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irishequity.bsky.social
Irish Equity
@irishequity.bsky.social
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irishequity.bsky.social
In 2021 #IrishEquity applied to our sister org. #SIPTU & got their promise that every #InternationalDisabledPeoplesDay from then on, the pagoda roof of liberty hall will be lit purple in support of the #PurpleLights campaign.

We are proud to be able to support #PurpleLights25 again tonight.

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In a room that is lit purple, 5 people stand: 3 members of Irish Equity's Executive (Vice President Jessica Freed, Trustee Ann Russell, President Gerry O'Brien), stand next to SIPTU organiser Robbie Purfield & #PurpleLights founder Gary Kearney. They are holding an assortment of #PurpleLights Props. In a room that is lit purple, 5 people stand: 3 members of Irish Equity's Executive (Vice President Jessica Freed, Trustee Ann Russell, President Gerry O'Brien), stand next to SIPTU organiser Robbie Purfield & #PurpleLights founder Gary Kearney. They are holding an assortment of #PurpleLights Props.
December 3, 2025 at 3:37 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Black background with purple sparkle. A purple music stave with a treble clef runs through the middle. To the right there's are 3 baubles (red, purple & white) on grey strings. The red one says: Special Guests Dublin Gay Men's Chorus The purple says: MCs Eimear Ó Dálaigh & Derek O'Neill The white says: Guest Speaker Range Von Meeting The fuller information for the event runs down the left of the picture in white & red text that says: "A Free Night of Christmas Song and Celebration Come together for music, festive refreshments, reflection, and a warm start to the season. Doors 7:30/Concert 8:00 Saturday 6th December St. Theresa's Parish Church Donore Avenue, Dublin 8" In the bottom left corner there is a QR code square. Red & white text beside it says: "Scan to donate Collection in aid of Spirasi: National centre for survivors of torture" In the bottom right corner, white and red text says: "International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival 2026 May 4th-17th"
December 3, 2025 at 12:34 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
A date for your diary! 18th December, details to follow!
Red, silver & gold decorations on a christmas tree, with colourful fairy lights giving a bokeh effect. A banner in the top left carriers the Irish Equity logo. A white ribbon in the mid right carries black text that says: "Save the Date 18th Dec".
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Irish Equity Exec Shane Griffin speaking at this week's SIPTU conference.
Irish Equity Exec Shane Griffin speaking at the SIPTU biennial conference. Shane has long, blond hair tied partly back & is presenting from a lectern in front of a screen. He wears a grey top with a red lanyard. He is caught mid speaking & gesturing as he glances to the camera. In the bottom left corner, the image carries the Irish Equity logo.
November 15, 2025 at 12:53 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
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FIA World Conference '25

Marie Kelly gives an update on the commercial negotiations in Canada. For over two years the professional advertising body comprised of some of the biggest International ad agencies refused to come to the negotiating table.

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View of Marie Kelly speaking seen from the floor between three people. Marie is wearing a navy jacket over a light top and wears a blue lanyard with a pass on it. Marie has long, light brown/dark blonde hair. Marie is speaking & using hand gestures in front of the audience.
November 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
Irish Equity President, Gerry O’Brien with recently elected SAG/ Aftra president Sean Astin at the 23rd FIA congress in Birmingham.

Both organisation will be discussing issues affecting both unions. Especially US productions filming in Ireland.

#UnionStrong #FIA #JoinYourUnion
Two figures (Gerry O'Brien & Sean Astin) have an arm around each other and smile towards the camera. Gerry wears a zipped blue jacket & a scarf. Sean wears dark rimmed glasses, & a green, zipper sweater over a tie and shirt.
November 12, 2025 at 11:25 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
In the coming week Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó'Snodaigh's amendment to the Taxes Consolidation Bill (Rights of Performers & Film Workers) 2025 will be debated by government.

If passed, it'd be a huge step forward in securing fair pay for Irish performers.

