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Welcome to the neighbourhood- Galway Food Tours launches a true Galway buzz tour

March 27, 2024

Ramble through Galway’s neighbourhoods to experience life like a local

To get to experience Galway as a local you must cross into all the neighbourhoods. Experience the coffee, the beers, a gig, theatre, the street art, a burger, the best pizza in Ireland (fact), fish and chips, dessert, and of course the people.   With all this in mind the award-winning Galway Food Tours has launched their neighbourhood walking tours through the city of the tribes.

Taking in the historic charm of Woodquay, the bustling city centre streets and Eyre Square, through the Latin Quarter, onto Galways westend and then out to Salthill, the Galway neighbourhood ramble tour will introduce little nuggets of social and cultural notes as well as enjoying a refreshment or two along the way.

From Woodquay to Salthill, every step promises a new and different discovery of people, food, and stories. Get ready to go on a new adventure as Galway Food Tours introduces its brand-new neighbourhood walking tour that dives into the heart of Galway’s unique city areas.

The city is surrounded by water with the River Corrib holding pride of place and quick fact- it’s the fastest flowing river in Europe, so the tour begins at the midpoint between the iconic Salmon Weir Bridge and the new pedestrian bridge. Here, the ramble begins into Woodquay where you will enjoy the river from another viewpoint at the Commercial Boat Club, pop in Hughes for a pint, an Oyster at Galways only Oyster Bar in McSwiggans or a quick flutter at the bookies next door, and who knows, you might just walk away with a smile and an extra fiver in your pocket! 

Take a stroll up to enjoy Eyre Square, where the bustle of city life intertwines with the city’s famous park scape. New opening Mary Mullens is offering an Asian inspired outdoor oasis with Galway style Gyozas on offer- a must. The history of Galway can be seen on every corner but a pop into the 800-year-old Kings Head on High Street to learn even more about how the town became a city with the addition of a small matter of a beheading right at the door of a very famous King!

Crossing the bridges into Galway’s westend, this place moves to a different beat than the rest of the city, which keeps high street chains at bay and allows independent boutique businesses to flourish. Many businesses have been here for generations and supply the needs of the bountiful restaurants and bars that have won awards around the world and stamped the area on the food map even if you will not always find it on a tourist map.

Speciality tea and coffee cafes with hidden sun traps and vintage clothing shops have recently changed the day time vibe but no day is complete without a trip to Galways oldest grocery store to see Ernie or a drink in the Small Crane which used to be a potato market.

Heading out to Salthill for some fresh sea air, it’s time for a coffee in Kali or a small nip of something stronger at Tribe Gin school followed by a trip to the slots or the casino at the iconic Seapoint.

“Galway has so much to offer but when we travel, we are easily just drawn to main attractions. Really though we want to know where the locals are and what it is that makes a place special- so the neighbourhood tour of Galway is just that. Every person coming to the city can then get a real slice of Galway life. We love all the people and stories as well as unique Galway offerings so we want to show and share these with as many people as possible,” explained Sheena Dignam of Galway Food Tours.

Tours run throughout the day from 11am and are priced at €30. Book now at www.galwayfoodtours.com .

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Contemporary rural Irish story, GAMMY celebrates a final attempt in salvaging control of a discarded life

March 27, 2024

An Irish rural portrait of lost potential, inexpression, and female rage

GAMMY is the love child of Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’, Mark O’Halloran’s ‘Garage’, with a dash of Stephen King’s ‘Misery’. The story is set with all puppy fat, pimples, missing teeth at 31 and working in the same old shop. GAMMY is stuck. GAMMY never grew up. GAMMY got left behind. But today is different, today something is finally going to happen.

Developed at FRINGE LAB with the support of Dublin Fringe Festival. In the words of singer/songwriter David Keenan, ‘It’s the ones who seem destined to get left behind interest me the most.’

Gammy is a portrait of an Irish contemporary rural female, fuelled by unbearable pain and vicious rage. Gammy is a tragicomedy, yet in its essence, it is a sensitive depiction of the impact of abuse and inexpression. Gammy is volatile, hostile when we meet her, she has reached a crisis point.

Written by Kate Finegan, directed by Laura Sheeran, performed by Eimear Keating, produced by Dani Gill House of Pluto, Lighting and Set Design: Zia Bergin Holly. Made with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland Theatre Project Award.

“I am inspired by the vulnerability and real presence of lost potential. I am interested in how inexpression and suppressed trauma can fester in the subconscious and lead to heinous actions.

