Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Ireland's flagship arts festival dedicated to children and families, has launched its playful, thought provoking and imaginative programme for the upcoming 27th annual event, which will take place in venues across Galway city and county from October 13 to 22.
Every child from 0 to 16 years is invited to let their imagination run wild for the 10-day festival this October, with artists and performers coming from Australia and across Europe to share their talents with the children of Galway. With an ambitious programme that features captivating, enchanting and exhilarating theatre, dance, art and more, visitors will be able to experience the magic of Baboró with family, friends and their school.
Arts for all
Baboró has been a beloved cornerstone of the childhoods of Galwegians since its origin 27 years-ago. Brought to life by a group of visionary Galwegians who recognised the 'right of every child to enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life, as reflected in the UN Rights of the Child, ratified by Ireland in 1992', in the decades since the festival has flourished and grown, bringing world class Irish and international talent and creatives to Galway to inspire and delight children.
This year's Baboró festival brings arts to all regardless of ability or age, bringing a wide programme which nurtures and engages in play, creativity and freedom for audiences.
Even the youngest visitors, babies and toddlers up to two years old, will be able to experience the magic of imagination with Universe at the Mick Lally Theatre. A sensory experience that sees the audience transported to space in a gentle interactive performance which will feature live music, and movement.
Club Origami invites children aged between two to five to be whisked away on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play. Taking place in the O’Donoghue Theatre at the University of Galway, Club Origami promises an immersive and interactive dance show, exploring new ways of thinking, playing and moving.
At the Town Hall Theatre children from five years and up will be presented with a show celebrating difference and the power of friendship in Polar Bear and Penguin. The tender and heartfelt show follows a polar bear and a penguin as they get to know one another and learn how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet...paws...flippers.
Irish companies, Fidget Feet and Ceol Connected, will return to the festival with 'When the Moon Spun Round' for children aged six and up. Audiences will be enthralled by this enchanting show featuring a playful mix of contemporary aerial dance and traditional music performed by tricksters in the moonlight.
Budding young photographers aged between seven to 14 years old can take part in a private session facilitated by Australian artist, Jessica Wilson, which will be taking place a week before the festival begins. Children will design and direct a creative photo shoot of their significant adult which will be captured by photographer Julia Dunin. This unusual, fun, and intimate process gives adults an experience of being ‘seen’ as more than just a parent or guardian to their child, whilst making space for a playful surrender to their child’s thoughts and ideas, giving them real agency. The adult subject will see their portrait for the first time when they are hung in Galway Arts Centre and gifted to the families at the end of the festival. Interested participants can apply for the workshop via the festival's website (baboro.ie ).
For children with mild to complex needs aged between eight to 13 years old, 'Making Waves' is an immersive, multi-sensory dance theatre performance which sees audience members seated in pods representing boats on stage. Taking place at the University of Galway, 'Making Waves' is a non-verbal performance and is suitable for wheelchair users.
The full programme, workshops, adult events and tickets are now online at www.baboro.ie Follow Baboró on social media or sign up to their newsletter on www.baboro.ie for the latest programme and box office announcements.
