Archive for July, 2013
Brodie Waddell
Those of us who think that historical research ought to consist of more than the study of kings, ministers and generals owe a great debt to the pioneers of ‘history from below’ . Foremost amongst them must be E.P. Thompson, who published his epic The Making of the English Working Class exactly half a century ago. The impressive wave of work that followed will be well-known to many of you and, if nothing else, I think most historians would agree that historical scholarship would be poorer if not for the intervention of these spirited men and women.
But what about the next fifty years? Has ‘history from below’, and perhaps social history more generally, outlived its usefulness? What, if anything, can it contribute to contemporary scholarship and the wider world? How should it be adapted or reoriented in the coming years? What new tools or techniques could strengthen…
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Research shows Twitter could be a tool for aid workers during events like the Boston bombings
Posted: July 4, 2013 in Uncategorized
Twitter came under fire for its lack of credibility as a real-time news source during the bombings in Boston earlier this year, thanks to a variety of hoaxes and erroneous reports that were spread about those who were allegedly responsible for the attacks. But despite these obvious flaws, researchers with the Harvard Medical School who looked at information flow on Twitter during the bombings argue that the network could be a valuable tool for emergency workers and others during such disasters.
The research was published earlier this week by PLOS One Currents, an open-access journal that is part of the Public Library of Science, and was based on the work of several scientists who are affiliated with the Harvard Medical School, as well as one researcher from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA.
Entitled “Twitter as a Sentinel in Emergency Situations: Lessons from the Boston Marathon Explosions
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Grizzly Bear.
Since 2002, Grizzly Bear have gained global recognition for their unique sound and incredible musicianship. Their most recent album Shields won huge praise from influential critics like online music bible Pitchfork and their high profile fans include Jay Z, Paul Simon and Radiohead.
Grizzly Bear are famous for their eclectic style, incorporating psychedelic pop, folk rock and the experimental with lush vocal harmonies. This staggering creativity can also be seen in the band’s videos, which have amassed millions of views on Youtube. Their 2009 album Veckatimest was selected as an album of the year by the New York Times, Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
This summer Galway audiences can look forward to seeing one of the world’s finest alternative bands perform in the Festival Big Top. Grizzly Bear are a music lover’s dream.
The Strypes.
The Strypes have spent the last 18 months launching their explosive R&B assault on the clubs and festivals of Ireland, UK and Europe, viciously hammering out a no-nonsense blues repertoire drawing from the songbooks of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf, with the passion and venom of British blues groups such as Dr. Feelgood, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones and The Animals. They’ve been tipped by the NME as the No. 1 new band to watch and have topped the iTunes Blues charts with their single Blue Collar Jane.
Fresh from Glastonbury where they ripped up the John Peel stage with a blistering set of raw, garage blues rock we are simply delighted to be adding them to this fantastic Big Top bill with indie rock royalty Grizzly Bear for what will be an incredible evening of music.
Praise for the Cavan band’s performance at the most iconic musical festival of them all is widespread in the media. Irish actor and creator of the much-loved Moone Boy Chris O’Dowd tweeted, ‘The Rolling Stones were a solid 8, but The Strypes turned it up to 11.’ In their Glastonbury 2013 review, the Telegraph wrote, ‘Hot Irish quartet The Strypes ripped up the John Peel stage with a blistering set of raw, garage blues rock, closely modelled on the Stones circa ‘64, with a dash of Eric Burdon’s Animals aggression, Yardbirds-style soloing and Dr Feelgood intensity. All this, and they are younger than One Direction, schoolboys ready to take over the world.’ Meanwhile Digital Spy reported, ‘Paul Weller’s Favourite New Band The Strypes, though, hold the John Peel Stage down with ease…’
As the momentum around The Strypes continues to swell, we know we’re in for another unforgettable night in the Big Top with the Next Big Things not just in Irish music but in rock n’roll full stop. This is your chance to see them before they go global and Galway Arts Festival is delighted to be bringing such an exciting act to our city. Below, you can check out The Strypes in action at Glastonbury. To secure your tickets to see them and Grizzly Bear, click here.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/grizzly-bear-amp-the-strypes/#sthash.nDVWgBcN.dpuf
GALWAY ARTS FESTIVAL AND ROISIN DUBH PRESENT GLEN HANSARD WITH DAMIEN DEMPSEY
Glen Hansard and Damien Dempsey are two of Ireland’s favourite and most gifted musicians.
