James Harrold, Galway City Arts Officer. A native of County Tipperary, Harrold studied law at National University of Ireland, Galway where he was auditor of the Art Society. This led to a friendship with Ollie Jennings (co-founder of Galway Arts Festival) and Páraic Breathnach (co-founder of Macnas), which diverted him towards a life in the arts. He was one of the early members of Macnas and worked on early Galway Arts Festivals. In 1990 he was appointed Arts Officer for County Galway, going on in 2001 to become Galway City Arts Officer. The office advises the city council on arts policy, provision, and funding, and is responsible for residency programmes and advising artists and groups seeking funding.