Imagine Arts Festival launches 2024 programme
Octavate perform 'Descent into Darkness' at the launch of the Imagine Arts Festival. All Photos: Anthony Courtney
The 23rd edition of the Imagine Arts Festival, which takes place from October 22-27, officially launched last week, with an evening of music, theatre and art in the Garden Room of the Medieval Museum at Waterford Treasures.
The multidisciplinary arts festival celebrates Waterford’s culture and art, through a packed programme featuring music, visual art, workshops, heritage events, performances and more.
This year’s festival is a year of firsts, as Imagine Arts will be hosting their first Artists in Residence. Also new this year is a festival box office in City Square, for locals to browse the programme and get tickets.
Offering a glimpse into what’s to come throughout this month, the recent launch featured performances from actor Evie Burke, who presented a scene from upcoming play Dress You Up, Octavate presenting their ‘Descent into Darkness’ performance, while Joe Meagher from Booze, Blaas & Banter and musician Shane Murphy also featured.
Events are scheduled to take place at Theatre Royal, Bank Lane, St. Patrick's Gateway, Waterford Treasures Museums, the streets of Waterford and more this year.
Detailing the programme, Festival Director, Sinéad Dunphy said: “This year marks my second year as festival director and I’m really proud of what we’ve done this year.
“It’s a very focused programme and I have to say a huge thank you to my board of directors, they’re just incredible.
“We’re trying to make something different, something encouraging and something people want in Waterford, while also supporting the artists."
She added, “The level of culture that comes out of this city is incredible, and I’m always wowed by that. To see that willingness and absolute passion to want to be there in the heart of creation, I think is so unique to Waterford. The festival is on a new strategic pathway and we want to support artists.”
On October 26, The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow will be performing at Theatre Royal.
Sinéad says: “If you’re a fan of jaw-dropping performances with a twist, you cannot miss Jerry Fish electric sideshow. If circus acts, vaudeville theatrics, and rock n' roll don’t get your heart racing, I don’t know what will. It’s like a variety show on steroids, and I mean that in the best possible way!"
The festival will also be playing host to WAV (Waterford Audio Visual), which brings audiences on a journey through Waterford.
“In a year of firsts, we’re very proud of our newly commissioned work by local legend Shane Barry and his Sunday Service, who are performing WAV (Waterford Audio Visual), which is a journey through contemporary Waterford, and gives an audio-visual feast for the senses. We want to celebrate Waterford," Sinéad said.
Spraoi are also taking part this year, with their Dearg Dúth Samhain procession, a celebration of Waterford's culture and the creativity it exudes.
The procession departs from Waterford's Viking Triangle at 7:30pm on Friday, October 25.
Meanwhile, ‘Booze, Blaas & Banter’, a pillar of the Imagine Arts Festival, returns, while Wayne Power’s new play 'Dress You Up' will take audiences on an emotional journey through 1990s Ireland.
A number of daily exhibitions will be hosted across the county, including artists Geraldine Kavanagh at the Festival Box Office in City Square, Edel Regan at MoMo restaurant and Lillian O'Sullivan at Tramore Coastguard Cultural Centre.
A selection of heritage walking tours will introduce guests to Waterford’s vast history. These include the 'Forgotten Women of Waterford' and 'Waterfront of Waterford' walking tours.
“I poured my heart into the programme,” Sinéad commented, "I'm really proud to present the programme and I'd like to say how proud I am of everything we’ve achieved this year, and I say ‘we’ because it truly is a team effort."
"From the funders and sponsors, to the artists and volunteers, you've all played a part in making this year's Imagine Arts Festival the success that I know it will be."
Launching the festival, Cllr Eamon Quinlan said: “The arts are a vital part of the Waterford community, they enrich our lives, foster creativity and they bring people together.
“Festivals like this are crucial in showcasing the talent we hold within our region, providing a platform for native artists to express themselves and for audiences to engage with their work.
“This year’s festival theme is ‘partnerships and collaborations'. This is a particularly exciting festival theme, and having had a sneak peek at the programme, I can confidently say that this theme is beautifully brought to the fore," he added.
Cllr Quinlan said that festivals, such as Imagine Arts, are vital for both fostering the arts in Waterford, and enhancing footfall into the city.
"With cross collaborations between artists and various art genres, there is emphasis on working together, enhancing the creative landscape of Waterford and reflecting the spirit of community we value so much."
“Festivals like this also contribute significantly to our local economy, they attract visitors from outside the area, boosting businesses for local shops, restaurants, and services.
"I want to express my gratitude and that of Waterford City and County Council to all artists, volunteers and sponsors who make this festival possible."
