Cúirt International Literature Festival is turning 40 this year — and this year’s festival promises its usual illuminating, interactive and innovative presentation of the very best in contemporary literature.
For four decades the community of Galway has come together with visiting writers to create a unique celebration of writing and to mark the milestone, organisers have put together a strong line-up.
Running from April 8-13, this year, Cúirt will welcome international writers from Zambia, USA, UK, Canada, Nigeria, Palestine and Galicia as well as showcasing the very best of recent Irish writing.
Cúirt Director, Manuela Moser said that with the history of Cúirt only as rich as the lives that wander in and out each April, this year, to mark its 40th anniversary, “we invite you to continue to tell the story with us.
“We’re celebrating 40 years of Cúirt with special archival projects and programming.’
“Cúirt was founded in 1985, and was initially held as a three-day international poetry festival in Galway. It has since evolved into a week-long programme of events celebrating a mix of literary arts across the city’s favourite venues. “With readings, lectures, discussions, launches, and workshops, Cúirt has welcomed thousands of guests, as well as Irish and international writers of exceptional talent. The festival, since its conception, has ushered in 40 Galway springs with a celebration of literature.
International writers include Ahmed Masoud (Palestine ) Kaya Chingonyi (Zambia ), Gustav Parker Hibbet (New Mexico ), Ali Watkins (USA ), Clara Kumagai (Canada/ Japan ), Salim Bachi (Algeria ), Denis Riley (England ) & Brenda Romero (USA ) Stuart Murdoch (Scotland ) Kathryn Tann (Wales ) Luisa Castro (Galicia
Irish writers include Sally Rooney, Paul Muldoon, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, Eimear McBride, Kevin Barry, Donal Ryan, Nuala O’Connor and Naoise Dolan.
Events as Gaeilge include a discussion of Dinnseanchas - the lore of Place/ Ar Thóir Bhríd Ní Mháille/ In Search of Bríd Ní Mháille – A dramatic reading of the forthcoming novel by Micheál Ó Conghaile and Ceiliúradh ceoil agus filíochta – an evening of music and song celebrating Leabhar Mór na nAbhrán
The Cúirt Lecture this year will be delivered by Palestinian Writer Ahmed Masoud.
Cúirt will also be working with the Faber Academy this year with a series of workshops in association with the O’Donoghue Centre at the University of Galway.
Events for children include readings with Chrissy Ward Donoghue, Gránne O’Brien and current Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde.
Cúirt Poetry Session will be in association with Poetry Ireland. Cúirt also be hosting events with literary magazines including Folding Rock, Poetry Ireland Ropes, Tolka and Threshold
Cúirt Labs Writers in residence will be discussing their latest books, tackling issues of identity and cultural belonging (in partnership with Galway City Council and the Seamus Heaney Centre )
Venues this year will be all across the city including The Town Hall Theatre, Mick Lally Theatre, Nuns Island Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, Charlie Byrne’s and Kennys Bookshops, and Galway University Hospital
For the full programme, log on to www.cuirt.ie
