Kenneth Killeen appointed as Managing Artistic Director of Improvised Music Company (IMC): producer

Press Release Thursday 7th May 2015

Kenneth Killeen appointed as Managing Artistic Director of Improvised Music Company (IMC): producer of 12 Points festival.

www.improvisedmusic.ie

The Board of Improvised Music Company today announce the appointment of Kenneth Killeen to the position of Managing Artistic Director, incorporating the Artistic Director position for 12 Points festival and Down With Jazz festival.

Speaking about his appointment, Kenneth said; “I am delighted to take up this position as Artistic Director having worked closely with Improvised Music Company for 9 years, in various capacities. This company, and it’s work, means a lot to me. I’m passionate about this area of cultural practice and I look forward now to shaping the future of Improvised Music Company for the benefit of Irish musicians and audiences”.

Kenneth has been professionally involved in the music industry since the mid 90’s, as a musician, teacher, promoter and producer.
Upon completion of his Humanities Degree in St. Patricks College Drumcondra, he relocated to the US for a time before returning to Ireland in 2001 to study jazz at Newpark Music Centre. Prior to his role with Improvised Music Company he ran his own music venue in Dublin for 4 years, which focused on an eclectic mix of jazz, neo-folk, avant garde, electronic and independent music.

Kenneth began working with Improvised Music Company in 2006, joining the team as Artist Services Manager where his main role was in developing work for Irish artists and setting up the IMC Artists agency. He moved up to General Manager the following year. In this capacity he was the principal producer for all Improvised Music Company concerts and festivals, working closely with the director on delivering the companies high artistic output while restructuring the organisation internally and streamlining it’s administration activities. He has had the opportunity to work with many great artists from Ireland and abroad over the past 15 years.

Representing the Board of Improvised Music Company, Acting Chairperson Nigel Flegg said of the appointment; “We are delighted to appoint Kenneth Killeen as the Artistic Director of the Improvised Music Company. We are very happy that this appointment will now offer Ken the opportunity to lead the IMC’s next phase of development, and we are confident that his vision and leadership will make a hugely positive impact, not just on the organisation, but on the world of jazz and improvised music in Ireland.”

Improvised Music Company (IMC), is an Arts Council funded resource organisation for jazz and related music, established by Irish musicians and supporters in 1991. Today it is among Ireland’s leading specialist music producers with a portfolio including the acclaimed 12 Points festival of young European jazz, and Down With Jazz, the festival of creative music that draws its inspiration from Ireland’s anti-jazz campaign of the 1930s.

www.improvisedmusic.ie