Marie Lawlor appointed as Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy

Having worked with the Abbey Theatre for the last five years, Marie will transition into this new role leading the Abbey’s new fundraising and philanthropy team and overseeing the fundraising strategy for Ireland’s national theatre.

DUBLIN, 16 March 2023 – The Abbey Theatre today announced that Marie Lawlor has been appointed to the role of Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy. In her new role, Marie will lead the new fundraising team, develop a comprehensive strategy and implement annual operational plans for fundraising and philanthropy at the Abbey Theatre. 

Caitríona McLaughlin and Mark O’Brien, Co-Directors of the Abbey Theatre: 

“We are delighted to announce that Marie Lawlor has been appointed into this new role of the Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy. Marie has worked in a range of roles at the Abbey Theatre and has been key in donor engagement for the organisation over the last five years. We are excited to work with Marie as she leads the team to deliver an integrated planning process that will incorporate all streams of fundraising as we seek to collaborate with organisations and individuals whose values align with our own, embracing creativity, innovation, and a rich heritage to deliver impactful and meaningful partnerships.” 

Marie Lawlor. Photo by Emily Quinn.

Marie Lawlor commented:

“I am thrilled to lead the fundraising team as we enter a very exciting new chapter for the Abbey Theatre in terms of our programmatic and capital campaigns. I look forward to sharing a wide range of exciting and innovative Abbey partnership opportunities with philanthropic individuals and corporates in Ireland and beyond. These partnerships are critical to supporting the work on our stages, as well as the variety of work we support within communities and schools across Ireland.” 

Marie brings a wealth of experience from her roles in the advertising industry, working across magazine, outdoor and digital sales, with a variety of Irish and international brands. Marie began her career in the Abbey Theatre in 2017, working on the Theatre Skills for Business programme, delivering significant growth in business from a wide range of corporate clients. 

Marie has been building and developing relationships with Abbey Theatre supporters since she stepped into the role of Donor Engagement Manager in 2019.  With a strong focus on supporter engagement, Marie is passionate about bringing the power of theatre to life for Abbey Theatre’s supporters. She is keen to educate audiences at corporate and individual level on the wealth of artistic, community and education work that is delivered by Ireland’s national theatre. Marie holds a BA in English and Economics from UCD. 

Marie will take up the role immediately. //ENDS