BY DECLAN VARLEY
The Clifden Arts Festival returns this September with an impressive lineup and the theme “Anchor,” celebrating the arts as a stabilizing force that fosters inclusion and amplifies diverse voices. Running from September 18-29, Ireland’s longest-running community arts festival will offer a rich array of visual art exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and discussions.
A highlight this year is Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Bill O’Leary from The Washington Post. O’Leary will discuss the crucial role of photojournalism in capturing truth, drawing from his experience covering the January 6th insurrection. His impactful images played a key role in The Post’s Pulitzer-winning coverage.
Irish Traveller activist and writer Oein DeBhairduin will share insights from his book “Twiggy Woman,” shedding light on his experiences and advocacy within the Traveller community.
Music lovers can look forward to performances by Limerick band Hermitage Green, known for their uplifting sound, and renowned Irish traditional musician Martin Hayes. Ken O’Sullivan’s “INTO THE DEEP” will captivate audiences with tales of his underwater explorations in the North Atlantic, offering a glimpse into a world of whales and basking sharks.
The indie rock band The Burma will energize the stage with their sound influenced by American and British rock. Fidget Feet, Ireland’s aerial arts company, will dazzle with their circus performances, while Lisa Lambe’s “NightVisiting” project reconnects audiences with Irish folklore through music and storytelling.
The festival will also feature the Woodland Symposium exhibition, showcasing Noelle Gallagher’s award-winning short film “Forest/ry,” with live cello accompaniment by Eimear Reidy. The Schools Programme includes a Film Festival and hands-on filmmaking workshops, providing students with professional equipment and experiences.
Other engaging projects include the St. Mary’s Graveyard Documentary, stop-motion animation with Lauren DeSalvo, and The Monster Making Machine, where cardboard shapes transform into puppet characters for a mini circus.
Virtual projects like Mick O’Dea’s “Portraits” exhibition and Linda Schirmer’s experimental dance film “Carrying Wood” will provoke thought on rural landscapes and the energy crisis.
Festival Director Desmond Lally expresses excitement for the festival’s return, promising a lineup that will inspire and unite audiences of all ages.
For more details and tickets, visit www.clifdenartsfestival.ie
