The 19th edition of Culture Night will captivate audiences on Friday 20th September 2024. A national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the Arts, it will bring Galway's rich culture and diversity to the forefront and make the Arts in all its forms accessible to everyone. Check out our top picks right here…
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through national media. Culture Night is managed nationally by the Arts Council (supported by Galway's own Milestone Events) and will be led in Galway City by Galway City Council Arts Office. To learn more about all the projects they are working on and the great work that they do, follow them on their socials - on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.
On the night doors will remain open later as special and unique events will take place at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Local Authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities will be available to the public free of charge. Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day. Discover the full lineup of events here.
1. An Taibhdhearc’s Croí Oír/Gold heart
Shows at 9pm + 10.30pm / Middle St / more information here
In the hot Arabian air of a bustling Algerian market, a love story unfolds, a story of slavery and the Claddagh Ring unfolds. Presented by Fíbín sa Taibhdhearc, Middle Street will come alive on culture night – prepare to be whisked off to Algiers, to see the spectacular tale of Richard Joyce and how the Claddagh Ring came to be.
above: photo courtesy of An Taibhdhearc
2. OTHERWORLD at Outset Gallery
8pm until / Cornstore, Middle St, then DeBurgos for afterparty / more information here
Following the huge success of Culture Night 2023, Outset Gallery in collaboration with Creative Producer Emmet Kerrigan proudly present OTHERWORLD for Culture Night 2024. This ambitious multidisciplinary arts event promises to guide audiences through an expansive landscape, spanning multiple areas, stages and showcasing stellar music acts from Galway and beyond. Through the incorporation of an immersive audiovisual experience, OTHERWORLD seeks to encapsulate a moment in time reflecting Galway's contemporary cultural essence and identity by referencing dual timelines to create a music and arts event explores contentment and ambition, mirroring the city's balance between historic charm and future possibilities.
3. Let's Draw
8pm / Spanish Arch / more information here
In collaboration with the French Embassy in Ireland, Galway City Council presents “Let's Draw” at Galway City Culture Night Late. Let’s Draw by Maxime Touroute and Rémy Dupanloup is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and is part of the ongoing development and enhancement of Galway City's thriving Night-Time Economy. This innovative project will transform Galway's iconic Spanish Arch into an interactive canvas where the public becomes the artist. Let’s Draw invites participants of all ages to use their smartphones as drawing tools. Their creations will be projected in real-time onto the Comerford House building, forming a tapestry of light and colour! Local street artists and illustrators from Galway will participate alongside the public, offering guidance and inspiration. Themed drawing prompts will encourage collaboration and ignite a shared sense of creativity. Let’s Draw is open to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. A limited number of drawing devices will be available for those without smartphones. Join them for a night of creativity and community.
above: photo courtesy of Galway City Council
4. Artist Working Talks
from 7pm / Just Art it / more information here
Join visual artist- printmaker Elena Santos in conversation with visual artist Siobhan McNutt as part of the series of Artist Working Talks in studio at Just Art It in Dominick Street Lower. Artist Working is an open multidisciplinary project with the aim of highlighting the nature of the artist profession beyond the artwork. The event will be accompanied by an exhibit of Siobhan's work.
5. Creative Connections
from 6pm / COPE Galway's new shop in Newtownsmith / more information here
COPE Galway, in partnership with Artspace Studios and 126 Artist-Run Gallery and Studios, are hosting an interactive art experience and exhibition at the newly opened charity shop in Newtownsmith. The evening will begin with a brief talk from a staff member of COPE Galway describing the impact of COPE Galway's services. This will be followed by an interactive art portion of the evening, attendees can create their own pieces of art. All materials will be provided on site. There will be a limited number of spots available, online booking in advance is required. Beginning at 6pm, there will be an opportunity to view and purchase exhibited pieces of art from artists organised by Artspace Studios and 126 Artist-Run Gallery and Studios - two Galway-based organisations that have been providing opportunities and workspaces for emerging and established visual artists. This will be accompanied by a live performance from a local guest performer.
above: photo courtesy of Culture Night
6. Café Circus
from 7pm / Dangan House & Nurseries / more information here
Hosted by Dangan House Wine Bar, they are thrilled to invite/lure you into the exciting new theatre event Café Circus. Maria Cunningham’s one woman comedy cabaret will showcase a cast of absurd and disturbed circus performers who travel from town to town with nothing to live off of but your validation and fish finger sandwiches. Audience, be advised that while watching the show you might experience laughter, crying, booing (giving or receiving), feeling the sudden urge to get up and leave, making a friend, puking, texting your mother back, meeting the love of your life. The possibilities are truly endless at Café Circus. All of the above is encouraged.