“Rural Ireland has now become a melting pot of opposing generations, mixed cultures, and sexes. Gammy got left behind. She didn’t get her Leaving, she works in her Mum’s shop. She and her Mum are outcasts, living on the outskirts of town. Gammy is at war with herself, her self-disgust bleeds into her every day, into her relationships and how she sees the world,” explains writer Kate Finegan.

The location illustrates the conflict within Gammy’s inner and outer world. A small town that is growing vs Gammy’s inner turmoil narrowing in the decaying house/shop she lives in.

Gammy has watched everyone grow up, move out, and moved on and she is left here. She is confronted by the abusive and formative triggers of her past each day, which compound her trauma further. But not today, today Gammy is taking action.

GAMMY will open at The Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar on April 11th (3 shows) Tickets €18/€16 are available from www.projectartscentre.ie.

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Galway’s Westend kicks off 2024 sustainable tourism campaign

March 27, 2024

Walking Tours: Unveiling a journey through Galway’s vibrant cultural hub

Galway’s Westend, the beating heart of Galway City known for its captivating culture, is kicking off their sustainable tourism campaign on foot with their neighbourhood walking tours.

After their inaugural walking tour program which launched in June 2023, the immersive tours are back allowing visitors and locals to delve into the rich tapestry of Galway’s Westend, revealing the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination.

Galway’s westend is celebrated for its bohemian charm, artistic flair, and diverse community, making it a focal point of Galway’s cultural scene. Galway’s westend Walking Tours aim to showcase this captivating district, guiding participants through its picturesque streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food, and music scene that defines the area.

 Led by expert local guides, each Galway’s westend Walking Tour will take participants on a journey of discovery, exploring the district’s rich history, captivating tales, and fascinating anecdotes. From traditional Irish music venues to independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and artisanal food markets, visitors will immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that defines Galway’s westend.

 The tours will tell the tales of Irish-town (West End) versus the Norman/English town of Galway to being introduced to the home of Lady Gregory’s son, Major Robert Gregory, whose death in January 1918 inspired WB Yeats poem, ‘An Irish Airman foresees his death’. Where now lies The Galway Arts Centre, Galway’s only dedicated art gallery and Aras Na Gael – the Irish language experience with Dance, music, song, conversation, and a bar!

The tours will begin each day on Raven’s Terrace where the great Claddagh connection begins. Tour guides will touch on Pawnbroker, Fish on Friday, Claddagh ring, Claddagh fishing tradition and the Galway Hookers.

Then the connection to maritime history will be the focus of walks along The Eglinton Canal that lead to the University. Tour guides will draw on the Lock gates, bridges, tow-paths and how the Canals connect to Corrib with Water activities from past to present day.

As people step through the neighbourhood, they will be introduced to the socio-cultural fabric through food, people and place and of course nuggets of information like, did you know that the area is home to Galway’s only LGBTQIA+ Bar, Nova on Henry Street?

Back into The Small Crane where the History of the Galway markets, potato, hay, turf, vegetable, pigs, calves were held and now will be told. Right alongside here the stories of prolific Galway author Walter Macken and of Titanic survivor Eugene Daly from Raleigh Row will be highlighted to walkers.

The tours will be available three times daily, at 11am,  3pm and 6pm from Ravens Terrace. Participants will be treated to a captivating journey through the district, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets, €20 + Booking fee can be purchased online through the official Galway’s Westend website or directly at the meeting point.

For more information about Galway’s westend Walking Tours, including ticketing details and the tour schedule, please visit www.galwayswestend.ie.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GalwaysWestendTours and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

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UK Film Festival Nomination for Galway’s Blue Teapot 

March 11, 2024

Galway’s Blue Teapot Theatre Company will represent Ireland at the BAFTA qualifying Oska Bright Film Festival(UK), screening three self-produced films on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday 17 March, as part of Reel Ireland documentary strand.

Oska Bright is the world’s leading festival for films made by or featuring people with intellectual disabilities or autism. Held in Brighton, the annual event screens over one hundred films with Blue Teapot’s  documentary ‘Enquire Within‘ chosen to close the week-long festival and is nominated for an award in the Best Story of a Life category.  Screening with Enquire Within are two other Blue Teapot produced documentaries – Prophecy (2021) and My Light will Blind You (2022).

Award winning independent filmmaker Fionn Rogers directed all three films. Speaking about the projects, Rogers explained, “The three documentaries are all very different and very special in their own way. Enquire Within was the most rewarding to work on, because of how organic it was and how the concept grew so naturally from the ground up”.

