Ruth Negga named one of Ireland’s five new cultural ambassadors

Ruth Negga has been named one of Ireland’s five new cultural ambassadors, it was announced this week. The news comes as part of the government’s Global Ireland 2025 initiative.

The Oscar-nominee, who is best-known for her roles in Loving, Preacher and Love/Hate, was appointed by the Minister for Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan.

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Speaking to RTÉ News, Ruth said the role will involve her, “engaging and connecting with people throughout the world.

“I know there’s a lot of attention on the Irish arts and I hope I can continue that tradition of drawing attention to it,” she said.

Having been born in Ethiopia and raised in Co Limerick, Ruth said, “I’m very lucky that I trained here. I got all my initial opportunities here and I am so grateful for that.”

The Cultural Ambassadors will endeavour to raise the public focus on arts and culture as a means of promoting Ireland globally, provide advice and input on strategic cultural initiatives and participate in key events and projects. #GlobalIreland pic.twitter.com/E23BrCUGRk

— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) January 7, 2019

The actress will be joined by Martin Hayes, master musician and member of The Gloaming;  Paul Muldoon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet; as well as Shelly McNamara and Yvonne Farrell, leading architects at Grafton Architects.

They will each hold the position for three years, during which they will promote Irish culture around the globe.

“The cultural ambassadors will endeavour to raise the public focus on arts and culture as a means of promoting Ireland globally,” the government announced. They will also provide advice and input on strategic cultural initiatives, as well as participate in key events and projects.

Photo: Irish government via @MerrionStreet