​With a background in education and anthropology, I launched the first Year of Arts in May 2023 as a personal passion project—an effort to bring meaningful, hands-on artistic practice into our own home. What began as a small creative experiment has since blossomed into a dynamic, community-rooted programme now running in multiple locations across Leinster. Today, YofA proudly collaborates with a wide range of partners—from childcare services and disability support organisations to corporate teams seeking meaningful, creativity-driven wellbeing experiences for their managers & staff. At its heart, our mission remains the same: to use art as a powerful tool for wellbeing, confidence, success, and personal growth.

With a background in both education and financial advising, I’m passionate about empowering people with the tools they need to thrive—whether that’s through financial literacy or creative expression. I believe in the transformative power of art to build confidence, spark joy, and nurture wellbeing at every stage of life. I joined YofA as Creative & Financial Director in early 2024 and haven’t looked back. Watching people of all ages light up with creativity and connection through this programme is nothing short of magical. It’s joy, growth, and food for the soul—all rolled into one.

I work as a visual artist, selling and exhibiting my work in various locations throughout Dublin and Wicklow. I work with mixed media including oil pastels, oil paints, acrylic, graphite, pigments, gesso and wax. I predominantly use mark making as a visual language expressing themes based around the landscape and the energy found in and beneath the surface of the land. For YofA I deliver workshops and offer consultations.

I am dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages to discover their artistic potential. I have a background in interdisciplinary and visual arts. Through engaging workshops I offer a supportive space for participants to explore creativity, develop skills, and express themselves. Inspired by nature and sustainable practices, I emphasise process over product, encourage experimentation, and promote a sense of community.

I have a background in art, languages, dance and instinctive movement and am a graduate of NCAD. While living in Brooklyn, NY for 8 years, I was immersed in the self-directed education movement, which nurtures the natural drives of playfulness, curiosity and sociability.  I love supporting children and their families explore and express their creativity through all sorts of arty experimentation!

​I have a background in education, permaculture and organic horticulture and am a self taught artist that works with acrylics and oil on canvas. I facilitate the YofA programme at a Democratic School in Co. Longford. I love delivering the YofA programme as it has a wonderful approach to art and the process of creating, putting the individual expression and experience central.

With over 10 years experience working on projects, I love working with talent to achieve something extraordinary that brings in benefit, wellbeing and enjoyment for others. To me, it’s all about experiences and feelings through interactions with people in our community. I love meeting people and seeing their big smiles after a well organised event is delivered. That’s the art of enjoyment for me.

Hi there, I'm Sijia Li, a postgraduate of UCD Smurfit Business School. I'm really happy to be a member of Year of Arts, and enjoy working together with San and other excellent YofA team members to learn from each other and make a change.

I am a passionate social media manager and event strategist with a background in Software Engineering and a strong love for the arts. After building my career in Dubai, I relocated to Dublin in June 2024, bringing with me a rich blend of international experience and creativity. I hold certifications in Digital Marketing and Social Media Management from Meta and Google. Through my role at Years of Arts, I am excited to help grow artistic initiatives and build engaging online communities through digital storytelling. For YofA I manage the LinkedIn and Instagram platforms.

After graduating in Audio & Visual Media in 2024, I’ve spent nearly 10 years creating art, photoshop images, short films and documentaries. I love to be creative and use my skills to elevate the reach and quality of communities and organisations. I’ve worked with Spraoi and Winterval (Waterford) for many years and am excited about my journey with YofA working on Facebook, X and TikTok.

David has experience and qualifications in Finance, Law and Economics. He has always been strongly interested in applying his skills in social enterprise and advocating for those in society who benefit from additional supports. Inspired by his mum's artistic influence David has a deep appreciation for all creative and artistic endeavours. David has a passion for creative writing and poetry. He is also a follower of music, culture, sport and current affairs.

Sofia Casciani is YofA’s Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator. With a background in theatre and a lifelong love for the arts, she brings a perfect mix of creativity and organisation to the team. Sofia is passionate about creating smooth, supportive systems behind the scenes and helping our growing team of volunteers feel confident, connected, and inspired in their roles. Her work is key to making sure every part of the programme runs with care and clarity.