7. Pop-Up Céilí
6pm-9pm / Locations across Galway City / more information here
For Culture Night, Galway Céilí Club are transforming multiple locations across Galway city centre into a lively stage with their mobile céilí unit, making traditional Irish dance fun and accessible to the people of Galway. The troupe of three talented musicians, mobile sound system and eight skilled dancers will host up to seven pop-up céilís, bringing spontaneous bursts of music and dance to unexpected spots across Galway City. At each stop, the dance master will invite the audience to join in and learn a few steps, making every performance an interactive and inclusive experience. This dynamic event aims to surprise and delight passersby, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates Galway's rich cultural heritage.
8. Echoes of the Ocean
6pm-8pm / Galway Atlantaquaria / more information here
The final Instalment of the Sounds of the Sea Series. Galway Atlantaquaria invites you to join them for Culture Night 2024 experience like no other. Echoes of the Ocean will be the last chapter of the Sound of the Sea Series. On Culture Night they will host another musical night with the return of Eugene Lambe and the Uileann Pipes, with performances and workshop on the history of this iconic instrument. They will also have the ‘Sea Shanties’ from community volunteers Ryan and Lauriane, playing the fiddle and other instruments. They are inviting the Galway Bay Is Calling group to create a large community of varied instruments playing Namoi Berrills “Leave No Trace” Adaption. These musical echoes will resound all through the Aquarium on the night. There will be some fun scavenger hunts and talks by the ocean tank and rockpools.
9. Galway Street Art Bash
from 6pm / Millennium Children's Park / more information here
The Galway Street Art Collaboration aims to provide a safe zone for the public through a pop-up street art demonstration in Galway's Millennium Park. This year, several artists from both local and international backgrounds will collaborate and will select and gather a number of participants and spectators to spray an 8 x 40 ft industrial tarp along the park's gable fences. The 2023 event attracted 85 participants, ranging from ages 5 to 72, showcasing a wide range of creative community presence. This year's event, themed 'The Tribes' will focus on Galway's heritage, presenting a spray painting workshop open to all ages. A mandatory "leave no trace" element will be enforced, with all safety measures in place.
above: photo courtesy of Galway City Council
10. Blue Jams
from 9pm / The Cellar / more information here
On the last Thursday of every month, the Galway-based band, Meet The Fawkers host a blues jam for musicians in the city in the beautiful surrounds of The Cellar. The night has grown from strength to strength over the last number of months, with a list of attendees ranging from complete beginners to some of the best players in the country. Attendees get the chance to play 4 or 5 blues classics in a fun and supportive environment while making new friends and improving their playing along the way. To celebrate the success of the night and to recognise the wonderful talent in this city, the Blues Jam will be having their biggest night yet on Culture Night where we will take over the basement of The Cellar, dim the lights, crank up the amps and hand the stage over to the wonderfully talented musicians of Galway. All instruments will be provided on the night, all are welcome. So whether you want to play or listen, join them for 2.5 hours of blues classics on what promises to be one of the highlights of Culture Night.
11. Brazil On Screen Presents: An Introductory Talk on Latin-American Cinema, Kneecap & Revolution in Irish Film
6-7pm / Pálás Cinema / more information here
What connects the film Kneecap to a Latin-American revolutionary film movement? Join Brazil on Screen on Culture Night at the Pálas Cinema for an introductory talk exploring the shared revolutionary spirit in Irish and Brazilian cinema. They’ll chat about how cinema serves as a powerful political tool, reflecting our legacy of resistance and resilience. The talk will begin with an examination of Third Cinema, a groundbreaking film movement that emerged in Latin America which wanted to challenge traditional cinema by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and was a direct response to colonialism and commercialization. They will then trace the journey of Third Cinema from its Latin American origins to its influence on the Irish film industry and conclude with a focus on Kneecap (2024), a contemporary film that embodies Third Cinema’s principles. They’ll then analyse how the film reflects the movement’s emphasis on political and social critique, and explore its relevance to today’s audiences.
12. Westend Hidden Gems
From 6pm / Galway's Westend / more information here
Brought to you by Galway’s Westend, HystERia Téatar, and Púca Productions, Westend Hidden Gems is all about highlighting the incredible people who can often be found in the Westend, but not always seen/known for their artistic talents. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store: Open Air Stage - Live music from local legends like @_telebox_, @weareechochamber and more. Queer Talent Night - Featuring the amazing Muir Hogan and Steven Sharpe. Drag Drink and Draw - Get artsy with Leigh Greally and some yummy beveraginos. Artistic Gems Gallery - Showcasing stunning works from local artists such as Lily May Healy, Tom Harney & more. Theatre Hub - Rehearsed readings, bite-sized plays, and comedy galore from Malachy Duggan and Eoghan Hillson. Hidden Pages - Discover local manuscripts from writers in our community. Screening Hub - Local short film. Westend Art Collective - visual art tribute to the one and only Shane McGowan. And that’s just the beginning!
Feature photo from Culture Night 2023, courtesy of Fíbin sa Taibhdhearc.
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