Giving ideas momentum IMPACT IMPACT REPORT 2015 - 2019 and scale since 1731 Foreword – RDS President 2 Introduction - Chair of Foundation Board 3 Evolution of RDS Foundation 4 About the RDS Foundation 6 RDS Foundation in Numbers 8 Arts Programme 10 Agriculture & Rural Aff airs Programme 14 Science & Technology Programme 18 Enterprise Programme 22 Equestrian Programme 26 Library & Archives 30 Stakeholders 34 Funding 36 Funding Partners 38 Learning and Development 42 Conclusion 44

Since its inception in 1731, the RDS has grown from a small gathering of visionaries into one of the world’s oldest philanthropic organisations with the mission of seeing thrive culturally and economically. RDS Impact Report Foreword Introduction

The purpose of the RDS is to see It is such an exciting time to be part Ireland thrive culturally and of the RDS story, an organisation economically and, in achieving this that has been bringing scale and over many generations, the Society momentum to ideas for nearly has made a significant contribution 300 years. across a number of different sectors.

This report shows ways in which we are doing this today; This Impact Report is the first such report that captures the learning, how we are building upon our rich legacy, and, specifically, benefit and added value of the RDS programmes over the last five how our mission has found voice over the past five years. It years. It reflects on the journey the RDS has taken to reach this is filled with positive impact, of young minds nurtured and point across our five core programme areas; arts, agriculture, ideas turned into action. Through this impact the purpose science and technology, enterprise and equestrian, as well as our of the RDS takes shape and comes alive. library and archives.

The pages that follow demonstrate the scope and breadth What emerges as you read this report is the scale and breath of the of this work and give a sense of the depth of our impact. programmes; although the RDS is based in , it reached over It is a testament to the unique cultural and economic 12,000 participants in 2019 alone across the 32 of Ireland. Our difference which the RDS seeks to make to Ireland, as it programmes engage with participants from all walks of Irish life, from has done for nearly 300 years. an 8-year old primary school student, to innovative farming families in rural Ireland, to the former , , From its establishment in 1731, the heart of the Society sharing her insight on sustainable development with business leaders. is the combined effort of our Members and and other individuals. We are indebted to the countless voluntary What is heartening is the reach of the RDS Foundation for individuals, officers drawn from our Members who give so generously whether through one of our bursary or award programmes, of which to ensure our mission is put into action. Many others have €627,050 was awarded between 2015 and 2019, or through one of also contributed to the impact detailed in the following the 184 events that took place since 2016. The individual accounts in pages, specifically sponsors and donors who have helped this report demonstrate the critical role the RDS plays in supporting amplify our impact, judges and other contributors who excellence and talent so our beneficiaries can reach their potential share our aims and value our work, and of course the and be role models and leaders of the future. participants and beneficiaries themselves upon whose energy, talent and dedication, our impact is based. Each The quality and relevance found in our work today are amplified is deserving of our sincere thanks. They are all part of the through the commitment to the RDS mission by voluntary officers story of the impact of the RDS. who ensure rigor and relevance in their respective programme area. Together with the dedication and professionalism of our staff we can Prof. J. Owen Lewis ensure the RDS continues to advance ideas, deliver programmes and RDS President achieve lasting impact throughout Ireland.

Dr Philip Dodd Chair of the Foundation Board

2 3 First year year First ESBof Science Blast 2019 2019 RDS Visual RDS Visual Art Awards launched 2016 Evolution of the RDS Foundation of Evolution Library Bursary started 2015 First RDS First Music Bursary awarded 2003 Enterprise Science & Technology Equestrian Agriculture Agriculture airs Aff & Rural Arts Library & Archives 5 First RDS First Gold Medal Industryfor awarded 1992 RDS Irish Woodland Scheme Award started 1988 First RDS First National Crafts Competition 1968 Introduce the ArtNational Competition 1925 First Boyle Boyle First Medal awarded 1899 From 1731, the RDS has adapted as the as the RDS has adapted 1731, the From the countryneeds of changed, from School in the Drawing of the founding Awards in ArtVisual rst to the fi 1746 Science our Children’s 2016, and from began in 1890, to the that Lectures ESB Blast in 2019. Science inaugural remain areas While our programme transformed have much the same, we the work can have how we so we impact.greatest Introduced science for lectures children 1890 First RDS First classical music recitals in given House 1886 First RDS First run Horse which Show, continues to this day 1868 First Taylor Taylor First Art Prize awarded 1860 RDS Evening RDS Evening Lecture Series begins 1836 1836 4 First RDS First Spring Show (runs until 1992) fi rst fi 1831 Publish c scientifi journals Society 1799 Dublin Library established 1731 Dublin Society is founded. is founded. Dublin Society is to advance Its mission (agriculture), husbandry arts, manufactures (industry/enterprise) and science in Ireland. 1731 RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS 1731 Evolution of the RDS Foundation RDS Impact Report RDS Foundation About the STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Since 1731 the RDS has responded OF THE RDS FOUNDATION to the needs and priorities of Ireland, addressing gaps in the development Programme of our culture and economy that Quality have helped shape the country. Continue to strive for excellence in programme delivery, in achieving our charitable objectives.

