Established in 2021, the National Talent Academy for Animation (NTA: Animation) is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Animation Ireland.

The NTA: Animation provides support and opportunities for new and existing Irish-based creative talent through a range of courses and programmes nationwide.

We aim to:

  • Connect with, encourage and support regional and diverse talent
  • Support Irish based creative talent and create educational opportunities in all areas and at all levels
  • Develop an NTA: Animation community to promote and encourage ongoing creative collaboration.

Above all, we want to engage with YOU and offer you the support you need to progress in the animation industry.

The NTA: Animation opportunities are open to all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. We recognise 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. Through a range of programmes, the NTA: Animation 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 learn more, read our Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

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

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.

To find out more, please visit our website.

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 NTA: Animation 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: Fís Éireann/Screen 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: Ardán