The Arts on Campus

Arts on Campus

The arts programme at NUI Galway is a collaboration between the Arts Office, the Societies office, students and staff of the University, which results in a celebration of creativity and talent.

Theatre at NUI Galway

NUI Galway has a proud tradition of student drama, with many distinguished names such as Garry Hynes, Mick Lally and Seán McGinley featuring among its Alumni. Its vibrant theatrical culture encompasses both the Siobhán Mc Kenna era and the founding of the Galway Druid theatre company.

The Bank of Ireland Theatre, located on campus, is popular with both University and Galway theatre-goers. The venue is used intensively by students on the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies programme and by the various student societies involved in the performing arts. It also hosts a range of productions and developmental workshops by touring theatre and dance companies throughout the year.

Since its opening, the Peacock Theatre, Daghdha Dance Company, The Corn Exchange, and Galway Youth Theatre, among others, have showcased work in this space.

NUI Galway writers-in-residence

NUI Galway makes provision for two professional writers-in-residence on campus. Distinguished playwrights, novelists and poets, in both the Irish and English language, are frequently housed within Áras na Gaeilge and the School of English.  Some past writers-in-residence include Pádraig ó Cíobháin and Mike McCormack.

These writers engage with students, staff and the wider community through a series of formal and informal talks, seminars and writing workshops.
Similarly, the weekly sessions of the Student Writers' Group and Publishing Society are crucial to the development of literary talent on campus.

Music at NUI Galway

The University makes a significant contribution to Galway's thriving musical scene. During the academic year, the Arts Office organises a series of lunchtime concerts and the University Chamber Orchestra regularly performs in the Student Centre.
Music for Galway organises classical music recitals, which are performed in the Aula Maxima. The award-winning student Music Soc organises a packed annual programme, featuring the popular weekly 'open mic' sessions; live band competitions; weekly music and poetry evenings and occasionally, the Irish Student Music Awards (ISMA).

Irish Language activities

The Irish Language Centre and the Acadamh na hOllscolaiochta Gaeilge  organise a range of arts programmes and activities in the Performing and Traditional Arts and Communications.

Film programme and screenings

The Huston School of Film Digital Media was established under the active patronage of the Huston family. It offers students a great environment in which to study the creative arts, with regular seminars and lectures by industry professionals and a programme of conferences, symposiums and screenings throughout the year.

Muscailt festival

Muscailt, meaning 'to inspire' or 'awaken' is the University's annual Spring festival, which takes place every February. It aims to showcase and celebrate the artistic achievements of the NUI Galway community - students, staff and graduates, on and off campus - as well as those of top local, national and international artists.  

Arts in Action

Arts in Action is a programme specially designed for students of the National University of Ireland, Galway.  It includes illustrated performances and lectures in all of the art forms.  An accessible, ambitious and pleasurable programme, it aims to cultivate awareness of the Creative Arts, where each student will have the possibility for increased engagement in: Theatre, Traditional Arts, Architecture, Literatures in English and Irish, Dance, Music, Opera, Visual Art, Film, Circus, Street Spectacle.