Ever since The Frames stormed the Irish music scene back in the 90’s, Hansard has been one of the most popular and recognisable performers on the Irish landscape.
His subsequent Oscar-winning international success with the film – and now musical – Once has lifted his star even higher. His first studio solo album Rhythm and Repose was released last year to widespread acclaim. We’re also thrilled that The Frames will now join their leading man on-stage in the Big Top for part of his set to sing some of their classic tunes.
Damien Dempsey released his sixth studio album Almighty Love in October 2012. As anyone fortunate enough to have experienced them will testify, Damien’s live gigs are the stuff of legend. It’s no surprise then that he has been invited to perfom with everyone from Bob Dylan to Sinead O’Connor and Willie Nelson to Morrissey.
Galway audiences can look forward to Glen Hansard and Damien Dempsey lifting the roof off the Festival Big Top this summer.
STANDING ONLY
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/glen-hansard-amp-damien-dempsey/#sthash.HeVb42T7.dpuf
2013 PROGRAMME –
Josh Ritter, Mick Flannery & Guests
Josh Ritter has enjoyed a very special relationship with Irish audiences for many years. His latest album The Beast in its Tracks is his most personal to date and continues to establish Josh as one of the finest singer songwriters at work today. The Royal City Band with be joining Josh on the Big Top stage as he performs new songs and old favourites.
A Meteor Award winner for Best Irish Male in 2009, Mick Flannery’s distinctive voice and immense talent have marked him out as one of Ireland’s finest performers. His most recent album, Red to Blue, topped the charts and received huge radio play thanks to great singles like Gone Forever and No Way To Live.
Support on this special Saturday night at the Festival Big Top comes from the much-loved West Cork Ukulele Orchestra.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/josh-ritter-mick-flannery-amp-guests_1/#sthash.u1Yizf9k.dpuf
melda May ****SOLD OUT****
Imelda May at the Big Top with Special Guest Mundy
The reigning queen of rockabilly Imelda May will light up the Festival Big Top stage this summer. Her critically acclaimed albums Love Tattoo and Mayhem both topped the charts. Imelda has performed at the Grammys, toured the US with Jamie Callum and won high praise from the music industry’s most revered names, including Jools Holland and Bono.
Starting out in Dublin’s The Liberties, Imelda May has always stayed true to her roots while becoming a world-class performer and artist. Her live gigs are legendary. When it comes to rocking the Big Top this summer, Galway audiences can expect a tour de force from the amazing Imelda.
Support from the ever-popular Mundy.
this gig is sold out!
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/imelda-may-sold-out/#sthash.HNwrDKPf.dpuf
ARTS PROJECT IRELAND
BIRD
A concert performance of a new opera by
JULIE FEENEY
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince Julie Feeney has devised a new world around the story set in a land of birds. This concert performance of Bird with score and libretto by Feeney, will go into full production in 2014 with a creative team including Mikel Murfi, Sabine D’Argent and Joanne Hynes.
Composer, singer, orchestrator, songwriter and producer, Julie Feeney is a winner of the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year. Captivating and original, with an unquestionably unique sound, her work, though rooted in classical music, perfectly straddles both the pop and theatrical worlds.
Bird is the inaugural commission from Festival Firsts, an initiative of IFCN (Irish Festivals’ Co-Production Network – Galway Arts Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, Cork Midsummer Festival and Kilkenny Arts Festival) and received an Arts Council Opera Project grant for development.
This performance is supported by Galway Arts Festival’s Directors’ Circle.
Backstage at the Festival: Julie Feeney Composer of Bird, Julie Feeney in pre-concert conversation. 28 July, 7.30PM St. Nicholas’ Church
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/bird-julie-feeney/#sthash.z5FfJqha.dpuf
2013 PROGRAMME –
Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet
For the past 37 years, BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. BeauSoleil’s distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues-rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and blue grass. Their first studio release in four years, their25th album From Bamako to Carencro, has been widely acclaimed.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/beausoleil-avec-michael-doucet/#sthash.qqd0EQnW.dpuf
A NIGHT AT THE PROMS WITH THE RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA
A much-loved music celebration around the world, Galway Arts Festival presents Galway’s first Night at the Proms in the spectacular setting of the Festival Big Top with a thrilling programme of music from the movies, conducted by David Brophy.
