I look forward to advocating for our songwriters and composers whilst also supporting and championing them throughout their careers.”
Iain Archer, Chair of The Ivors Academy’s All-Ireland Council said: “This is such a positive step in representing the interests of songwriters and composers across Ireland. Ensuring the survival of music creators grows more pressing by the day, and I am delighted to see Catherine Martin join us in this exciting new chapter for The Ivors Academy.”
Eleanor McEvoy, Chair of IMRO, said: “Songwriters and composers across Ireland have long contributed immeasurably to the global music landscape. The establishment of The Ivors Academy in Ireland marks a powerful step forward in strengthening their voice, their rights, and their creative future. IMRO welcomes this initiative, which will deepen advocacy and expand opportunities for creators at every stage of their careers.”
Songwriters and composers aged 18 and over can join for free as a Discovery member.