The documentary stemmed from Blue Teapot’s Outreach projects in collaboration with Galway County Council arts office, with a strategic aim of creating more impactful, experiential, inclusive arts practise across the County. Filmed in Clifden and shot over 8 days, Enquire Within involved people from the area, in front and behind the camera.

“To give people the opportunity to explore their ideas and get them hands on with film equipment they had never used before was amazing to experience first-hand”.  The resulting documentary explores the subject of employment from the perspective of young people, seniors and those with disabilities living in Connemara.

Talking about his experience as a first time Assistant Director, Blue Teapot artist Paul Connolly expressed, “It’s such a great honour to represent Blue Teapot, Criost Linn and the Clifden people involved at Oska Bright this year”. Along with his colleagues, Connolly is looking forward to attending the festival having received support from Culture Ireland.

In other developments, recently appointed Executive Director Jane Parsons is delighted to announce the launch of a new Friends Scheme, inviting individuals and businesses to partner with Blue Teapot to help make a positive difference to the creative lives of the company’s artists. This investment will empower the company to continue making game-changing theatre and provide opportunities for artists with intellectual disabilities.  

Further information or to discuss joining Blue Teapot Friends Scheme, email exec.director@blueteapot.ie or call 091 520 977.

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Celebrating Belonging with University of Galway’s IdeasLab

March 11, 2024

University of Galway’s IdeasLab celebrated International Women’s Day with an event, themed ‘Belonging,’ which brought together a diverse lineup of speakers and panellists to highlight the unique experiences and journeys of women in Ireland, as well as to promote inclusivity and equality.

08/03/2024 repro free: Celebrating Belonging on International Women’s Day: University of Galway’s IdeasLab Hosts Empowering Event The University of Galway’s IdeasLab celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event in the heart of Galway City in the Druid Theatre. The event, themed “Belonging,” brought together a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists to highlight the unique experiences and journeys of women in Ireland, as well as to promote inclusivity and equality. Keynote speaker Emer O’Neill, a well-known presenter and advocate, led an engaging discussion with a panel of female students from IdeasLab’s CreateHER programme. The panel delved into the multifaceted experiences of women in Ireland, inspiring thought-provoking conversations and reflections. The event also featured the comedic stylings of Áine Gallagher, bringing laughter and light-heartedness to the occasion. Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Galway shared her insights and perspectives on fostering inclusivity and equality in higher education and the important role we have in society for society. The event marked the final celebration of the CreateHERprogramme, a pioneering initiative that empowers and supports female undergraduate students to explore and consider innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The programme achieves this through round table workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which has since its launch early in 2022,created a vibrant community of empowered and skilled future female leaders and innovators. The participants involved in the CreateHER programme also have the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from influential female leaders in various industries, underscoring the programme’s commitment to providing practical guidance and real-world experience from all sectors across our city and region. The message is that by empowering and su

Keynote speaker Emer O’Neill, a well-known presenter and advocate, led an engaging discussion with a panel of female students from IdeasLab’s CreateHER programme. The panel delved into the multifaceted experiences of women in Ireland, inspiring thought-provoking conversations, and reflections.

The event also featured the comedic stylings of Áine Gallagher, bringing laughter and light-heartedness to the occasion. Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Galway shared her insights and perspectives on fostering inclusivity and equality in higher education and the important role we have in society for society.

The event marked the final celebration of the CreateHER programme, a pioneering initiative that empowers and supports female undergraduate students to explore and consider innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The programme achieves this through round table workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which has since its launch early in 2022, created a vibrant community of empowered and skilled future female leaders and innovators.

The participants involved in the CreateHER programme also have the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from influential female leaders in various industries, underscoring the programme’s commitment to providing practical guidance and real-world experience from all sectors across our city and region.

08/03/2024 repro free: Áine Gallagher, Comedian Celebrating Belonging on International Women’s Day: University of Galway’s IdeasLab Hosts Empowering Event The University of Galway’s IdeasLab celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event in the heart of Galway City in the Druid Theatre. The event, themed “Belonging,” brought together a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists to highlight the unique experiences and journeys of women in Ireland, as well as to promote inclusivity and equality. Keynote speaker Emer O’Neill, a well-known presenter and advocate, led an engaging discussion with a panel of female students from IdeasLab’s CreateHER programme. The panel delved into the multifaceted experiences of women in Ireland, inspiring thought-provoking conversations and reflections. The event also featured the comedic stylings of Áine Gallagher, bringing laughter and light-heartedness to the occasion. Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Galway shared her insights and perspectives on fostering inclusivity and equality in higher education and the important role we have in society for society. The event marked the final celebration of the CreateHERprogramme, a pioneering initiative that empowers and supports female undergraduate students to explore and consider innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The programme achieves this through round table workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which has since its launch early in 2022,created a vibrant community of empowered and skilled future female leaders and innovators. The participants involved in the CreateHER programme also have the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from influential female leaders in various industries, underscoring the programme’s commitment to providing practical guidance and real-world experience from all sectors across our city and region. The message i