The programme includes John Williams’ soaring Superman March, and ET Adventures on Earth; Ennio Morricone’s haunting Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, the iconic Once Upon a Time In America and The Good The Bad & The Ugly; Michael Giacchino Suite from the Disney/Pixar Movie Up; the classics, Chariots of Fire from Vangelis, Bill Conti’s Rocky; That’s Entertainment! in A Tribute to MGM; John Barry’s Out Of Africa, and the unbelievably cool Shaft by Isaac Hayes.
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS COMPLETELY STANDING
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/a-night-at-the-proms-with-the-rte-concert-orchestra_1/#sthash.e2wRmiU9.dpuf
Matthew E White
Matthew E. White is an American songwriter, producer, arranger and founder of Space bomb Records. His debut album Big Inner was released in August 2012 to universal critical acclaim. It secured Billboard’s breakthrough album of the year and was called ‘One of the great albums of modern Americana’ by Uncut Magazine. Recreating the laid back grooves of vintage soul pop, Matthew E.White brings his unique voice to the Róisín stage.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/matthew-e-white_1/#sthash.wEd3XOj1.dpuf
Heathers
Choice Music nominees, Ellie and Louise Macnamara aka Heathers, have enjoyed Irish and international success having firmly proven that they’re a musical force to be reckoned with. Earlier this year, they were invited to perform for Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams at the Oscar party of the Hollywood director in Santa Monica. They are currently working on writing projects with David Guetta and Disney while penning songs for a number of other recording artists including Ashley Roberts of Pussycat Dolls fame.
Support by Cat Dowling & Julie Hawk
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/heathers_1/#sthash.XcBZv9H9.dpuf
2013 PROGRAMME –
Hudson Taylor
Music
Ireland
Hudson Taylor (brothers Harry and Alfie) take their inspiration from both folk and pop, with aviva city all their own. It is difficult to listen to them, and not come away instantly affected. A busking and YouTube sensation long before they even approached are cord company, they combine keening melodies with a bustling energy that is as infectious as it is memorable.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/hudson-taylor_1/#sthash.U7ugbvGf.dpuf
Lee Fields and the Expressions
Music
U.S.A
There aren’t too many artists in soul music still working today who had a release in 1969. Lee Fields, however, is one such artist – or maybe he is bettered labelled a phenomenon. With a career spanning over forty years, Fields has amassed a prolific catalogue of albums and has performed with such legends as Kool and the Gang, Sammy Gordon and the Hip-Huggers and O.V. Wright. His music ranges from James Brown-style funk to lo-fiblues to contemporary Southern soul to collaborations with French house DJ/producer Martin Solveig. Lee Fields has done it all.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/lee-fields-and-the-expressions_1/#sthash.vL1U0Gg6.dpuf
Jeffrey Lewis & The Rain
Jeffrey Lewis is both a comic book artist and a musician. With his band The Rain, material ranges from acoustic narratives to head smashing garage rock. Lewis’decade-plus career has included shows with The Vase lines, Stephen Malkmus, The Mountain Goats, Devo, Pulp, and other luminaries.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/jeffrey-lewis-amp-the-rain_1/#sthash.OaNF1fp5.dpuf
HOT 8 BRASS BAND
This innately talented ensemble, ensconced in New Orleans’ musical and sociological heritage, have lyrical depth and dexterity, compositional chops and improvisational flair to spare.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/hot-8-brass-band_1/#sthash.sSEZfkse.dpuf
he Jerry Fish Show
Music
Ireland
With a career spanning two decades, Jerry Fish is one of Ireland’s most enigmatic songwriters and performers. Former frontman of An Emotional Fish, his swaggering vocal has been described as Tom Waits in a good mood, or Leonard Cohen doing Dean Martin. Jerry Fish’s high-energy shows are legendary.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/the-jerry-fish-show/#sthash.TtOldyG8.dpuf
kaleidoscope
Described by the Irish Times as ‘one of those life-saving, spirit-lifting, pioneering cultural ventures we keep hearing about’, Kaleidoscope is a night of music curated by the violinist Clíodhna Ryan and the cellist Kate Ellis. With a monthly series in Dublin year-round, these celebrated nights feature innovative and imaginative programming and a diverse range of music from ancient to contemporary and experimental in a relaxed, intimate and beautiful setting. This summer the Kaleidoscope Camino hits the road, with two keenly-awaited performances at Galway Arts Festival. Featuring some of Ireland’s finest musicians, the shows include the Galway-based ConTempo String Quartet and the stellar accordionist Dermot Dunne. A world premiere by the Congolese guitarist and composer forms an exciting additions to the programme.
