The Clifden Arts Festival 2024 returns from September 18th to 29th, showcasing an extraordinary blend of visual arts, performances, and events in the scenic Connemara region. This year’s festival highlights include Mick O’Dea’s ‘Portraits,’ capturing the essence of his subjects, and Olga Magliocco’s ‘How Far Have We Come?’ which addresses homelessness through innovative mixed media. The international exhibition ‘Here, the Considered Line,’ curated by Lenka Sýkorová, emphasizes contemporary drawing from artists across Europe.
Environmental themes are also prominent, with Noelle Gallagher’s film Forest/ry, accompanied by Eimear Reidy on cello, focusing on woodland restoration, and Linda Schirmer’s experimental dance film Carrying Wood, reflecting on the energy crisis. Local creativity shines in ‘The Gals’ exhibition, featuring works by the Galway Artistic Ladies Society, and Jane Williams’ Time To Make The Journey Home, a series of intimate paintings exploring our connection to nature.
Gabrielle Bishop’s Living Colour offers a vibrant exploration of colour inspired by the natural beauty of County Mayo, while Hanneke and Stefan Frenkel present Inis TurbART: Floating Colours, an innovative project using discarded fishing ropes from Inis Turbot. For a deeper experience, the festival’s Exhibition Expedition Bus Tours provide exclusive access to exhibitions, studios, and private collections.
Festival Director Desmond Lally remarks, “This year’s exhibitions reflect the immense talent of our artists and the landscapes that shape our shared experience. We are proud to showcase works that inspire us to engage with the beauty and challenges of our times.”
The Clifden Arts Festival, co-funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway County Council, continues to be a beacon of cultural exploration, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a dynamic celebration of the arts amidst Ireland’s picturesque landscapes. For more information, visit www.clifdenartsfestival.ie.
