The biennial Irish Animation Awards will be held in Galway later this month, one day after a special industry meitheal on Friday, May 23, at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill.
More than 328 entries across 23 categories have been viewed and considered by an international jury, including at least two from Galway-based studios: Moe Honan’s Moetion Films, and Triggerfish, which are up for four awards each.
The ‘oscar’ statuettes for animators, designed by Eimhin McNamara and sponsored by Fís Ireland, resemble a Phenakistoscope – a nineteenth century spinning cardboard disc which gives an illusion of motion.
Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2025 will explore cutting-edge technology, investigate sustainability in AI, and dissect future animation content, platforming and audience trends. Panellists will examine shared global challenges, and audiences will hear from industry innovators including Max Minor, producer of smash hit series Common Side Effects; Patty Henry Robinson of Nickelodeon Animation; Dr Patricia Scanlon, Chair of Ireland’s Artificial Intelligence Council; and media strategist, Jo Redfern.
Organisers say animation is a core creative industry, worth tens of millions to the Irish economy, with 82 per cent of Irish animation produced as a result of Foreign Direct Investment. Through the Section 481 tax credit, Ireland has been home to numerous international studio productions, including from international giants Disney, Netflix and Apple.
The industry employs 2,500 skilled staff across Ireland, who produce content broadcast in 182 countries worldwide.
Attendance is free of charge. Register at www.eventbrite.ie