‘You can be promised a magical Kaleidoscopic cocktail of elegance, excellence and excitement.’ – LeCool
‘It has all the right ingredients: top musicians, a completely mixed, unpredictable programme, and a relaxed atmosphere.’ – The Irish Times
‘There’s always an eclectic and brilliant range of music.’ – Cara Magazine
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/kaleidoscope/#sthash.idpaMif9.dpuf
kaleidoscope
Described by the Irish Times as ‘one of those life-saving, spirit-lifting, pioneering cultural ventures we keep hearing about’, Kaleidoscope is a night of music curated by the violinist Clíodhna Ryan and the cellist Kate Ellis. With a monthly series in Dublin year-round, these celebrated nights feature innovative and imaginative programming and a diverse range of music from ancient to contemporary and experimental in a relaxed, intimate and beautiful setting. This summer the Kaleidoscope Camino hits the road, with two keenly-awaited performances at Galway Arts Festival. Featuring some of Ireland’s finest musicians, the shows include the Galway-based ConTempo String Quartet and the stellar accordionist Dermot Dunne. A world premiere by the Congolese guitarist and composer forms an exciting additions to the programme.
‘You can be promised a magical Kaleidoscopic cocktail of elegance, excellence and excitement.’ – LeCool
‘It has all the right ingredients: top musicians, a completely mixed, unpredictable programme, and a relaxed atmosphere.’ – The Irish Times
‘There’s always an eclectic and brilliant range of music.’ – Cara Magazine
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/kaleidoscope/#sthash.idpaMif9.dpuf
Brian Kennedy
Music
Ireland
Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy started his musical career as part of Van Morrison’s band. With over 20 years in the music business, multiple hit singles and albums, Brian continues to entertain audiences across Ireland, the UK and beyond.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/brian-kennedy_1/#sthash.kR0IVrz2.dpuf
The Henry Girls
Renowned for their fine harmonies and musical arrangements The Henry Girls are becoming one of Ireland’s most talked about folk/roots acts and are fast developing an international reputation. They have a unique sound, which blends classic traditional Irish folk music with a hint of Americana, a nod to bluegrass and many more in between.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/the-henry-girls/#sthash.bLkfTHFv.dpuf
Frankie Gavin & De Dannan
Music
Ireland
Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are legends in the traditional Irish music world. Performing for over 33 years, the current line-up includes Barry Brady, Colm O’Caoimh and Paul O’Driscoll with Michelle Lallyon lead vocals. Frankie is a celebrated Irish fiddle player who has performed and recorded with music legends including The Rolling Stones, Stephane Grappelli and Sir Yehudi Menuhin.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/frankie-gavin-amp-de-dannan_1/#sthash.R8o1AGMF.dpuf
Rynne, Barou & Lunny
Pádraig Rynne, Sylvain Barou and Dónal Lunny are, individually, masters of traditional Irish music. When three such influential and creative musicians work together the result is a wonderful collaboration of exciting musical talent.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/rynne-barou-amp-lunny/#sthash.InW4WVBD.dpuf
TUBULAR BELLS FOR TWO
Music
Australia
When Mike Oldfield released his 1973 masterpiece, Tubular Bells, it required more than 30 musicians to perform it. This thrilling show recreates the album on stage, in real time in a unique and compelling theatrical experience. Witness Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts recreate the beauty and playful lunacy of one of the most important albums of the 20th Century with just four hands and four feet.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/tubular-bells-for-two_1/#sthash.StB7wfmO.dpuf
The Arcady Experience
Music
Ireland
Since the formation of Arcady in 1988 by Johnny‘ Ringo’ McDonagh, dedication to Irish traditional music combined with virtuosic musicianship have made Arcady one of the most respected traditional bands in Ireland. Special guests include Stephen James & The Deans.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/the-arcady-experience_1/#sthash.5ndesnA2.dpuf
Silent Night 2013
Music
Ireland
