Mr David Smith commences as President of IADT
He acknowledged the unprecedented times we are in saying “today is no ordinary day for so many other reasons. During this global crisis, we are faced with great uncertainty. We are understandably anxious about our futures, our families health and the well-being of our loved ones. Nothing more matters at a time of crisis. Nothing should.”
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Today marks a new phase of a 30-year connection with the Institute as a student, lecturer and Head of Faculty. Mr Smith is the former Head of Faculty of Film, Art and Creative Technologies at IADT. He has extensive experience in higher education and professional practice. He is principal of the widely acclaimed design studio Atelier and was Programme Chair and Senior Lecturer in Visual Communications Design at IADT until 2015.
In his new role he thanked and commended IADT staff. Acknowledging their immense work during this difficult phase, “Even in these trying days, we can imagine new opportunities and new futures. We have quickly adjusted to new ways of working, new ways to support each other and new ways to inspire our students. We have been swift and have made bold, imaginative and difficult decisions to ensure continuity.”
His confidence in IADT and the future for our staff and students was unmistakable when he declared “This crisis will force change and transition in our lives. Our Institute is best placed to employ our resilience, imagination and creativity to see us ably navigate any “new normal” we will encounter. Together.”
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Welcoming Mr Smith to his role today, David Holohan, Chair of the IADT Governing Body, says: “On behalf of the Governing Body, I am delighted to officially welcome David to his new role of President. Despite the difficult challenges we face today, I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop and position the Institute of Art, Design and Technology as a unique and specialist provider of higher education in Ireland.”