PROGRAMS OF THE IRISH THE IRISH       AMERICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE

THE IRISH WAY PROGRAM

A unique 5-week summer study abroad program for American high school students, the Irish Way exposes approximately 100 teenagers each year to the best Ireland has to offer.  Combining academic study at secondary schools in Waterford and Dublin with field trips, a week- long home stay with an Irish family, and touring of the western Gaeltacht region, the Irish Way counts more than 2,900 enthusiastic alumni since 1975.

THE IRISH PERCEPTIONS SERIES

This acclaimed series tours historians, folklorists, artists, museum curators, musicians, and others through our nationwide chapter network to bring the best of Irish culture directly to our American communities.

THE IRISH RESEARCH FUNDS

The IACI presents in excess of $25,000 annually in research grant awards to scholars conducting research into the Irish American experience.  The prestigious awards are typically presented by Ireland's Ambassador to the U.S. at his residence in Washington, D.C.  Ron Ebest, Jr., son of Cathy and Ron Ebest, was a former recipient.  Ron Ebest is the 2003 "Irish Person of the Year."

PS - 1 IRISH ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Sponsored by the Arts Councils of Ireland and Northern Ireland, selected artists participate in a one-year residency at New York's PS 1, the renowned institute for Contemporary Art.

ANNUAL AWARDS IN IRELAND

These prestigious prizes, selected by a panel of their peers and totaling over $25,000 annually, are awarded each year in Dublin to recognize lifetime achievement in art, poetry, prose, and heritage.  Grants are also given in support of traditional music and crafts.

VISITING FELLOWSHIP IN IRISH STUDIES

The IACI, together with N.U.I. Galway, sponsors a visiting fellowship at National University of Ireland, Galway for one semester each year, permitting an American Irish Studies scholar whose work related to any aspect of Irish Studies to teach and do original research.

ANNIE MOORE PROJECT

Annie Moore, a 15-year-old girl from County Cork, was the first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892.  In honor of the 100th anniversary of this milestone, the IACI coordinated an international effort to have a commemorative statue of Annie Moore erected at Ellis Island, and at her Irish departure point, Cobh, in County Cork.  Then President Mary Robinson unveiled both statues in l993.