Generate The RDS is focused on a long-term vision for Ireland and five key areas underpin our work: agriculture, the arts, Evidence enterprise, equestrianism and science & technology. Continue to work towards best Strategic Goal of the RDS Foundation practice in monitoring and The RDS will continue to inspire future generations to evaluating of our programmes fulfil their potential in a rapidly changing environment, by to ensure relevance and learning. providing practical support and by stimulating new ideas for a changing world. Values Innovate ı Capacity to effect change ı Independent New Projects ı Focused on the advancement of those areas laid out in our charters ı Continuity based on the management and Continue to look for gaps where development of resources held in trust for the future the RDS can add value to the development of Irish society. Programme Approach ı Investing in Ireland through our bursary and awards programme ı Investing in skills development Diversify ı Investing in a sustainable rural Ireland ı Promoting sustainable economic development Funding Base in Ireland Continue to work towards diversifying the funding mixture of the RDS Foundation programmes to ensure longer term sustainability.

6 7 RDS Impact Report The RDS in Numbers The RDS in Numbers The work of the RDS reaches Foundation Programme Participants, 2019

all 32 Antrim 831 100 and beyond. In 2019 the RDS 202 153 Clare 381 Foundation Programme reached 1,326 175 more than 12,000 benefi ciaries 81 Down 176 and participants. Dublin 3,517 Fermanagh 100 412 Kerry 182 455 134 Laois 101 Leitrim 29 1,156 101 Louth 156 Mayo 185 INVESTMENT IN RDS FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES 2015-2019 Meath 308 76 Off aly 253 €12,357,894 Roscommon 253 30 Tipperary 427 Tyrone 75 129 Westmeath 226 NUMBER OF PROJECTS NUMBER OF PARTNER 406 2015-2019 ORGANISATIONS 2015-2019 509 61 50 Overseas 6 Total 12,651 1-100 101-250 251-500 501+

NUMBER OF FOUNDATION ATTENDEES AT RDS FOUNDATION NUMBER OF AWARDS PRIZE MONEY AWARDED & LIBRARY EVENTS 2016-2019 & LIBRARY EVENTS 2016-2019 2015-2019 2015-2019 184 24,346 297 €627,050

Sources: RDS Annual Reports and CRM

8 9 ve ded r o Arts Programme intensive intensive itions both DS Taylor nally. exhibited R

years later, I later, years udent

r -Crosby Award nancial aid, has aff fi been able to I have oney, lised equipment. a i and has given me the much and has given to move struggled have would and further e new equipment port its through of the RDS, c e e s mal education. Without the mal education. Without e p ze m ze ial help of the RDS my artistic RDS my of the ial help c c a i r i i ige and ige p u r at times overwhelming journey journey times overwhelming at t s s

nc With new work. ded space to create p fo s ct ct the opportunity to develop my own my the opportunity to develop rch e d a a e re r u r e na he n to date. enough to ha been fortunate have with very as I work forward expensive Elaine Hoey Prior to having won the won to having Prior It has been an interesting, has been an interesting, It Winner of the RDS Taylor Art Award (2016), the R.C. Lewis and Centre Culturel Irlandais Residency sponsored by Mason Hayes & Curran (2017). nationally and internatio fi shown in close to 20 exhib exhibitions. Now, fou Now, exhibitions. only twice as part of st and p p p p m n my my a Art Award in 2016, I had I in 2016, Art Award T 11 10 I have no doubt in my mind I have that being part of the RDS Visual selection process Art Awards and exhibition has accelerated career as an artist. my own RDS Impact Report

Arts Programme RDS Impact Report Arts Programme 1746 its Drawing School providing Dublin Society establish NCAD. tuition in painting, School of drawing and architectural Art, the Dublin Metropolitan design, eventually becaming Arts Programme Arts

Through our work in the arts, the RDS provides a platform that supports the transition from student to emerging artist; encouraging the pursuit of a career in visual art, craft or music.

Left: Anishta Chooramun, Winner of the RHA Graduate Studio Award, 2017. Below: (top) Patrick Rafter, Winner of the RDS Music Bursary, 2016; (bottom) Edmond Byrne.