Pls contact your TDs & ask for their support.
Red background featuring the Irish Equity logo bottom left, carries red text on white that reads: "In the coming week Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó'Snodaigh's amendment to the Taxes Consolidation Bill (Rights of Performers and Film Workers) 2025 will be debated by the government. If the amendment is passed, it would be a massive step forward in securing fair payment for Irish performers. Irish Equity strongly urges both members and non-members alike to get in touch with their local TDs and ask them to support this vital bill!" Followed by an emoji of a fist raised in solidarity.
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Ann Russell and Gerry O'Brien at the unveiling of the plaque to the late Deirdre O'Connell at the former Focus Theatre.
Ann Russell and Gerry O'Brien at the unveiling of the plaque to the late Deirdre O'Connell at the former Focus Theatre.
October 18, 2025 at 4:25 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
At the recent Zebbies, Equity President Gerry O'Brien and Vice-President Jessica Freed presented the Zebbies 25 Winner of Best Theatre Script Award to Sheena Lambert!
Left to right, Jessica Freed, Sheena Lambert, Gerry O'Brien. The three stand to the side of a stage, with a yellow banner that reads 'Zebbie Awards' in black behind them. Jessica wears a purpley/pinky top with black foliage morifs. She has short, dark hair. Her arm is behind Sheena's back, and she smiles to the camera. Sheena is wearing a gold top with a texture pattern and holding a small, black case. She has blonde hair in an up-do. She has her free arm behind Jessica and smiles directly to the camera. Gerry wears a browny/greeny tweed suit and waistcoat over a similarly coloured shirt. He has strawberry blond and greying hair and beard. He stands slightly sideways on with his arms behind his back and smiles to the camera.
September 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Our Pre-budget submission is now available as a pdf:

irishequity.ie/wp-content/u...
The cover image of Irish Equity's Pre Budget submission. It features a red curtain with the Irish Equity logo in top right, the document title in white half way down, and the theatre masks bottom left also in white.
September 22, 2025 at 12:17 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Fund Trustee Owen talks about the Irish Equity Support fund.

Apologies re captions. Please message for support if you would normally use them.
September 9, 2025 at 10:45 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who completed the Irish Equity survey. We were delighted with the response which we are in the process of analysing. We will have a report to share by the end of next week.
Bunch of flowers with a white card bearing the Irish Equity logo.
September 3, 2025 at 9:51 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Our team on the ground at the St John Summer Prom at Trim Castle today.

L-R:
Irish Equity Vice President, Jessica Freed; President of the Musicians' Union, Niamh Parsons; Equity Member, Jemma Curran; SIPTU Liaison, Robbie Purfield; Irish Equity Trustee & Exec Ann Russell.
Our team on the ground at the St John Summer Prom at Trim Castle today. L-R: Irish Equity Vice President, Jessica Freed; President of the Musicians' Union, Niamh Parsons; Equity Member, Jemma Curran; SIPTU Liaison, Robbie Purfield; Irish Equity Trustee & Exec Ann Russell.
August 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Equity Executive Ann is at Trim Castle today representing us all & supporting the King John Summer Prom.

If you've been following our socials you'll know that the event includes a fundraiser towards the Irish Equity Support fund.

For other news, see beneath...

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A picture of Trim Castle sent by our representative on the ground.
August 9, 2025 at 10:22 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
All members in benefiiwill receive the link in their inboxes on Friday.

Top tip for a smooth day on Sunday:

* Make sure your device you connect with has a display name we can identify you by.

As ever, if you need any help etc, please give us a shout.
Red card with Irish Equity logo in bottom centre. In a white box above, black text reads: "Reconvened AGM Check email for Zoom link on Friday 18th Jul"
July 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
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BASIC INCOME FOR THE ARTS - 6 MONTH EXTENSION ANNOUNCED.

Recipients will continue to receive weekly payments until February 2026.

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has today (19th June) announced a six-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA)
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June 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
A big thank you to all our members who showed up to the #RaiseTheRoof rally in Dublin this evening. Thanks also to President Gerry O'Brien, Deputy President Jessica Freed, & Gerry Cannon for representing the Executive, & to @robertpurfield.bsky.social SIPTU sector organiser.
Gerry Cannon, Paula Lee, Jessica Freed, & Robbie Purfield behind the Irish Equity Banner (a gold edged banner between 2 poles, featuring the comedy/tragedy masks symbol, & the words "Equity Irish Actors' Group" with the word "SIPTU" written in the bottom right corner), with members of Irish Equity at tonight's 'Raise the Roof' rally in Dublin. Gerry Cannon, Paula Lee, Jessica Freed, & Robbie Purfield behind the Irish Equity Banner (a gold edged banner between 2 poles, featuring the comedy/tragedy masks symbol, & the words "Equity Irish Actors' Group" with the word "SIPTU" written in the bottom right corner), with members of Irish Equity at tonight's 'Raise the Roof' rally in Dublin. Gerry O'Brien, Gerry Cannon, Paula Lee, & Robbie Purfield behind the Irish Equity Banner (a gold edged banner between 2 poles, featuring the comedy/tragedy masks symbol, & the words "Equity Irish Actors' Group" with the word "SIPTU" written in the bottom right corner), with members of Irish Equity at tonight's 'Raise the Roof' rally in Dublin. Gerry O'Brien, Gerry Cannon, Paula Lee, & Robbie Purfield behind the Irish Equity Banner (a gold edged banner between 2 poles, featuring the comedy/tragedy masks symbol, & the words "Equity Irish Actors' Group" with the word "SIPTU" written in the bottom right corner), with members of Irish Equity at tonight's 'Raise the Roof' rally in Dublin.
June 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
We've had some requests to the office (thank you - letting us know what you want always helps!) for our President's recent email to also be put out on social media so the knowledge can be shared.

