Baboró 2024: Celebrating Galway’s creative pulse with ‘Little Monsters’ and ‘Identity’ exhibitions

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children which kicked off on Friday 11th October presents a dynamic series of exhibitions that showcase the talent and creativity of local artists. This year’s highlights include Little Monsters and Identity, two captivating exhibitions that delve deep into the imaginative world of young minds and explore the essence of who we are, through the eyes of some of Galway’s most inspiring artists.

Little Monsters: An enchanting exploration of what it is to be human in an increasingly digital world. Local artist Laura Angell invites families to dive into a whimsical world created with vivid textiles, tapestries and 3D shapes in a variety of shapes and sizes, where the playful and peculiar meet. This exhibition sparks curiosity and wonder, encouraging children and adults alike to consider the importance of success and failure in our everyday lives and to realise that being average is ok.

The exhibition will also feature bargello tapestries created by Galway children. Thanks to a Creative Ireland's Creative Communities grant, Baboró’s Outreach Projects Manager and artist Laura Angelo hosted bargello stitching workshops for children aged 10+ years in Ballybane, Westside and Galway City libraries as well as in ARD Resource Centre (Doughiska). The childrens’ stunning work will enhance this exhibition.

above: Little Monsters, photo by Laura Angell

Identity: This powerful exhibition from Arts Alive Galway, crafted by established local artists with intellectual disabilities, delves into the complexities of self and community. A visually stunning, thought-provoking and moving experience, it opens up important dialogue about who we are and what shapes us and our community.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will conclude with the Let Your Imaginations Take Flight… final presentation on Sunday, October 20th, from 2pm to 4:30pm. This event offers an engaging space for families to create, connect, and celebrate the closing of the Baboró festival.

For more information on exhibitions and events, including locations and opening hours, please visit www.baboro.ie.

above and feature photo: Identity, photo by Gary Walshe

All photos courtesy of Baboró International Arts Festival for Children