Granny from Tipperary: Irish Times Profile
# From LA to dublin: Why One Playwright Found Artistic Freedom in Ireland
brigid leahy, a playwright originally from Los Angeles, has found a creative home in Ireland, benefiting from a robust arts infrastructure and a more democratised artistic landscape. After years navigating the challenging world of american arts funding, she’s discovered a supportive surroundings that allows her to flourish.
## A New Home for Creativity
Leahy’s journey led her to Ireland, where she’s quickly making a name for herself. Her play, *A Misanthrope*, will be staged at Smock Alley Theatre from July 17th to August 2nd, and *The Chalice* is set to feature in the Dublin Fringe Festival in September. But it’s not just the opportunities to showcase her work that have drawn her in; it’s the essential difference in how the arts are valued and supported.”In the US, there aren’t very many public supports of arts, it’s all private,” Leahy explains. “Whereas, in Ireland, I’ve been granted two theatre project awards to write two plays and Screen Ireland has been so supportive of a couple of projects that I’ve worked on. So,you know,Ireland has the institutions to support emerging artists and that feels so out of reach in the US.”
## From Short Film to Feature: The Power of Funding
This support has been instrumental in developing her projects, including a short film she co-wrote with Nell Hensey, *Good Chips*. The film, which explores the struggles of a Vietnamese immigrant family running a takeaway business in 1989 Dublin, won the Writers Guild of Ireland zebbie award for best short film script in 2024.Crucially, Leahy and Hensey have now received funding to expand *Good Chips* into a feature film – a testament to the opportunities available in Ireland.
This access to funding isn’t just about financial assistance; it’s about validation and the freedom to take risks. It allows artists like Leahy to focus on their craft without the constant pressure of solely seeking private investment.## A More Democratised Art Scene
Leahy believes this system fosters a more inclusive and vibrant artistic community. “It feels like art is a bit more democratised here,” she says. The availability of public funding levels the playing field, allowing diverse voices and stories to be told. It’s a stark contrast to the US, where access to resources frequently enough depends on connections and financial backing.
This democratisation extends beyond funding. Ireland’s smaller size and strong community spirit create a supportive network for artists. Opportunities for collaboration and mentorship are readily available, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
## Share Your Story: Moving to Ireland
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