The message is that by empowering and supporting each other as women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, these young women will build a network of support that will grow with them as they progress in life.  A belief that reaffirms the University of Galway’s commitment to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.

Jenny Mullery, Head of Engagement for IdeasLab said, “This is our 3rd iteration of CreateHer. Taking the feedback from the participants and contributors, the programme is growing and going from strength to strength. Providing undergraduates with the opportunity to connect with themselves, industry and the community is vital to give them the confidence to be the innovators and leaders in their chosen fields. 

Speaking of the event theme and the CreateHER programme, Emer O’Neill said, “Ní neart go cur le chéile, with unity comes strength and more than ever before we need to remind each other to be kind and share love and positivity”.

08/03/2024 repro free: Celebrating Belonging on International Women’s Day: University of Galway’s IdeasLab Hosts Empowering Event The University of Galway’s IdeasLab celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event in the heart of Galway City in the Druid Theatre. The event, themed “Belonging,” brought together a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists to highlight the unique experiences and journeys of women in Ireland, as well as to promote inclusivity and equality. Keynote speaker Emer O’Neill, (pictured) a well-known presenter and advocate, led an engaging discussion with a panel of female students from IdeasLab’s CreateHER programme. The panel delved into the multifaceted experiences of women in Ireland, inspiring thought-provoking conversations and reflections. The event also featured the comedic stylings of Áine Gallagher, bringing laughter and light-heartedness to the occasion. Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Galway shared her insights and perspectives on fostering inclusivity and equality in higher education and the important role we have in society for society. The event marked the final celebration of the CreateHERprogramme, a pioneering initiative that empowers and supports female undergraduate students to explore and consider innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The programme achieves this through round table workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which has since its launch early in 2022,created a vibrant community of empowered and skilled future female leaders and innovators. The participants involved in the CreateHER programme also have the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from influential female leaders in various industries, underscoring the programme’s commitment to providing practical guidance and real-world experience from all sectors across our city and region. The message is that by empo
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Goodwill from Galway to Africa

March 11, 2024

Pictures from the International Women’s Day sell out luncheon at The Kings Head for Self Help Africa, where guests were treated to a 3 course meal sponsored in full by The Kings Head so that all proceeds went to Self Help Africa projects associated with Women’s projects in Africa.


Self Help Africa works to provide women and families with the ability to produce more food, earn more from their farming activities and help mothers and fathers to provide a better life for their children.

08/03/2024 repro free: Aoife Kenny, BASH HQ , Mary Grealish, KingÕs head and Lisa Regan, Lisa Regan pr celebrating International WomenÕs day sponsored by the KingÕs Head Bar/Restaurant in aid of Self Help Africa . Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

The charity supports and works with women and families in 16 countries in Africa and the Developing World. The luncheon will support the East Africa appeal where some 36 million are affected by drought and conflict and are facing starvation and loss of livelihoods.

08/03/2024 repro free: Mary Grealish, King’s head with Mayor of Galway Clr. Eddie Hoare and Ronan Scully Self Help Africa celebrating International Women’s day sponsored by the King’s Head Bar/Restaurant in aid of Self Help Africa . Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE
08/03/2024 repro free: Mia Scully, Oonagh Scully Siobhan Kelly and Vanessa Shortall celebrating International WomenÕs day sponsored by the KingÕs Head Bar/Restaurant in aid of Self Help Africa . Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE
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The Role of Legacy Media- How to position your message into a story.

February 14, 2024

Working with University of Limerick and talking on the importance and the role of Legacy media in getting your message out.

Trusted sources working together from a PR perspective and from the media outlets- what are you trying to say and how can you get that to land?

Not everything will land and you need to know what is a story and what is of interest.

We talked on:

Know Your Audience, Clarity is Key, Emotional Appeal and what is your Call to Action.

testimonial

Think Less and Think Local

December 11, 2023

Circular economy and how we can make an impact in our lives

 We could not have made our sustainable shopping event happen without Lisa, she brought the idea from pen and paper to reality. Networking with the local independent businesses and seeing how we can best support and include them to guiding us on our advertising, she didn’t miss a detail. 

