Katherine Licken

Katherine Licken is a prominent figure in the Irish arts sector who served as the Secretary General of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. She played a crucial role in overseeing the Arts Council during a tumultuous period marked by a disastrous IT project, which resulted in a significant financial write-off. Licken's tenure involved navigating complex governance issues and supporting the arts community, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership has been characterized by efforts to secure funding and support for the arts, although her department has faced scrutiny for its oversight of the failed IT initiative, which highlighted systemic weaknesses in project management and accountability.