About Spraoi

Spraoi is a full-time, professional, arts organisation. The company employs four fulltime staff, and many more on a contract basis throughout the year. These include artists, performers, musicians, production and technical staff, designers, directors, choreographers, volunteer liaison and construction staff.

One of the major strengths of the company lies in its capacity to enable voluntary workers to make the magic happen. Hundreds are actively involved in Spraoi each year, from performance and construction through to stage management and crowd control. The Spraoi Festival would not be what it is today without the enthusiasm and dedication of this voluntary workforce. Their infectious energy is picked up by the national and international performers who come to the city for the festival, as well as by the audience. Together, they make Spraoi happen.

Spraoi's home, The Studios, is on a green field site at Carrickpherish, about three miles from Waterford city centre (population approx 60,000). It's a 10,000 sq ft purpose built studio, encompassing an 8,000 sq ft workshop space including costume and store rooms, a 2000 sq ft studio space, offices and a meeting area. Under the Waterford City Development Plan, Carrickpherish will undergo massive development over the next few years, with schools, a Scout Hall, houses and shops all due to be constructed, a new community in fact.  Spraoi Studios will be at the heart of it.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Spraoi is a company limited by guarantee, and its activities are overseen by an 8 person Board of Directors, whose membership is as follows:

Jaimie Dower – Chairperson, Michael Duffy, Lisa Walsh, Miriam Dunne, Joanne Galvin, Maria Moyniihan, Tony Sheehan, Michael Leahy.