The RDS has a proud history of the RDS Craft Awards was restructured supporting the arts and was central to the in 2018 and now provides five €10,000 establishment of several of our national bursaries annually for emerging Irish cultural institutions. Today, the RDS Arts craft makers. The bursaries can be used Programme operates competitions across in the development of craft and/or three areas; visual art, craft and classical business skills. music, providing significant monetary awards as well as performance, studio, residency and The RDS also supports the RDS Irish exhibition opportunities to artists starting Craft Bursary, which is a €10,000 out in their professional careers. bursary for an established maker, managed by the Design & Crafts RDS Music Bursary Programme Council of Ireland. “I had reached a crossroads in my Since 2003, we have organised the annual career where I had the desire to RDS Music Bursary Programme, which RDS Visual Art Awards now has a €23,000 prize fund and offers The RDS Visual Art Awards is an expand my material language and prestigious professional performance important annual curated exhibition and redefine my practice. This bursary opportunities for three young musicians competition, showcasing the very best enabled me to take the creative risk annually. We developed important visual art graduates and post-graduates to follow an ambitious multi-material partnerships with Féis Ceoil, the RTÉ from art colleges on the island of approach, discovering new territories, Concert and Symphony Orchestras, Irish Ireland. There is a prize fund of €40,000, audiences and a visual vocabulary Heritage in and the Blackwater including the €10,000 RDS Taylor Art that would otherwise have been Valley Opera Festival, which extend the Award, awarded by the RDS since 1860 to impossible.” reach and impact of the awards for our some of Ireland’s most successful artists. talented young winners. This exhibition has become a significant event in the annual arts calendar. Edmond Byrne RDS Craft Awards Inclusion for graduating artists has a contemporary glass artist and Building on the legacy of the RDS Crafts positive and influential effect on the winner of the inaugural RDS Irish Competition that was established in 1968, development of their practice. Craft Bursary (2018)

12 13 Agriculture & Rural Aff airs Programme airs Aff & Rural Agriculture farmers as we have quite a solitary quite have as we farmers and social sustainability. farm to reseed 25 acres of barley arable arable barley of acres 25 to reseed through the RDS is of great help to to help great the RDS is of through - is excellent the awards the aim of to highlight sustainable farming Winner of Sustainable Farming Award, Award, Sustainable of Farming Winner both immediate and longer term. I I term. and longer both immediate the farm. and richness of biodiversity livestock breeding to craft and design. design. to craft and breeding livestock land adds to the This reseeded land. Sustainable Farming Awards). I thought I thought Awards). Sustainable Farming Brookfi Tipperary Co eld Farm, Brookfi In 2019 I entered the RDS Spring the RDS Spring 2019 I entered In Farmer's in the Irish featured I was RDS Spring Awards, and an RDS Silver and an RDS Silver RDS Spring Awards, Medal (2019) Journal with an articleJournal on the RDS used the prize money to purchase to purchase money used the prize multispecies ley grass and herb seed grass and herb seed multispecies ley really enthused by winning; it gave me me winning; it gave enthused by really sustainability. occupation. environment, economics and social and social economics environment, on the on enhancing the biodiversity great confi work my dence to continue confi great an award from the RDS is highly sought sought the RDS is highly from an award to forestry from area, in any after exemplify that and identify farms Ailbhe Gerrard Ailbhe The RDS is a wonderful institution; institution; The RDS is a wonderful networking and support The research, was The impact winning the award of Awards (the fi the of rst year (the fi Awards I was eld Farm. and Brookfi Awards 15 The impact of The impact the award winning both immediate was term. and longer 14 RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS Agriculture & Rural Aff airs Programme RDS Impact Report Agriculture & Rural Affairs Programme 1792 Gardens at The RDS leased land forGlasnevin Botanic Rural Affairs Programme Agriculture &

Left: Agriculture and rural development are as Meade’s Whiteleas Farm Herd was important to the RDS as they are to Ireland. the winner of the inaugural From its earliest initiatives in 1731, the RDS RDS Dairy Herd encouraged innovation and the promotion Award. Below: Irish Forestry Award of best practice in Irish agriculture. Winner Justin Good, , Co Cavan.

The goal of the RDS Agriculture and celebrate and promote the principles of Rural Affairs Programme is to promote climate-smart agriculture. With awards sustainable farming and sustainable in livestock, forestry and, more recently, “The RDS Spring Awards are living in Ireland. There have been many sustainability, we acknowledge individuals, important, as the original RDS achievements in this area over the communities and organisations that make a ethos that gave rise to the past three centuries: the development significant contribution to the development RDS, namely to see Ireland of the National Botanic Gardens, issuing of rural Ireland. progress both economically and ‘premiums’ to plant 55 million trees in culturally in areas as diverse as the , research to combat RDS Climate Smart Agriculture Series agriculture, the arts and science, potato blight, and for generations the This programme is a series of seminars, are as valid now as they were RDS Spring Show elevated the standard lectures, and workshops that address some of Irish livestock. of the main factors influencing the future almost 300 years ago when the development of agriculture in Ireland organisation was founded.” This work continues in the RDS today, with and assess how to marry our climate the Agriculture Programme focusing on responsibilities with our future agricultural Brendan Meade, Co. Meath the economic, social, environmental and policy. A 2016 report, jointly published by “The RDS’s presence in this sector is 2018 RDS Spring Awards – Dairy Herd sustainable development of rural Ireland. the IIEA and the RDS, is recognised as a absolutely crucial. I consider the RDS Index Award Winner significant document on the sustainable a very respectable, honourable body, RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry economic and environmental development the only body that recognises and Awards of Irish agriculture. The principles of encourages the highest standards of The RDS Spring Awards is an annual awards climate-smart agriculture continue to be best practice of sustainable woodland programme that recognises and highlights promoted by the RDS through an ongoing the very best farmers, foresters, and agri- programme of events, workshops and management, which also highlights entrepreneurs in Ireland. These awards new publications. the crucial role that landowners have to be responsible custodians and lead by example.”