Transcription of the images follows in the thread below.

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June 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
At the Daíl today with Irish Equity President Gerry O'Brien to support Sinn Féin spokesperson for the arts Aengus O'Snodaigh's private members Bill supporting equal terms and conditions for Irish Performers in the Audiovisual Industry.

#UnionStrong #ColleaguesSupportingColleagues
7 figures, including Deputy O'Snodaigh & Gerry O'Brien both in the centre. All are standing in front of the Daíl in the sunshine. Smiling towards the camera.
June 10, 2025 at 8:43 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
"In Ireland we take pride in the arts, the soft power it holds, but for those trying to make a living in the arts, it is anything but romantic.

To paraphrase the late Samuel Beckett:
I can't go on, but of course we must go on. We must go out and organise."

~ Adrian Kane, Divisional Org. SIPTU.
Adrian Kane of our sister union SIPTU, wearing a pale purple shirt, with a purple lanyard, & his glasses hanging from the neck of his shirt, speaking from a purple podium labelled 'EQUITY' at the Equity NI conference in Derry this lunchtime.
May 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Irish Equity proud to attend the unfurling of the new Equity banner for the Northern Ireland council. This beautiful banner is filled with the symbolism of our creatives including a reference to the all Ireland co operation between our two unions. It was designed by Laura Nelson.
Fabric banner features a purple border with an inner rectangle of a fuschia-ish tone. At the top a purple piece, shaped like a header ribbon carries print in white: "Equity". Beneath, 3 figures on the stage of a large hall performing to a silhouetted crowd in the bottom of the banner. To either side of the stage there are trees. One has a dark trunk, the other has a light trunk. Purple background with an image of an ornate emblem, featuring a purple belt chasing round the edge, with white text reading: "to all workers : good art : to all artists : good work :" The centre field is red & split by a gold ribbon (though the bases connect). To the left, in gold, a silhouetted film camera in the traditional style. To the right, in gold, the comedy & tragedy masks hung from a ribbon. At the bottom, a green panel carries white text: "To all people equity" Laura Nelson in green sweater & grey skirt, the artist who designed and created the banner speaks to the crowd. In the background Lynda Rooke, in a white and navy skirt suit, President Equity UK.
May 11, 2025 at 11:21 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
Congratulations, Louis Rolston, a long time colleague in the Equity struggle on being presented with honourary membership after a career as an activist for performers. A great supporter of Irish Equity over our years of cross-border cooperation. Well done, Louis.
L-R: Louis Rolston in a grey top, holds his honourary membership certificate in a black frame. Gerry O'Brien stands beside him, wearing a hat & a brown jacket. He has one arm round Louis' shoulder & points to the certificate with his other hand.
May 11, 2025 at 8:31 AM
irishequity.bsky.social
Pres Gerry O’Brien at the Equity UK conference in Derry. Taking the opportunity to congratulate Equity UK Gen Sec Paul Fleming on his recent re-election.
Adrian Kane, SIPTU gave a keynote speech that was extremely well received in the Guildhall, home to premiere of Brian Friel's 'Translations'
View from the Guildhall, Derry, after the @equityuk conference. Cabaret style tables with white tablecloths. People are gathering in towards the purple Equity UK signage to take photos. 2 of the stained glass windows in the Derry Guildhall. The left features a winged figure with a blue robe & autumnal coloured wings. The right hand side one is an image of St George, in a blue (blacked) suit of armour, standing on the vanquished dragon, leaning on the pole of his pennant, which is fluttering above. L-R: Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity UK & Gerry O'Brien, President of Irish Equity shaking hands beneath a plane tree.
May 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Congrats!
Paul W Fleming has been re-elected as General Secretary of Equity with 81% of the vote.
“It’s an overwhelming honour to be re-elected as General Secretary of Equity. Members chose a loud, proud, and radical vision for Equity, and I won’t let you down.”
www.equity.org.uk/.../equity-r....
May 3, 2025 at 3:53 PM
irishequity.bsky.social
Thank you to every member who showed up today and to all the membership for your consistent and relentless support.
A bunch of flowers, with a white card in the foreground, that has the Irish Equity logo and black text that reads: "A huge thank you to every member who took the time to come to the AGM today either online or in person"
April 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM