The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of internationally renowned museum director, curator, artist and writer Séamus Kealy as its new Director. Kealy will take up the role in July 2026, bringing over two decades of international leadership and a track record of artist-centred, forward-thinking institutional development.
Returning to Ireland after leading major public art institutions across Canada, Austria and Ireland since 2005, Kealy has curated more than 120 international exhibitions and established artist residencies, awards, and pioneering art projects. His appointment signals an ambitious new chapter for the RHA, reinforcing its role as a vital platform for contemporary art in Ireland and an increasingly influential voice internationally.
Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh, President of the RHA, said:
“After a competitive, international search, the RHA Council were convinced by Séamus Kealy’s passion, vision and experience. Séamus brings an excellent history of successfully directing institutions, curating and writing. His dynamic, empathetic and engaging leadership style and his international outlook will be instrumental for our future plans.”
Currently, as Executive Director of Oakville Galleries, Canada (2023–present), Kealy has led an ambitious capital project and significantly enhanced the institution’s programme and international profile. During his tenure, he curated exhibitions and projects, including the multiple award-winning Ship of Tolerance by Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, alongside solo exhibitions by Tarik Kiswanson, Sung Tieu, Hedda Roman, Charles Stankievech and Hugo Canoilas, with forthcoming exhibitions including Ali Cherri, Aideen Barry and Nilbar Güreş. At Oakville Galleries, Kealy also established a new artist residency programme and expanded Sunset Kino, the world’s first transnational outdoor avant-garde film festival, originally founded during his tenure as Director of Salzburger Kunstverein, Austria (2014–2023).
His curated exhibitions at the Salzburger Kunstverein included A Painter’s Doubt, Film as Muse, The People’s Cinema, Punctum, and exhibitions by Omer Fast, Camille Henrot, Stan Douglas, Megan Rooney, Geoffrey Farmer & Gareth Moore, Hans Schabus, Khalil Rabah, Ashley Hans Scheirl, Nedko Solakov, Paloma Varga Weisz and many others. Previously, Kealy also served as Director of The Model, Sligo (2008–2013), and Curator at the Blackwood Gallery, University of Toronto (2005–2008). He has lectured internationally, undertaken artist and curatorial residencies in Canada, Chile, Ireland, Austria and France, and has published widely on contemporary art, including a chapter in the upcoming Routledge Companion to Contemporary Painting. Awards and recognitions include 2026 Regional Tourism and Oakville Tourism Awards, Top Exhibition in Austria (2014), Profil Magazine’s Top Ten Exhibitions in Austria (2016) and the Curatorial Writing Award (2007) by Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries, the only award of its kind in Canada.
Kealy brings extensive experience in institutional transformation and ambitious programme development, positioning him to innovatively lead the RHA at this pivotal moment while deepening engagement with artists, audiences, RHA Friends and patrons both nationally and internationally.
Séamus Kealy said:
“I am thrilled to return to Ireland to take on this role. The RHA’s vital history of exhibitions, education and art production has long contributed to Ireland’s cultural fabric. I look forward to agreeing a new vision and strategy with the RHA Council and working with the team to lead the RHA towards its future ambitions. I will reach out to artists and colleagues in Ireland and globally about exhibitions and projects to realise together there.”
For interview requests, please contact: Rebecca Gale, RHA PR & Marketing, rebecca@rhagallery.ie. Available for interview:
- Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh, President of the RHA
- Séamus Kealy, Incoming Director
- Irish-language interviewees available