Justin Good, Co. Cavan Production Forestry Award Winner, RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry & Woodlands Awards

16 17 Science & Technology Programme & Technology Science it gave the class opportunity to use their own it gave individual strengths, be it art the displaying for teachers in October 2018. Without it, I wouldn’t in October Without 2018. teachers to newly qualifi who might or teachers ed teachers to newly qualifi have had the confi dence to apply to participate in had the confi have be nervous about participating in such events. Sarah Dalton Sarah ESB Science Blast in 2019. It gives encouragement encouragement gives ESB Science Blast in 2019. It I attended an RDS STEM Learning CPD course for for CPD course an RDS STEM Learning I attended Participant RDS STEM CPD Course 2018, ESB Participant RDS STEM CPD Course Teacher, Cnoc Mhuire Senior School, School, Senior Cnoc Mhuire Teacher, of the project, IT, maths, or research. maths, the project,of IT, Science Blast 2019 and 2020 19 independent learners, researching at home and home and at independent learners, researching in their work. The project kept them motivated. them motivated. The project kept in their work. there, there wasn’t a huge interest in science in science interest a huge wasn’t there there, Participating in ESB Participating Science Blast had a My school is a DEIS school where literacy and literacy and school is a DEIS school where My I came ESB across Science Blast, exactly it was what I wanted for my class. class. my for I wanted what worked very well. This inclusivity meant that This inclusivity meant that very well. worked project question. They were completely invested invested completely were They project question. numeracy are a priority. When I started teaching a priority. numeracy are strong impact on the children. They became They impactstrong on the children. outside of the curriculum requirements. When When the curriculum requirements. outside of questioning what they could do to answer their their do to answer could they what questioning The cross-curricular nature of the programme the programme of nature The cross-curricular 18 Participating in ESB Science in ESB Participating on the a strong impact Blast had They became independent children. and researching at home learners, do what they could questioning project question. their to answer RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS Science & Technology Programme 1898 The RDS produced a report on science teaching in schools in Ireland Science & Technology Programme & Technology Science 21 out that investigation themselves on their return to the themselves out that investigation to for them. Coming from a small , work own classroom. Experiencing the showcase event validated their validated event classroom. Experiencing the showcase fascinated by another school’s project and actually carried school’s another fascinated by all schools’ calendars.” their work and the other projects on display. They were They were and the other projects on display. their work thousands of other Gaelgóirí, made them feel part of a their return from ESB Science Blast. They had become their return from ESB Science Blast. reflective practitioners and were able to critique both and practitioners reflective larger movement. ESB Science Blast is the best event of its ESB Science Blast is the best event larger movement. kind and I would love to see it become an annual event on to see it become an annual event love kind and I would be able to participate in the ESB Science Blast event with be able to participate in the ESB Science Blast event Colm Ó Hanluain, Teacher, Gaelscoil Laochra, Co. Uibh Fháilí Fháilí Uibh Laochra, Co. Gaelscoil Teacher, Ó Hanluain, Colm STEM Conference 2015, Facilitator for RDS STEM Programme CPD Course CPD Course RDS STEM Programme for 2015, Facilitator STEM Conference (2018), ESB Science Blast Judge (2019) and ESB(2018), ESB Science Blast Participant Science Blast Judge (2019 and 2020) “The impact on the children was most obvious on most obvious “The impact on the children was Students showing off Students Above: into circuits their investigation ESBat Science Blast.

so culturally can Ireland thrive that and economically. ESB on nine years’ Science Blast is built the RDS Primary delivering experience (2010 – 2018). As the Science Fair programme has significantly in increased leading a multi-millionare since 2019, we size into ESB Sciencephilanthropic investment Blast, business, joined by partners from philanthropy and local government. STEM Learning programme is The RDS STEM Learning programme development a professional We challengeteachers with a difference. curiosity and natural to embrace children’s they on how they think, not what to focus learning shared for It is a community know. know-how and providing amongst teachers, teaching. in science and maths confidence of RDS STEMThe classroom benefits literacy and numeracy many: are Learning problem solving; improved improvements; and integration development oral language inquiryof skills across the curriculum. 20 It is hard to overestimate the important the important It is hard to overestimate role that science and technology plays in in and technology plays role that science of the RDS The contribution all our lives. in this area, both now to understanding past, is something we and in generations are proud of. RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS The aim of the Science & Technology the Science & Technology The aim of the is to encourage Programme STEM (science, of development engineering and maths) technology, skills by primary in children school-aged The work education innovation. fostering is the RDS in STEM education of significance national and willof greatly impact generation. the next ESB Science Blast ESB RDS Foundation’s Science Blast is the programme, designed to inspire largest curiosity in primary school children ask We Ireland. throughout the island of they are a question to investigate children curious about and to bring their findings event.to a showcase class It is a whole STEM opening the possibilities of activity, the participating class. to all from children inquiry-based approach The programme’s creativity, of the development promotes and collaboration critical-thinking, the next equipping communication, with wide-ranging skills,generation Science & Technology Programme Enterprise Programme Enterprise We live in volatile and challenging in volatile live We and I enjoy Personally, example. for important than ever. cult to diffi it’s market, international times. In the context of and and Brexit of the context times. In Members, of the rich experience high quality programmes, recognising recognising programmes, high quality by mentoring the scale-upby sector linking the fi the RDS strands of ve linking the fi Supporting the RDS mission, the Geraldine Kearney By galvanising this power, we deliver deliver we this power, galvanising By Enterprise Committee has focused has focused Committee Enterprise COVID-19, Ireland needs resolute, needs resolute, Ireland COVID-19, In an increasingly competitive competitive an increasingly In I respect the traditional core values values the traditional core I respect wise and independent leadership. work, I believe we can continue to to can continue we work, I believe with my own sense of purpose and purpose and own sense of with my Managing Director of Authenticity Authenticity of Director Managing stand out without being creative. By By stand out without being creative. support this work because it aligns sense, economic and environmental, and environmental, economic sense, contribute to Ireland’s cultural and and cultural to Ireland’s contribute growth. economic of the RDS, which are now more now more which are the RDS, of excellence, nurturing potential nurturing potential excellence, on sustainability in the broadest on sustainability in the broadest alongside a professional RDS team. RDS team. alongside a professional and creating a space for new ideas. new ideas. a space for and creating of Enterprise of and Member of the RDS Committee the RDS Committee and Member of The RDS is unique in that we leverage leverage we in that The RDS is unique 23 22 I enjoy and support this work and support this work I enjoy because it aligns with my own sense of purpose and I respect of the traditional core values more the RDS, which are now important than ever. RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS

Enterprise Programme RDS Impact Report Enterprise Programme RDS sells Leinster1924 RDS sells House to the Irish Government headquarters at and establishes Enterprise Programme

The RDS has been at the forefront of “A sincere thank you for giving me the privilege of receiving this award. It is truly gratifying since it is the economic and cultural development the first time a woman has been so recognised and the of Ireland for three centuries. Today, we first time also that the creative industries sector has continue this work with the aim to build a been recognised. The latter of these is of particular significance for me as it illustrates that this is a sector strong, sustainable economy and a better whose time has come.” society, through enterprise and innovation. “If I have learnt one about this industry it is that the greater the levels of collaboration and creative cooperation, the greater the quality of the work produced and, more importantly, the economic and social impact of that work.”

Moya Doherty Producer and Chair of RTÉ, Recipient of the RDS Gold Medal, 2017 The goal of the RDS Enterprise RDS Entrepreneurs’ Club Programme is to promote a vision The RDS Entrepreneurs’ Club (REC) provides for Ireland’s sustainable economic a space where emerging entrepreneurs development. The programme is designed can connect with established business Above: , to share ideas and stimulate discussion. professionals to learn from their experiences. Recipient of the RDS This is delivered through events that Through the REC we aim to make a positive Gold Medal, 2017 for connect our audiences with some of impact on Ireland’s economic development her contribution to the Ireland’s most important, and influential, by creating a supportive community where arts, culture and creative sectors. Right: European thought leaders, who share their insight scale-up ready entrepreneurs can benefit Ombudsman, Emily and expertise on the most pressing from the experiences of established business O'Reilly, Vision 2030 economic issues of our time. professionals in a creative and welcoming speaker in 2019. environment. Each event features some RDS Vision 2030 Series of our most dynamic and innovative The RDS Vision 2030 Series aims to entrepreneurs who share their stories, and identify the challenges and opportunities experiences, of running successful scale-up facing Ireland over the next decade businesses. through a programme of business breakfasts. Sharing the insights of RDS Gold Medal for Enterprise speakers such as former President of The aim of the RDS Gold Medal is to Ireland, Mary Robinson, and European promote excellence in enterprise in Ireland Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, our in an integrated global economy. We focus is firmly on the future and what award the RDS Gold Medal annually to "I commend the RDS on this initiative forcing us to Ireland can do to ensure sustainable acknowledge and celebrate an individual think in the medium to long term rather than what lies development, economically, societally, who has made an exceptional impact on just directly around the corner even if we have to tread and environmentally. Ireland’s sustainable economic development. extremely cautiously when making predictions during these most unpredictable of times."

Emily O’Reilly European Ombudsman, Vision 2030 Speaker, April 25, 2019

24 25 Equestrian three years has been invaluable. It has has It has been invaluable. years three the experience I have gained from from gained I have the experience been of great benefi t to me in learning benefi great been of build courses at the Dublin Horse Show the Dublin Horse Show at build courses learn the diff course methods of erent learn the diff Equestrian Centre in to to in Germany Centre Equestrian Indeed being invited to design and to design and being invited Indeed Doyle John I would never have had access or had access or have never I would Designer and RDS Course BursaryDesigner and RDS Course working with top level course designers designers course working with top level winner (2019) provided me with the opportunity me with to provided responsibilities of a course designer designer a course of responsibilities my CV, and as a result I have received received I have and as a result CV, my venues to design and build at requests of course design. It enabled me to me to enabled design. It course of complete Levels 1 & 2 of the FEI course the FEI course 1 & 2 of Levels complete addition to this, In design programme. design, and to experience the role and and the role design, and to experience exposure to otherwise. exposure and developing my career in the art career my and developing International the Riesenbeck attend cantly to ers has added signifi qualifi at the Dublin Horse Show for the last the last the Dublin Horse Show for at at a show of that scale and calibre. scale that and calibre. a show of at Senior National & FEI Level 2 Course 2 Course & FEI Level Senior National The RDS Course Designer BursaryThe RDS Course has 27 The RDS Course The RDS Bursary has Designer t benefi been of great learning and to me in career in my developing design. the art of course 26 RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS

Equestrian Programme RDS Impact Report Equestrian 1926 First Aga Khan Competition Equestrian Programme

Best known for organising the Dublin Horse Show for over 160 years, the RDS Equestrian Programme also supports equestrian sport by developing training courses and awarding bursaries to enable those involved in the sport to further develop their skills.

Left: The winning Mexican team of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Ireland at Through the annual Dublin Horse Show Reaching New Heights strategy. In the 2018 Dublin Horse Show. and our Equestrian Programme, the RDS line with the RDS equestrian mission, Below: (left) Irish rider, Cian has an opportunity each year to shape this project, which is currently in O'Connor on Good Luck at the and support equestrian sport, and the development in conjunction with Horse 2017 Dublin Horse Show; (right) breeding and production of sport horses , aims to progress the The RDS Main Arena at the Dublin Horse Show. within the country. standard of equitation in Ireland and provide an education structure for all In 2016, the RDS played a key role in the those involved in the sport; from child development of the government-backed to adult competitor; from groom strategy for the industry, Reaching New to breeder. Heights. Since 2018 we have worked to put recommendations from that national RDS Course Designer Bursary strategy into operation by embarking on The RDS Course Designer Bursary aims the development of a national curriculum to provide an opportunity for Irish for rider development and education. course designers to gain new skills and experience, ensuring that they fulfil their The National Equestrian Education potential and help the sport to grow and Pathway (NEEP) develop it to a higher level within the The NEEP training project will be country. The programme was first held universally aligned across disciplines and in 2019, when we awarded three course all affiliated bodies within the country, an designers a bursary to further develop their initiative identified and called for in the course design skills and qualifications.

28 29 Library & Archives Library between leisure, class, sport, leisure, between horses and horse sport as expressions of of horses and horse sport as expressions primary archive off won having by ered off primary archive in early twentieth centuryin early twentieth Ireland. in the equestrian archives. As part of archives. in the equestrian the bursary, and an increased sense sense and an increased the bursary, dint by had value, taking material to the of the role to the scholarship around this award, I also gave a public talk at a public talk at I also gave this award, the RDS Library. and contribute to the scholarship to the scholarship and contribute interactions the complex around politics, and social events agriculture, and rigorous panel. My work should add add should work panel. My and rigorous , Dr Sherra Murphy entitled The Great National Horse Show: National entitled The Great premier academic journal for Irish history. academicpremier journal for Library and Archives Bursary, worth Bursary, and Archives Library improvement, leisure and equestrianism and equestrianism leisure improvement, the examining Ireland. in mid-Victorian opportunity for original research in a in a original research opportunity for I was the approach dence that confi of an experienced being selected by of Irishness with international dimensions, dimensions, with international Irishness I was the 2019 recipient of the RDS the RDS of the 2019 recipient I was submitted to Irish Historical Studies, the Studies, to Irish Historical submitted RDS Library and Archives BursaryRDS Library and Archives winner origins of the show from 1864, has been the show from origins of (2019). Her academic journal article, The immediate impact was the impact the was The immediate €10,000, awarded to conduct research research to conduct awarded €10,000, 31 30 The RDS holds records that trace The RDS holds records the early history of many of current public institutions. Ireland’s Encouraging research in these records is vital to a full and nuanced understanding of the development of art, science, agriculture, and civic culture in Ireland. RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS

Library & Archives RDS Impact Report Library & Archives New Library building opened 1965 New Library Library & ArchivesLibrary

The RDS Library & Archives is a rich, multi-layered resource that holds the corporate memory of the RDS and the historical record of its mission to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically.

With over 100,000 items covering The Bursary is now in its fifth year and three centuries, the RDS Library & has been awarded for research into the Archives is an excellent resource of RDS Foundation programme areas of material for researchers. With the goals music, agriculture, science, craft and of disseminating knowledge about the equestrianism. history and role of the RDS in Ireland and increasing access to the Society’s RDS Library & Archives collections, the RDS Library & Archives Digitisation Project awards an annual research bursary worth The key aim of our five-year digitisation €10,000. We are also midway through project is to provide greater access to the delivery of an ambitious five-year the RDS archival collections to historians, digitisation project, which will enable researchers and other users, while public access to the archive online. ensuring their preservation for the use of future generations. RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary The project is now in its third year The RDS Library & Archives Research and has to date digitised over 70,000 Bursary is awarded to a post-doctoral pages of content, including a wealth of student for research into the Foundation material related to the social, cultural Programme subject areas of RDS and economic , that is archival collections. Its key aims are to now freely available through our online Above: (top) RDS Library & Archives Research promote the RDS archival collections to archive at digitalarchive.rds.ie. Bursary Winner 2018, Dr Claudia Kinmonth, researchers and to develop relationships presents her research for the RDS Library with external institutions with similar Speakers’ Series; (bottom) The 14 original collections and research communities. founders of the RDS, from of the first meeting of the Dublin Society held on 25 1731, in the Philosophical Rooms (now the Old Library) . Left: Original poster advertising the RDS Spring Show, 1936.

