Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) presents and produces programmes of the highest quality across all art forms, featuring theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street spectacle, dance, comedy and hosts a major discussion platform 'First Thought Talks'. The festival is also committed to continually developing and producing new work, which goes on to tour nationally and internationally. 'First Thought Talks' includes discussions with both Irish and international thought leaders from a range of arts and non-arts disciplines and aims to significantly progress the position of culture and creativity in society and make it a central pillar of Irish life. 'First Thought Talks' have taken place in Galway, New York, and London.
Twenty-three productions/co-productions have been produced in the past seven years, while GIAF has commissioned four major exhibitions. With co-producing partners, GIAF has toured to London, New York, Edinburgh, Chicago, Adelaide, Sydney, Hong Kong, Washington and Prague.
What you MUST see at the Galway International Arts Festival this year:
'Les Girafes' from Compagnie Off
A herd of monumental and curious red giraffes will move nonchalantly through the streets of Galway led by an operatic Diva. These spectacular animals, who will enthral audiences of all ages, are joined by a troupe of circus ring masters adding to the excitement and energy of this magical street parade. The Parade will travel from Eyre Square to Spanish Arch on Saturday 16th July at 9.30pm and on Sunday 17th July at 6pm and is suitable for all ages.
'Mars' by the artist Luke Jerram
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork is detailed from NASA imagery of the Martian surface. Each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars. Every valley, crater, volcano, and mountain are laid bare for us to inspect. The artwork transports us to this desert wasteland, to imagine what it’s like to set foot on this incredible planet.
'Mars' can be seen on Nun's Island from the 14th to 17th July and is suitable for all ages.