Silent Night is back. For one night only, Galway Arts Festival brings the Festival Club to the Big Top for a massive ‘Headphone Disco’ one of the Festival Club highlights of 2012. In the tradition of the ‘Silent Disco’, two top DJ’s battle for your attention on two-channel headsets. Stirring visuals and lots of surprises make this an unmissable party night of fun! Kicking off the night are Kormac’s Big Band live on stage.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/silent-night-2013_1/#sthash.dQ6bc11v.dpuf
Niall Vallely & Sean Óg Graham
Niall Vallely the highly regarded concertina player is joined by Sean Óg Graham on guitar for this Festival gig.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/niall-vallely-amp-sean-og-graham_1/#sthash.Rfj8tOnQ.dpuf
Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly
Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly are one of Ireland’s most popular duos. Kelly’s virtuoso mandolin and fiddle playing are the perfect complement to Lane’s wonderful singing, guitar and dobro playing.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/frankie-lane-amp-paul-kelly/#sthash.0AF25tsz.dpuf
Paul O’Shaughnessy & Harry Bradley
Paul O’Shaughnessy has toured and recorded with many artists from Altan to Beginish. Together, Paul and Harry have recorded the highly acclaimed album Born for Sport and have toured extensively.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/paul-o-rsquo-shaughnessy-amp-harry-bradley/#sthash.UPFujG1d.dpuf
Toner Quinn and Malachy Bourke are a brilliant fiddle duet who play raw, dynamic music. They have just released a live album on the Ergodos label.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/toner-quinn-amp-malachy-bourke/#sthash.ECSKk8CA.dpuf
Brendan O’Regan & Dermot Byrne
Two of Ireland’s finest musicians Brendan O’Regan and Dermot Byrne join forces for this special Festival performance. On bouzouki/mandolin and accordion respectively, they play a vast and wide repertoire.
This show has limited unreserved seating
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/music_1/brendan-o-rsquo-regan-amp-dermot-byrne_1/#sthash.gGNJuJQD.dpuf
ONVERSATIONS: Marie Mullen IN CONVERSATION WITH GARRY HYNES
Artistic Director and co-founder of Druid Garry Hynes, interviews her longtime collaborator and friend, actor and cofounder of Druid, Marie Mullen. Garry and Marie are two of Ireland’s most celebrated and successful theatre artists, having toured extensively the highways, byways and broadways of the theatre world. The recipients of numerous awards, they both received Tony Awards in 1998 for The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Garry for Direction and Marie for Best Actress. Both received Special Tribute Awards at the Irish Times Theatre Awards for their enormous contribution to Irish theatre, Garry in 2005 and Marie in 2012.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/conversations/marie-mullen-in-conversation-with-garry-hynes_1/#sthash.fqWSo5tR.dpuf
CONVERSATIONS: TERRI HOOLEY IN CONVERSATION WITH TONY CLAYTON-LEA
Terri Hooley was born in Belfast. In 1978 he opened a record shop, and later founded the music label Good Vibrations which quickly estblished an impressive portfolio of bands including The Undertones. In spite of bankruptcy, arson, and run-ins with Bob Dylan and John Lennon, the label, the shop and Terri survived a turbulent and colourful career in the music industry. A biopic, Good Vibrations, was released earlier this year.
Terri is joined in conversation by journalist Tony Clayton-Lea.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/conversations/terri-hooley-in-conversation-with-tony-clayton-lea_1/#sthash.9psr6TGr.dpuf
DISCUSSIONS: THE ONE RIGHT ANSWER
This discussion focuses on the role and place of creativity in education. Is creativity in education as important as literacy, and should it be treated with the same status? Are we educating with too much emphasis on “the one right answer” – predicated on academic ability? In order for companies and countries to stay competitive do we need to take a hard look at how we’re teaching children – and adults – to think?
PANELLISTS INCLUDE
Patrick graduated with a PhD from the Department of Geography at the University of Hull and has published in areas of regional development, the Information Society, and the impact of telecommunications provision. More recently, Patrick has turned his attention to the Creative Economy, carrying out research and publishing works on the impact of the Creative and Cultural industries to Galway and peripheral regions in Europe.
Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison.
John Lonergan was Governor of Mountjoy Prison until his retirement in 2010. A native of Bansha, Co. Tipperary, John joined the Irish Prison Service in 1968. He also served as Governor of the high security prison in Portlaoise from November 1988 until May 1992. He is married with two grown-up daughters. John argues that there is a direct link between crime and social and economic deprivation and believes that the biggest challenge facing us today is not the economy but how we are going to create a just, inclusive and cohesive society based on the core values of justice, equality fairness and compassion. His memoir, The Governor: The Life And Time Of The Man Who Ran Mountjoy, was published in 2010.
University of Notre Dame Centre, Ireland.
Professor Kevin Whelan was named the inaugural Michael Smurfit Director of the Keough-Notre Dame Centre in Ireland in 1998. He has been a visiting professor at New York University, Boston College and Concordia University, Montreal. He has lectured in over a dozen countries and at the Sorbonne, Cambridge, Oxford, Torino, Berkeley, Yale, Dartmouth and Louvain universities. He has written or edited fifteen books and over one hundred articles on Ireland’s history, geography and culture. Since 1999, he has co-directed the annual Irish Seminar, the leading seminar in the field of Irish Studies.
Lecturer in Drama Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.
Dorothy Morrissey is a Lecturer in Drama Education at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Prior to her current post, she worked for many years as a primary teacher and curriculum trainer and advisor. Her research interests include reflective practice, creativity and arts education.
Broadcaster
Gavin Jennings combined working in A&E departments as a doctor with covering politics for the Belfast Newsletter before joining BBC Northern Ireland, first as a newsreader on Radio Ulster and later as a reporter and presenter with Radio Foyle’s Sony award-winning
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/the-one-right-answer_1/#sthash.elMO17uQ.dpuf
The discussion will focus on the challenges facing traditional media and the shape of things to come. As traditional media outlets reshape, redefine and restructure, we ask how journalism is changing and innovating with an ever growing audience across digital spaces. What role citizen journalism and user generated content will play and can newspaper print editions survive?
PANELLISTS INCLUDE
Maggie O’Kane
Journalist and documentary maker.
Maggie O’Kane is an award-winning Irish journalist and documentary film maker. She has been most associated with The Guardian newspaper where she was a foreign correspondent who filed graphic stories from Sarajevo while it was under siege between 1992 and 1996. She also contributed to the BBC from Bosnia. She has been editorial director of GuardianFilms, the paper’s film unit, since 2004.
John Mulholland
Editor The Observer.
John Mulholland was born in Ranelagh in Dublin and received a degree in Communications in 1983 from Dublin City University. John also studied for an MA in media and communications at California State University, Sacramento. He worked as arts assistant at The Independent from 1987-8, then briefly for London Daily News in the same role. He joined The Guardian as assistant editor of the arts desk in 1990, and became media editor in 1994. In 1998 he left The Guardian to manage the re-launch of Mirror Group Newspapers’Sporting Life, and later rejoined the Guardian Media Group as deputy editor of The Observer in 1998, overseeing the magazines, sport, travel and culture sections. He developed and launched the monthly food, sport and music magazines and led the change of format to Berliner. Mulholland succeeded Roger Alton as editor in January 2008 and re-launched the paper in February 2010.
Mark Little
CEO & Founder of Storyful.
Mark Little is the founder of Storyful – a social media news agency. He leads a team of journalists and technologists working with the biggest news organisations and social networks in the world, including YouTube, ABC News and the New York Times. Mark has more than two decades of experience in journalism. He was an award-winning foreign correspondent at RTÉ. He also presented the current affairs programme, Prime Time, and was the broadcaster’s first Washington Correspondent. Mark has covered some of the biggest stories of our age, including the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the election of Barack Obama. He has written three books about world affairs, including the number one bestseller ‘Turn Left at Greenland’.
Dave O’Connell (Chair)
Editor & Broadcaster.
Dave O’Connell is Group Editor of the Connacht Tribune, a role he has held for the past six years.
