Photo Museum Ireland has become the first dedicated photography institution in Ireland to achieve full accreditation under the Museum Standards Programme of Ireland (MSPI), marking a significant milestone for the organisation and for the recognition of photography as an important part of Ireland’s cultural heritage.
The accreditation recognises Photo Museum Ireland’s commitment to excellence in collections care, governance, public engagement and long-term stewardship. It also strengthens the museum’s position as Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary photography, supporting artists while preserving important photographic work for future generations.
The museum achieved this milestone just three years after establishing its collection, ahead of the typical five-year timeline associated with the accreditation process.
CEO and Artistic Director Trish Lambe said the achievement represented an important moment in the museum’s development.
“Museum accreditation is a landmark moment for Photo Museum Ireland. The culmination of years of dedicated work by our team and board, past and present, it is a profound validation of our commitment to Irish photography.”
— Trish Lambe, CEO & Artistic Director, Photo Museum Ireland
Established in 2021, the Photo Museum Ireland Collection has quickly developed into a growing national resource, supporting artists, safeguarding photographic legacies and making contemporary photographic practice more accessible to the public.
The collection now comprises more than 400 works by 60 artists, reflecting the breadth and diversity of contemporary photographic practice in Ireland while ensuring significant artistic work remains available for future generations.
Photography continues to play an important role in shaping how we understand identity, place, history and social change. Through achieving MSPI accreditation, Photo Museum Ireland is better positioned to expand its collection, support artists and increase public engagement with photography.
Lisa Shortall, Head of Research, Learning and Cultural Heritage at The Heritage Council, praised the achievement, describing it as recognition of the organisation’s commitment and ambition.
“The accreditation recognises the care, professionalism, and ambition at the heart of the organisation. As a leading centre for contemporary photography, the museum is making an important contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape.”
— Lisa Shortall, Head of Research, Learning and Cultural Heritage, The Heritage Council
Chairperson William Fagan also welcomed the accreditation, highlighting the role it will play in supporting the museum’s future development.
“We welcome the high standards set out by the programme obligations as they make us a stronger organisation and enable us to grow and develop as the national centre for photography in Ireland.”
— William Fagan, Chairperson, Photo Museum Ireland
Recognised by the Arts Council of Ireland as the national strategic organisation for photography, Photo Museum Ireland presents exhibitions, publications and engagement programmes while supporting artists through residencies, commissions, mentoring, training and archiving facilities.
The accreditation marks a significant step forward in the museum’s mission to champion photography, preserve Ireland’s photographic record and ensure contemporary photographic practice remains accessible to audiences today and in the future.
More info: photomuseumireland.ie/mspi-accreditation
