Galway International Arts Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Galway International Arts Festival |
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Fireworks of Galway International Arts Festival
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | Arts |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Galway |
| Years active | 47 |
| Inaugurated | 1978 |
| Most recent | July 15, 2024 |
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The Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) is a super exciting event that happens every year in Galway, Ireland. It's a big celebration of all kinds of art! The festival also creates new shows and art pieces that travel to different places around the world. Plus, they host interesting talks called "First Thought Talks." This festival is a non-profit group, which means they use any money they make to put on even more amazing events.
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History of the Festival
The Galway Arts Festival started way back in 1978. It was created by students from University College Galway's Arts Society and some local community groups. The very first festival was even called "Galway Arts Society's Week of Craic" in the local newspapers. They had a small budget of about €1000 from the Arts Council. Many of the early shows happened in an arts center that is now a cheese shop!
In 2014, the festival changed its name to the Galway International Arts Festival. This was to show that artists and performers from all over the world take part. The Artistic Director, Paul Fahy, said it helps show how the festival brings together local and international art. The new name also helped the festival become known for creating its own shows that travel internationally.
What Happens at the Festival
The festival takes place in Galway for two weeks every July. It's packed with different kinds of performances and art. You can see theatre, music, visual art, opera, street shows, dance, comedy, and even join discussions.
The 2018 festival was a huge success! More than a quarter of a million people attended, which was a big jump from the year before. Over 600 artists performed in more than 200 events. That year, they also added a new Festival Garden in Eyre Square. This garden had pop-up performances and local food stalls. Over 145,000 people visited the Festival Garden. Many visitors come from Galway, other parts of Ireland, and even from outside Ireland.
Shows That Travel
The festival group has created or helped create more than 20 shows. These shows have traveled to big cities like London, New York, Edinburgh, and Sydney. They have also put on four special art exhibitions that toured.
GIAF works closely with Landmark Productions, a company from Dublin. Together, they have produced many plays by the Irish writer Enda Walsh. These plays have been performed all over the world.
Music at the Festival
The festival often has famous musical guests perform in their "Big Top" tent. This huge tent is set up every year in the Fisheries Field at NUI Galway. GIAF also partners with a local music and comedy venue called Róisín Dubh for some events.
Many well-known musicians have played at the festival. Some of these include Elvis Costello, Suede, The National, St. Vincent, Philip Glass, David Byrne, Blondie, and Bon Iver.
Visual Arts
Many famous visual artists have shown their work at the festival. These include David Hockney, Bill Viola, Henri Matisse, and Patricia Piccinini.
In 2018, GIAF started a new program to train 25 people. These interns learn how to help visitors understand and enjoy the art in the galleries.
Theatre and Dance
Irish playwright Enda Walsh has had many of his plays featured at GIAF. His first play, "Disco Pigs", was first performed at the festival in 1997. This play was also the first stage role for actor Cillian Murphy. Enda Walsh has continued to work with the festival on different projects, from operas to unique "staged rooms." His play Ballyturk won an award in 2014. His 2011 play Misterman was a big hit in New York City.
American actor John Mahoney often performed at the festival starting in 2000. Many famous theatre and dance companies from around the world have also visited. These include the Royal National Theatre, Steppenwolf, and the Druid Theatre Company.
First Thought Talks
Since 2012, GIAF has hosted a series of talks during each festival. These talks are usually about a special theme for the festival. For example, the 2018 festival's "First Thought Talks" were about the idea of 'Home.' The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, opened these talks. Many other experts, artists, scientists, and athletes also shared their ideas. Most of these talks are recorded and can be watched online. They are also streamed live on Facebook.
Images for kids
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Street performance
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"Big Top" tent
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Performance by The National
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Art installation
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Acrobats
See also
In Spanish: Festival Internacional de Arte de Galway para niños
