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 17, 2023 |
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The Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) is a super exciting event that happens every year in Galway, Ireland! It started way back in 1978. This festival brings together amazing artists from all over the world. They show off cool theatre, music, art, and more. The festival also creates new shows that travel to other countries. Plus, they have special talks called "First Thought Talks" where people discuss interesting ideas.
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How the Festival Began
The Galway Arts Festival started in 1978. It was created by students from University College Galway's Arts Society. They worked with local people who loved art. The very first festival was called "Galway Arts Society's Week of Craic" by local newspapers. "Craic" is an Irish word for fun and good times!
At first, they had a small budget. Most of the shows happened in an old arts center. In 2014, the festival's name changed. It became the Galway International Arts Festival. This new name showed that artists from all over the world take part. It also meant the festival would create its own shows to tour internationally.
What Happens at the Festival
The festival takes place in Galway for two weeks. It usually happens in late July. You can see all sorts of performances and art! This includes theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street shows, dance, and comedy. There are also interesting discussions.
In 2018, the festival had a record number of visitors. Over 250,000 people came to enjoy the events! This was a big jump from the year before. More than 600 artists performed in over 200 different events. That year, they also added a new Festival Garden in Eyre Square. It had quick performances and local food. Over 145,000 people visited the garden! Many visitors come from Galway, other parts of Ireland, and even from outside Ireland.
Touring Shows
The festival doesn't just happen in Galway. The organization has created or helped create over 20 shows. These shows have traveled to big cities around the world. They've been seen in London, New York, Edinburgh, and Sydney, to name a few. This includes four special art exhibitions.
GIAF often works with Landmark Productions. This company is based in Dublin, Ireland. Together, they have produced many plays by the Irish writer Enda Walsh. These plays have become famous internationally.
Amazing Music Performances
The festival hosts many famous musicians. They perform in a huge tent called the Big Top. This tent is set up every year in the Fisheries Field. GIAF also partners with a local music venue called Róisín Dubh.
Many well-known artists have played at the festival. These include Elvis Costello, The National, St. Vincent, David Byrne, and Bon Iver.
Exciting Visual Arts
Many famous visual artists have shown their work at GIAF. Some of these artists are David Hockney, Bill Viola, and Henri Matisse.
In 2018, GIAF started a new program. It trains young people to become interns in visual arts. These interns learn how to talk to visitors about the art in the galleries.
Theatre and Dance Shows
Irish playwright Enda Walsh has been a big part of GIAF. His first play, "Disco Pigs", started at the festival in 1997. This play was also the first stage role for actor Cillian Murphy! Enda Walsh has created many different works with the festival. These include operas and unique staged "rooms."
His play Ballyturk won an award in 2014. Another play, Misterman, was a huge hit in New York City. Famous American actor John Mahoney also performed often at the festival. Many international theatre and dance groups have visited. These include the National Theatre and Steppenwolf.
First Thought Talks
Since 2012, GIAF has hosted special talks. These "First Thought Talks" explore a different theme each year. In 2018, the talks were about 'Home.' The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, opened the talks. Over 40 other experts, artists, and scientists also shared their ideas. Most of these talks are recorded. You can watch them online or 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
