About

Managed by Animation Ireland

Welcome to the National Talent Academy for Animation

Established in 2021, the National Talent Academy for Animation is an initiative of Screen Ireland, managed by Animation Ireland.

The NTAA recognises that there is a huge amount of untapped creative talent in Ireland and that many individuals face barriers and lack clear pathways to inclusion and recognition within the animation industry.

Inclusive Opportunities for Diverse and Regional Talent – Collaborating towards Excellence

Through a range of programmes, the NTAA seeks to engage with and support creative talent in these areas, and provide them with opportunities that will allow them to progress within the animation industry and achieve long term career goals.

To find out more about the objectives of the NTAA and the way in which it will be managed and developed, see our Vision and Strategy document here.

To find out more about how we will support you, visit our Opportunities page.

The NTAA opportunities are open to all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. To learn more, read our Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

About the Steering Group

The Steering Group is made up of representatives across the key areas of Talent, Industry, Regions, Diversity, Stakeholders and Education. They provide expertise and oversight on all NTAA initiatives

The current members are:

Sheila de Courcy: Chair
Deirdre Barry: Programme Director
Ronan McCabe: Animation Ireland
Andrew Byrne: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
Gareth Lee: Screenskills Ireland
John Phelan: Dublin Business Innovation Centre
Catherine Hehir: Cartoon Saloon
Stephen Kelly: Ability Focus
Tim Morris: Windmill Lane
Yvonne Hennessy: Animation Ireland
Eileen Bell: Enterprise Ireland
Alan Duggan: Galway Film Centre

About Animation Ireland

Animation Ireland is the trade association for the leading Irish animation studios working together to promote Ireland’s world class sector internationally. With millions of children watching animated programmes produced here, Ireland is a recognised leader for TV, Film, Games and Visual Effects.

As lead organisation, Animation Ireland works closely with various national and industry stakeholders to oversee the NTAA, retaining the diversity and inclusion focus present across all Academy initiatives.

About Animation Skillnet

Animation Skillnet provides subsidised training solutions to the animation, games and VFX sectors in Ireland through high-end, bespoke training courses that are designed and delivered by industry specialists. Animation Skillnet also organises and supports professional networking events and conferences for these sectors in Ireland and internationally.

It is perfectly positioned through its existing network and connections to devise ways that the consortium can offer further skills development and career trajectory support for industry talent.

About Dublin BIC

Established in 1988 Dublin BIC advises companies on business planning and development; provides best in market incubation space; creates platforms for entrepreneurs to develop their skills and networks and acts as an advocate on their behalf. Dublin BIC works with state agencies and private sector investors to support entrepreneurs as they build the next generation of successful Irish businesses.

Dublin BIC is a private -public organisation, and its role is to empower entrepreneurs to start and scale by providing a comprehensive range of programmes and support specifically designed to advance the ambitions of early-stage companies. Dublin BIC provides business consultancy services to early stage, high potential start-ups.