ITMA are delighted to announce that Claire Loughran (@claireloughshots) will be the photographer-in-residence for 2026.  Over the course of the year we will feature some of Claire’s work as galleries on the ITMA website, and her photographs will also be added to the ITMA collections.

Being raised in a family of Irish traditional musicians, Claire found herself immersed in the dynamic Irish Traditional Music scene in Belfast and beyond. Her focus growing up was on playing fiddle and harp, regularly performing at festivals in Ireland and abroad from a young age. She went on to teach music in Belfast for 10+ years and is now a member of one of Ireland’s most trending band’s, BIIRD.

Her love of music and creative flare has led her into music/festival photography (@claireloughshots), having notably shot live concerts for Beoga, The Olllam and Kneecap. She currently works with traf festivals such as Belfast Trad Fest and Scoil Gheimhridh Gaoth Dobhair; and she has worked with the likes of Altan, Clare Sands and The Friel Sisters on their videos, album work and promotional material. She is also a gaeilgeoir (with family roots in the Gaeltacht of Donegal), a pharmacist, and an activist. She is an active member of Irish Artists For Palestine (@irish.artists.for.palestine), having captured and documented many protests, demonstrations and fundraising events across Ireland.

We look forward to working with Claire and her vibrant photos.