On the evening of the event, she showcased all the chosen pieces of clothing and spoke of the importance of supporting local, sustainable shopping choices and the impact fast fashion is having on our environment and local high street.

Lisa spoke with such warmth and energy and that was reflected back to her with interactive conversation and interaction from the audience, we can’t wait to work with her on future events.

Regina Griffin, Galway Food Tours

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University of Galway IdeasLab Stanford University Innovation Fellowship

December 4, 2023

University of Galway IdeasLab students have joined with students from across 67 educational institutes in 15 countries to become University Innovation Fellows. The University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program empowers students to become agents of change at their universities. 

Fellows work to ensure that all students gain the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to navigate a complex world and build the future.   These student leaders from schools around the globe create opportunities to help their peers build the creative confidence, agency, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to address global challenges. Fellows create student innovation spaces, start entrepreneurship organizations, facilitate experiential workshops, work with the university community to develop new courses, and much more.

– Mia Shanley-Brookes, BSc Medicinal Chemistry, 2024
– Sophie Spellissy, Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025
– Ciaran Cox, Biomedical Engineering, 2028

The inaugural fellows in University of Galway are Mia Shanley Brookes (Medicinal Chemistry, 2024), Sophie Spellissy (Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025) and Ciaran Cox (Biomedical Engineering, 2028).  Mia, Sophie and Ciaran are working as advocates for lasting institutional change with university leaders, lending the much-needed student voice to the conversations about the future of higher education and entrepreneurship. 

The students participated in a 6-week training experience during which they learned to analyse their campus ecosystems and identify opportunities for change related to innovation, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and creativity. They worked to understand the needs of peers on the University campus and apply this new knowledge and perspective to design new educational opportunities for their peers. In early 2024 the student team will prototype a new programme that focuses on shadowing start-ups and early stage companies to better understand how firms work and what types of roles students may wish to undertake once they are finished university and moving onto their next chapter.

The Fellows programme is run by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d. School). With the addition of the new Fellows, the programme has trained more than 3,100 students since its creation.   Leticia Britos Cavagnaro, Co-Director of the University Innovation Fellows programme ‘Fellows Mia, Sophie and Ciaran have developed new ways to help students at the University of Galway enhance their innovation skills, connect their learning with real-world applications, and gain access to essential resources. We’re so proud of the hard work they’ve done already, and we’re excited to see the impact they continue to have’.

Dr Natalie Walsh a Faculty Innovation Fellow with Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) and the Director of Entrepreneurial Development in the University of Galway stated that ‘We are delighted to join the University Innovation Fellowship community and support our students to design new experiences that support all students to develop the skills and mindsets necessary to navigate these uncertain times and to shape the future they want to see.  The partnership aligns with our values of excellence and sustainability, and we are excited to launch a new programme designed and delivered by Mia, Ciaran and Sophie in early 2024’.

 University of Galway is the only Irish University who have taken part in the UIF programme.  A core theme of the programme supports responsible futuring and the team look forward to travelling to the University of Twente in 2024 to build skills and expertise and connect in person with the UIF community of over 2,000 faculty and students from across the globe.

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University of Galway unveils President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to foster student excellence

December 4, 2023

University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh has launched the newly introduced President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that recognises and celebrates the achievements of University of Galway students in the realms of entrepreneurship and innovation.

It was officially launched as he formally opened the IdeasLab Space on campus, marking the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its student body. IdeasLab is University of Galway’s student innovation hub. It is an open collaborative space designed to enable students to explore ideas and personalise their entrepreneurial and innovative skillset to succeed in the complex world beyond university.

The award features three tiers of achievement, namely Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Students who complete one IdeasLab programme during their degree are eligible for the Bronze tier, while those who successfully complete two programmes earn the Silver tier. The highest honour, the Gold tier, is reserved for students who undertake more than two programmes or complete the IdeasLab’s summer incubator programme ‘Start100’.

The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been designed to acknowledge the pivotal role that student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship play in shaping Ireland’s future. By providing a structured framework for the development of these skills, the University aims to enhance the overall student experience and prepare its graduates for industry.

“We believe that students who develop innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skills play a crucial role in enriching their communities, advancing knowledge, and building a good society,” said Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh. “The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship reflects our commitment to cultivating our students’ capacities to become agents and architects of positive change and aligns with our values and our commitment to investing in the social, economic and intellectual development of our communities, nationally and internationally.”

