Maria O’Brien works as a lecturer in Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on multiple aspects of cultural and creative industry policies. Maria’s research has been focused on the field of political economy of the audiovisual industries in Ireland and the EU. Her doctoral research on the political economy of tax incentives for the audiovisual industries was completed in Dublin City University, School of Communications, in 2020.
Maria has extensive experience in lecturing at 3rd level on various aspects of film studies, media industries and media policy. She has 8+ years of experience as a lawyer in Ireland and the UK and 6+ years of experience as a festivals administrator in the capacity of co-founder and organiser of the Arts Council funded East Asia Film Festival Ireland. She has worked regularly in policy advisory work for the arts and cultural sector.