About the Partnership

Galway International Arts Festival has connected audiences and artists for over 40 years. University of Galway is proud to be the Education Partner for the 2023 Galway International Arts Festival. We have been partnering with the festival for years and wish them continued success with their upcoming festival. This year’s acts include a revival of Enda Walsh’s Bedbound, starring Colm Meaney and Brenda Meaney. Musical acts playing the Heineken Big Top on University of Galway's campus include Kettama, Pavement, Bell X1, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kaiser Chiefs, The Coronas, and two sold-out shows for The Saw Doctors. View the 2023 Festival Website and Programme

Our partnership with Galway International Arts Festival has led to many great initiatives such as: Creative Arts Management. University of Galway’s longstanding education partnership with Galway International Arts Festival has led to a three-year Government funding package for a new programme focusing on creative arts management. This course provides exciting modules that cover creativity, design thinking, producing and curation, and other essential skills.  

SELECTED  

Each year eleven students on the SELECTED programme experience the festival first-hand by working with the GIAF production team on selected productions. University of Galway has partnered with the Galway International Arts Festival to bring to life the SELECTED programme, a two-week initiative that will allow participants from University of Galway to immerse themselves in all aspects of the festival. 

Festival Volunteer Programme 

Our partnership also covers Galway International Arts Festival’s very successful volunteer programme which, with a recruitment of 1,000 volunteers, is integral to the delivery of the festival. Our students have opportunities to volunteer through University of Galway’s ALIVE Student Volunteer Programme. 

The First Thought Talks

Associated with University of Galway, continues this year and features well-known Irish and international speakers, including University of Galway academics, on a range of contemporary themes. See all talks here: www.giaf.ie/talks/upcoming

Galway International Arts Festival

We have a special Saw Doctors package for University of Galway Alumni! Join us for pizza and refreshments, then on to the Heineken® Big Top for the sold-out Saw Doctors concert on Saturday, 29 July! 

THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLD OUT

Our sincere apologies to anyone who was unable to book a ticket. We look forward to future opportunities for our alumni to get together.

Join us for our Campus Festival Photo Walks on the 28th and 29th of July. This is a unique opportunity to explore the University campus through the lens of your mobile phone camera. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photography enthusiast, these tours will offer something for you. We are partnering with leading mobile phone photographers and University experts who will guide you through the University campus. Not only will you get to learn about our beautiful campus, but you will also receive tips on how to take your mobile phone photography to the next level. The tours are free and open to all. We look forward to seeing you there. Tickets for both photo walks are still available and can be found on the respective Eventbrite pages.