Galway International Arts Festival announces Autumn Edition

Earlier this year the decision was made not to proceed with the July 2020 Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) in the interests of public health but the festival team were still committed to playing their part in the national recovery.

This week, John Crumlish and Paul Fahy announced details of an exciting programme of events entitled Galway International Arts Festival, Autumn Edition.

The programme, which will take place this September and October, will include both live arts and an enhanced digital component giving audiences a choice as to how they wish to engage with it, in person (both indoors and outdoors) or at home digitally.

The aim is that while moving forward and bringing live experiences back to the fore, no one is left behind – especially those who are unable to travel to Galway or are currently staying at home.

Acutely aware of public health concerns, the programme is designed to be presented within public health and government guidelines, with all events allowing for limited attendance and social distancing.

The centrepiece of the programme will be the world unveiling of a major new visual arts commission for Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture. Presented outdoors in Galway city and in Connemara, the unveiling of John Gerrard’s Mirror Pavilion will be a dazzling moment on the Irish landscape. Using cutting edge digital technology, will be one of the largest outdoor installations ever to be seen in Ireland.

“While this has been a very challenging time for everyone, we were determined to present a programme in Galway this year despite everything – and we are set to do just that with our Autumn Edition,” said John Crumlish, chief executive, GIAF.

“We wanted this to be a love letter from the arts to our audience during a very difficult period for people. We have had to radically rethink how we do things but one thing's for sure, we look forward to safely gathering again to celebrate great art with everyone – either in person or online – this autumn.”

Galway International Arts Festival, Autumn Edition will kick off on September 3 with the unveiling of Mirror Pavilion. Tickets for the festival go on sale at 1 p.m. next Monday, August 10. For more, see www.giaf.ie.

*Pictured above, Mirror Pavilion Corn Work concept drawing, courtesy of artist John Gerrard.