About Spraoi

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

Spraoi's home, The Spraoi Studios, is on a green field site at Carrickpherish, about three miles from Waterford city centre. 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 is currently undergoing major development.  Spraoi Studios will be at the heart of it.

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.

Board of Directors

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

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