32 33 Stakeholders 35 student level to professional artist to professional student level contemporary museum shows, as contemporary museum shows, curator and a member of the 2016 gives the participants their first gives JUDGES (2019) absolute pinnacle, from which and puts them on a level with and puts them on a level and discerning multi-cultural audience. As both exhibition taste of art world standards standards taste of art world in one amazing leap. The fact that it is a tightly curated and professionally installed exhibition professionally installed exhibition professionalism of the RDS VAA professionalism of the RDS VAA people in the Irish cultural sector.” VOLUNTARY OFFICERS (2015-2019) judging panel, I witnessed at first independence and hand the rigor, judging process, which is executed some of the most respected by RDS Visual Art Awards is an RDS Visual Art Awards well as exposing them to a huge well young graduates can soar from young Alice Maher Alice Artist, VAA Curator and Judge (2016) and Judge Curator Artist, VAA 173 148 “More than a stepping stone, the “More

without them. their expertise to enhance the experience of their expertise the experience to enhance consistent, rigorous and the RDS is to have processes. The individual judging transparent their time to enhance the experience of their time to enhance the experience thousands primary of and school teachers children explain their STEM investigations STEM investigations their explain children ESB the non-competitive in expert feedback our arts, best to win awards in agriculture, and libraryequestrian programmes, the work consistently acknowledges the judging acknowledges consistently credible and sought-after. and sought-after. credible participants. From listening to primary listening schoolparticipants. From process as a highlight of the ESBprocess as a highlight of Science respected in their area, ensuring that the ensuring that in their area, respected judges are independent, and highly are judges qualified government and very generously volunteer and very generously volunteer government students every year. Feedback from teachers from Feedback everystudents year. Foundation and Library offering programmes, Foundation not happen could the RDS Foundation of Blast experience. RDS Foundation Programme awards remain Programme RDS Foundation In 2019 173 judges worked on the RDS worked In 2019 173 judges programmes, the goal of In our competitive and offering them encouragement and their and offering them encouragement fields of academia, industry, education and of academia,fields industry, Our ESB Science Blast judges come from the from Our ESB come judges Science Blast Science Blast, to selecting the best of the Judges of this island. I encourage and contribution to Ireland is an enduring reminder of the impact energy and efforts of individuals conditions to help them to a voluntary society can have. society can have. a voluntary Keith Young Keith to shape the future development to shape the future development thrive in their lives and careers. and careers. in their lives thrive their time, expertise and skills to which focus on these endeavours institutions such as the RDS are new and relevant ways; targeting ways; new and relevant new generations and creating privilege and honour to work professionals who contribute mission." long term results. Civil society Chair of the Committee of of the Committee Chair of Science & Technology, RDS Science & Technology, welcome new members and welcome with like-minded volunteers and volunteers with like-minded vehicles that can harness the vehicles to join us in that volunteers That impact continues today in That impact continues today As a voluntary officer, it’s a it’s officer, As a voluntary "The history of the RDS the RDS executive, RDS Members are Members are RDS the RDS executive, experience to give back to Ireland. to give experience one of the unique features of the Society. the Society. of features the unique one of only made possible by being able to draw only made possible by on the voluntary effort of our Members. and their endeavours in combination with in combination and their endeavours able to lend their expertise, and energy Through their work on our committees Through their work on our committees The committee structure of the RDS is of structure The committee The breadth of work of done by the RDS is The breadth Voluntary Officers Voluntary 34 Board of Board of Management Foundation Board Science & Technology Enterprise Equestrian Library & Archives Membership Arts Agriculture & Rural Affairs & Rural Agriculture Committees Council Trustees RDS STRUCTURE RDS RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS

Stakeholders RDS Impact Report Funding Funding

The RDS Foundation Programme is funded by the commercial activities of the RDS as well as donations and sponsorship from RDS Members, companies, trusts and foundations, state bodies and legacies.

