Galway Bay FM News Archives
Gabriel Byrne chats about acting and the value of arts at Theatre Forum
Date Published: 08-Jun-2011
The Irish Theatre Forum, the organisation that represents people who work in theatre and performing arts in Ireland, is holding its annual conference in Galway this week.
Over 300 delegates from across the theatre, dance and opera world attend the annual conference at NUIG – the first time the gathering has ever been held in Galway.
It marks the final event for the Forum’s chairman Fergal McGrath – formerly of Druid Theatre and the Galway Arts Festival – who is stepping down after three years in the post.
During that time, the Forum helped establish the National Campaign for the Arts, which saw the organisation develop into a serious lobbying group as it fought the McCarthy Report (Bord Snip) recommendations for arts funding to be drastically cut. Such cuts would have led to the abolition of the Film Board, Culture Ireland and even cabinet representation for the arts, according to Fergal McGrath.
So the organisation has to celebrate at its Galway gathering but there’s no room for complacency with several severe budgets on the way.
Among those taking part in the Theatre Forum conference, which is entitled On with the Show is Ireland’s cultural ambassador Gabriel Byrne, who will be in conversation with the Director of Dublin Fringe Festival, Róise Goan this Friday, June 10.
On With the Show will explore the role of the artist in society, theatre and sustainability and Ireland and the world. Speakers from Spain, USA, the UK and Ireland will debate issues including Theatre and Climate Change, The New Relationship between Theatre and the Media and Cultural Tourism.
One of Broadway’s most prolific and entrepreneurial producers, Ken Davenport, will address the conference, equality expert Niall Crowley will provoke delegates with his challenge that the Celtic Tiger has damaged Ireland’s creative persona, and Dr John Knell will consider how the theatre community should revalue the arts.
There will also be many practical sessions, including guides to the artistic, business and technological issues in digital theatre, international co-producing and how to manage a career in theatre. Other sessions will include lightning talks from members of the Irish theatre community on burning issues.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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