Barry Sheehan MIDI, President
President’s Address 2008
Dear IDI Member,
I am delighted to take on the role of IDI President from Tracy Fahey.
My aim for the Presidency is to concentrate on the relevance of the IDI and its Membership. The Design Profession has changed radically in Ireland since the inception of the IDI. As an organisation we face different challenges and our members have many different needs. My aim is to put in place a strategy for the development of the IDI to be more relevant to the current needs of designers and the society in which they operate.
Membership is a key issue for the IDI. We need to increase then numbers of members of the IDI. An increase in membership helps the IDI in a number of different ways. There is naturally an economic impetrative but of greater importance is the fact that an increase in members will widen the debate and the range of activities that the IDI is involved in.
The IDI moved offices in recent months and we aim to increase the number of services that we offer to members. We are involved in many different initiatives. One which I have closely been involved with is Design Week. Design Week was founded by the IDI and has grown to encompass many other organisations with over 60 events taking place annually on an all island basis. The IDI still plays a key role in Design Week and we actively seek volunteers or suggestions for events that can be run during the week. Design Week is once again held in early November.
I will enjoy the Presidency of the IDI. Part of the enjoyment will come from developing the IDI in response to members needs. Positive criticism is always welcome and I am happy to discuss any issues with members as they arise.
Warmest Regards,
Barry Sheehan MIDI