Taisce an Oileáin is a company limited by guarantee, operating as a social enterprise to promote the arts, culture and heritage of Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island).

The organisation began as a voluntary committee. After developing a strategic plan, the company was established to ensure good practice and good governance. The company limited by guarantee structure was chosen because it enables us to secure funding and to operate as a non-profit organisation. This structure also ensures that every decision is made in the best interests of the company itself and the community, rather than for the benefit of shareholder profit.

The company currently has two directors and fourteen other members, all of whom work on a voluntary basis. One member holds a management role, responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day administration, organising events and classes, preparing funding applications, and maintaining communication with the directors and other members.

The directors have experience in business management and community social enterprises. Among the members there is a wide range of skills, including language, the arts, education, management, community development and graphic design. There is a good balance of men and women in the group, with representation from a range of age groups, from teenagers to people in their seventies.

The members appoint a chairperson and a secretary to run and manage meetings. The member with the management role works closely with the accountant to ensure the accounts are prepared correctly and on time, and that all reporting obligations to the CRO (Companies Registration Office) are met. The manager also oversees payments, the submission of funding applications, and the promotion of events. Members and directors are kept informed of the organisation’s work by email and messages.

The full group holds around five formal meetings each year. Some members meet more frequently while preparing events and festivals.

We are extremely grateful to the organisations that support this company in promoting the arts, culture and heritage of the area: An Chomhairle Ealaíon (The Arts Council), Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, the Árainn Mhór Language Plan, Donegal County Council, and more.