The formal opening of the IdeasLab Space symbolises the University’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and transformative ideas. This space is a vibrant hub where students can bring their innovative concepts to life, collaborate with like-minded peers, and receive mentorship from industry experts.

Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development stated that ‘Today is a milestone moment for innovation in our university as we formally launch our student innovation space IdeasLab and our new President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.  The space and new awards programme demonstrate our commitment to empowering students as catalysts for positive change and equip them with the skills and competences to succeed in their futures’.  For more information go to www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab.

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Global reach of local event honoured at Fáilte Ireland Awards

November 27, 2023

Wexford native FRESH Street conference brought 21 countries to Inis Oírr Galway

Fáilte Ireland celebrated the outstanding contributions of 104 conference ambassadors, including renowned academics and industry leaders, at an award ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Wexford native and ISACS (Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle Network) Director Lucy Medlycott was there to receive the Fáilte Ireland CARA award for bringing a conference, FRESH Street 2019, to Galway and for its contribution to the region’s economic impact.  The event took place from 22 – 24th May 2019 in Galway City and Inis Oírr and brought together over 280 delegates from 21 different countries and from 4 different continents. Making it a local event on a global level which examined the incredible power of making artistic work for public spaces.

“ISACS are beyond thrilled to receive this award out of the blue for the wonderful FRESH Street event which we held in partnership with Circostrada and Galway 2020 back in May 2019. ‘It feels particularly special to get this kind of recognition for an event whose significance was slightly eclipsed by the ensuing pandemic. We are super grateful for the acknowledgment of the value of these art forms in our cultural landscape by Minister Martin and Failte Ireland and especially the Meet in Galway team,” said Lucy Medlycott Director of ISACS network.

“Every year we bring professional international programmers, festivals, and arts managers to Ireland to meet with the ISACS membership. This year alone we hosted over 15 arts professionals with the support of Culture Ireland. And next year we have some exciting plans once more for the international development of this most democratic of art forms. ISACS will in fact be hosting Circostrada – the European Network for Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts – in Ireland once again, during summer of 2024, with their DIVE programme. Details will be released soon.”

FRESH Street brought over 260 delegates attended from 21 different countries, across 4 continents. In advance of the seminar, a 2-day private meeting was hosted by the Arts Council of Ireland for policymakers across the world. Over 12 policymakers arrived from the UK, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Latvia and France to share and discuss topics of mutual interest. The Circostrada Network facilitated this, and it was highly influential in mapping out means to establish data and to grow knowledge of this rapidly developing art form across the territory.

The ambassadors were acknowledged for their expertise, industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to successfully hosting an international conference in Ireland between 2018 and 2022. Collectively these conferences have contributed €125 million to the Irish economy and have made a positive impact on our nation. 

Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme was developed to support individuals who want to host an international conference in Ireland. The programme provides assistance and financial support at every stage of the event, from the initial bidding, through to the marketing and promotion of the event. Ambassadors are sector leaders or influencers in their field and since the programme was established in 2009, Fáilte Ireland has supported almost 3,000 ambassadors in their bids to host conferences and events worth more than €2 billion.

To find out more check out www.isacs.ie.

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Kristy Verenga explores Who Am I? in Gort

November 9, 2023

The Gallery Café to host New York Artist exhibition

Experimental artist Kristy Verenga has opened her Who Am I? exhibition which combines media to explore the question at The Gallery Café in Gort. Kristy uses painting and sculpture to build the world that she calls home, these abstract and symbolic narratives are an expression of her daily experience.

Using oil paint on a wax ground and sometimes a texture like sand which also lets the drawing remain visible as part of the dynamic whole, she makes her own paper clay for the sculpture, which process emerged as a pandemic palliative. The images in her work are both playful and expressive of this interior dialogue.  

Kristy Verenga studied modern dance and music and this feeling of movement is present in her work. She lived in Manhattan for 15 years where she had a fashion business, art gallery and taught yoga.

In 1999, she moved to Barcelona and had a studio in Tecla Sala, a gallery and work space for artists. In 2005, she received a residency grant with solo exhibit at the Roscommon Arts Centre which prompted the move to Ireland. She received a travel bursary (The Irish cow vs. the Indian sacred cow) which took her to Sanskriti Kendra in New Delhi, India. She now lives and works in Kinvara.

The exhibition will run until 7th of January 2024 and all pieces are available to buy in house. Pop in or check out www.thegallerycafegort.com.