The Team
David Boag (Development Manager, Fèisean nan Gàidheal)
Arthur Cormack (Director, Fèisean nan Gàidheal)
Donna Cunningham (Festival Director)
Brian Ó hEadhra (Artistic Director)
Ingrid Henderson (Lochaber Fèisean Development Officer)
David Gilbert (PAN Board Member)
Rita Hunter (Fèis Rois Manager)
Duncan MacInnes (PAN Administrator)
Peter Kane (Communications and Media)
Nicola Marshall (Development Officer, Fèisean nan Gàidheal)
Judi Menabney (Arts Manager, Highland Council)
Brian Ó hEadhra
Artistic Director
Brian Ó hEadhra, an Inverness-based musician and cultural development worker is the Artistic Director of the Blas Festival. Brian is a graduate of Irish Folklore and English from University College of Dublin and has, since coming to Scotland, become a stalwart of the Gaelic and Celtic music scene. After studying Gaelic at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, Brian has worked as director of various music and cultural festivals such as Ceol Nis, Feis nan Òran and also is the Director of the Highland Language Institute in Inverness. Brian continues to perform and record as a singer/songwriter at home and abroad.
As Artistic Director, Brian works with the Blas Action Group which was established to shape, plan and deliver the festival. He is responsible for ensuring the Festival's artistic integrity and input and will liaise with community groups such as the Feisean, PAN and others who wish to be involved in the initiative.
Donna Cunningham
Festival Director
Donna Cunningham, based just outside Beauly in Inverness-shire has 24 years of experience in the music and media business , including music agency and management for artistes, television production and production management, recording studio administration , Arts project Management and music business training courses for musicians. Donna’s company ‘Firefly productions’ was engaged to undertake the management side of the festival following the successful launch events in November 2004.
As Festival Director, Donna works with the Blas Action group, and is responsible for the practical management of the Festival and in conjunction with Brian Ó hEadhra to ensure that each event is organised with the aim of creating an ‘unmissable and unique evening’ for audience and performers alike.