EXTERNAL FUNDING RDS FOUNDATION DONORS

Value Breakdown (2016-2019) Count Breakdown (2016-2019)

State 14% State 6% Legacy 1% Corporate 5% Corporate 35% Foundation 6% Foundation 31% Individual 83% Individual 19%

2:1 100% RATIO OF RDS TO EXTERNAL FUNDING (2019) DONOR INCOME SPENT ON PROGRAMMES

36 37 Funding Partners Funding 39 38 our shared values and sense of purpose, and sense of purpose, our shared values counties participating. schools from all 26 opportunities not just for the children who opportunities not and our commitment to promote STEAM and our commitment Máire Scully Máire initiative and look forward to working with to working and look forward initiative reach and impact of the the RDS to grow the programme." maths) education and learning, creating maths) education but for all of society. participate directly, Over 12,000 children attended ESB Science 12,000 children attended Over Corporate Sponsorship Manager, ESB Sponsorship Manager, Corporate Blast in the RDS in March 2020, with Blast in the RDS (science, technology, engineering, arts and engineering, arts and (science, technology, RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS We are very proud to support this RDS are very We "Our partnership with the RDS builds on with the "Our partnership

Funding Partners RDS Impact Report Funding Partners

"One of the fundamental aims of the RDS is to assist Ireland to thrive culturally and economically. It is therefore important to nurture our young people with artistic talent to enable them to positively impact our society. For us, it is the reason we support the Arts Programme. The RDS provides a unique opportunity for up-and- coming young musicians and artists to display their talents and to compete for bursaries, which have been career changing for many of them."

Michael and Loret O’Brien RDS Members and Donors

"Over the past 160 years the RDS and the Taylor Art Trust have worked together to encourage the young rising stars of the visual arts in Ireland. The Previous Page: "What is Possible", the work of Siobhan two organisations have continually adapted to the O'Connor at the 2016 Visual changing world around them to ensure that the very Art Awards Exhibition. Left: best Irish artists have been celebrated. The Taylor Art Sarah Brady, Winner of the RDS Music Bursary 2017, performing Trustees are proud that the relationship with the RDS on stage with Irish Heritage in has not only stood the test of time but will continue London as part of her award. to do so for the benefi t of and artists." Above: (top) Ellen Duff y, Winner of the RHA Graduate Studio Award, 2019; (bottom) Antony Lewis-Crosby Gary Reilly, Winner of the R.C. Taylor Art Trust Lewis-Crosby Award 2019.

40 41 RDS Impact Report Learning and Development Learning & Development

Amy Gillen, Flautist, Winner of the 2019 RDS Jago Award, RDS The RDS Foundation Music Bursary Programme. seeks to ensure that its programmes remain relevant, innovative, value for money and measurable.

It does this by having an evaluation RDS Rising Stars Concert Series, framework to ensure projects are: Jan 2019, p13) ı A strategic fit in line with its charitable RDS Primary Science Fair objectives and each committees’ goals (predecessor to ESB Science Blast) ı Have impact with individuals, The Fair had an immediate and communities and society as measurable impact on teachers’ a whole assessments of their pupils’ skills, particularly in the areas of working ı Have clear goals and objectives scientifically, integrating maths and that are quantifiable science, and increased dialogue. ı Cost effective and financially compliant Unanticipated impact included an increase in pupils’ confidence in the Sample External Evaluation Results: following areas: improved critical thinking and ownership of work; encouraging girls Rising Stars Concert to get involved in STEM; and enabling (predecessor to the RDS Music pupils to present their work to their Bursary Winners Concert) parents and communities. (RDS Primary Across the board the research found Science Fair Evaluation, 2016, p 7) the Rising Starts Concert Series to be both valuable to those who participate RDS Entrepreneurs’ Club and valued as an ongoing support for The consensus was that the emerging young musicians. The prestige Entrepreneurs’ Club pilot programmes of the RDS as an organisation with a long targeted an important business sector, tradition of supporting classical music scale-up enterprises, who were likely to is viewed as significant and association experience reduced level of supports and with the Society through its Arts Work ancillary programmes compared with their Programme, a substantive opportunity start-up days. (RDS Entrepreneurs Club for those who receive it. (Evaluation into Programme Assessment, May 2020, p 22)

42 43 Design: reddog.ie

44 Now well into the 21st centuryNow well into the 21st and approaching our the mission of that conscious are we 300th anniversary, now as it was 1731. The stories from the RDS is as relevant an have We reportour beneficiaries in this confirm this. important supporting role to play: talented individuals highlighting and their career paths, the beginning of at and identifying the needs within excellence, rewarding momentum and bringing focus, our programmes areas we years ahead, those needs. In the and scale to fulfil and to look to develop will to learn, to evaluate, continue forward, while taking pride in our history and achievements to date. gone before the work those who have of acknowledge We our work can through us, and know that only continue voluntary effortsof our the collaborative officers, partner programme donors and sponsors, volunteers, organisations, very We are grateful participants and the staffof the RDS. our work to continue this supportfor excited and are ideas into action thrive. to turn and see Ireland together, Throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th the 18th, 19th Throughout RDS the mission of the centuries, Ireland constant – to see remained and culturally. economically thrive changed of the country As the needs of the RDS work time, the over those needs. adapted to help fulfil RDS Impact Report Impact Report RDS

Conclusion On the front cover: Chloë Dowds, ceramist and winner of a 2018 RDS Craft Award, which included a bursary of €10,000 and a stand at Gifted – The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair.

Royal Dublin Society T: +353 (0)1 668 0866 : /RDSdublin Ballsbridge E: [email protected] : /TheRDS Registered Charity Number 20002008 Instagram: /RDSdublin rds.ie