Aosdána, set up in 1981 to honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland, elected three new members at its general assembly yesterday.
The election of Frances Hegarty, Patrick McCabe and Tommy Peoples brings its membership to 273.
Frances Hegarty was born in Teelin, Donegal. She has worked over four decades with video, audio, performance, photography, drawing and installation.
Patrick McCabe, Clones, Co Monaghan, is well known for his novels The Butcher Boy and Breakfast on Pluto, both shortlisted for the Booker prize.
Tommy Peoples is regarded as one of the finest traditional fiddle-players of his generation.
Born near St Johnston in Donegal, he has been a member of traditional Irish music groups 1691 and the Bothy Band.