The Ivors Academy launches formal presence in Ireland: The Edge speaks…

4 February 2026
|In News
|By Audio Media International

The Ivors Academy has announced the launch of The Ivors Academy in Ireland, marking its first formal presence outside the UK in more than 80 years. The move establishes a dedicated home for songwriters and composers across the entire island of Ireland, with a focus on protection, empowerment and celebration of music writers at every stage of their careers.

The launch has been welcomed by leading Irish songwriters including Ivor Novello Award winners U2’s The Edge and Orla Gartland. Former Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has been appointed to lead policy in Ireland, reporting to Ivors Academy CEO Roberto Neri.

For more than seven decades, The Ivors Academy has recognised Irish creative excellence through the Ivor Novello Awards. Irish winners and nominees over the years include U2, Hozier, CMAT, Orla Gartland, Fontaines DC, Lankum, Jazzy and the late Shane MacGowan. The new Irish presence represents a shift from recognition alone towards deeper, long term support on the issues shaping songwriters’ rights, livelihoods and careers.

The initiative is being launched in partnership with the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), strengthening advocacy and representation for Irish music creators both nationally and at EU level. With a formal base in Ireland, the Academy aims to increase engagement on major policy areas including AI, copyright, fair contract terms and remuneration.

Speaking about the launch, U2’s The Edge, a 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.”

Singer songwriter Orla Gartland, below, also welcomed the announcement, noting Ireland’s global reputation for songwriting. She said the launch felt important both on an individual and national level, stressing the need to ensure that those who contribute to Ireland’s cultural output are protected and properly paid.

Orla Gartland winner of the Best Song Musically and Lyrically Ivor Novello Award at The Ivors with Amazon Music on May 22, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

Catherine Martin, below, brings significant experience to her new role, having served in the Irish government from 2020 to 2025. During her tenure as Minister of Arts and Culture, she led major reforms in arts funding and support, including the introduction of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. Her work placed creators’ wellbeing, pay and sustainability at the centre of cultural policy, experience that the Academy says will be invaluable as it strengthens its advocacy in Ireland.

Roberto Neri, below, CEO of The Ivors Academy, described the launch as an important step in putting songwriters and composers first. He said the Academy’s expansion into Ireland would help protect, empower and celebrate music writers globally, and that Martin’s appointment would support a strong focus on fair pay, creative freedom and long term sustainability.

Martin said she was delighted to take up the new position and looked forward to advocating for songwriters and composers while supporting and championing them throughout their careers.

Further support came from Iain Archer, board director of The Ivors Academy, who described the move as a positive step in representing the interests of songwriters and composers across Ireland. Eleanor McEvoy, chair of IMRO, added that the initiative would strengthen creators’ voices, rights and creative futures.

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