A graduate of journalism at the College of Commerce in Rathmines in 1983, he started as a reporter with the Connacht Tribune tha
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/life-in-the-old-dog-yet/#sthash.nmgTf0vT.dpuf
ISCUSSIONS: COMMON GROUND
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Jane Jacobs
Death and Life of Great American Cities.
It is envisaged that public spaces be the inspired centres of civic life; vibrant, active, sustainable places: reflecting the best of who we are. But, do our urban environments shape up to match? This discussion will focus on creativity and the use of public spaces.
PANELLISTS INCLUDE
Elizabeth Francis
Irish Commissioner, Venice Biennale 2012.
Elizabeth Francis was born in Ireland and studied architecture at University College Dublin, graduating in 1993. Based in Bologna, Italy she has studied and worked in France, Ireland and the UK. In 2010, she founded atelier Francis – curating architectural events and exhibitions – to pursue her interests in architecture, art and research. Prior to this, she was partner in Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) in Paris and subsequently in Bologna. In 2012, she was appointed as Commissioner for Ireland’s Representation at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Róisín Heneghan
Architect, Heneghan Peng Architects, Ireland’s entry at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2012.
Róisín Heneghan is co-founder of heneghan peng architects with Shih-Fu Peng; a design partnership practicing architecture, landscape and urban design. The practice was founded in 1999 and in 2001 was relocated to Dublin. They have designed a range of projects which include large scale urban masterplans, bridges, landscapes and buildings. ‘Shifting Ground’ from heneghan peng was Ireland’s official entry at the Venice Bienalle International Architecture Exhibition in 2012, the most important architectural exhibition in the world.
Rich Gilligan
Photographer who has documented skateboarding activity in public spaces.
Rich Gilligan holds an MFA in photography from the University of Ulster, Belfast and a BA honours degree in documentary photography from the University of Wales, Newport. His work has been exhibited worldwide with recent exhibitions in in Dublin, London, Berlin, Dusseldorf and Los Angeles. He has been documenting homemade skate-parks in public spaces worldwide since 2008. This work titled “DIY” was published as a book in 2012.
Professor Kevin M. Leyden
Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change, NUI Galway.
Kevin M. Leyden is a Professor of Political Science at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He also serves as Co-Director of the Creative, Liveable and Sustainable Communities Cluster of the Whitaker Institute. His current research focuses primarily on the relationship between the urban design, social capital, health, and well-being.
His research has been published in the American Journal of Public Health, Environmental Health Perspectives, Environment International, Urban Affairs Review, Health & Place, the American Journal of Health Promotion, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers: Urban Design and Planning, and Policy Studies Journal, among others.
He is currently leading the research workgroup associated with a recently awarded EU/ESF funded COST Transit & Urban Development grant titled “People Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World”. The purpose of the COST action is to promote research and practitioner networks focused upon improving the liveability of cities.
Ali Grehan (Chair)
Dublin City Architect.
Ali Grehan is the Dublin City Architect and, since her appointment in January 2008, has actively promoted the idea of ‘excellence in the ordinary” in the context of the design and delivery of projects in Dublin city. Prior to her appointment as City Architect, Ali worked on housing projects as part of the urban regeneration of Ballymun, and became its chief architect in 2006. In her earlier career she was a Senior Architect with Fingal County Council and, before that, a member of the Light Rail Project Team that designed and delivered Dublin’s first LUAS lines. Ali initiated and led Dublin’s bid for designation as a World Design Capital 2014. You can find her on twitter at @AliGrehan
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/common-ground_1/#sthash.6tuXUO8d.dpuf
DISCUSSIONS: THICKER THAN WATER
In this year of The Gathering, this discussion will focus on creativity and the Diaspora.
The power of the Diaspora is irrefutable. With creativity lauded as being at the core of the Irish psyche, can networks based on ideas, and bound by family and heritage, transcend geography to help shape Ireland’s future?
Can a collaboration of creative talents build a new narrative for Ireland?
PANELLISTS INCLUDE
Tim O Connor
Chairman of the Gathering and former Irish Consul General NY.
Tim O’Connor runs his own advisory business providing strategic advice and support to companies and organisations. He worked in the Irish Public Service from 1972 to early 2010, most recently as Secretary General to the President. His career also included almost 30 years in the Irish Diplomatic Service, in the Department of Foreign Affairs. A large portion of his career was spent working on the Northern Ireland Peace Process, including the Good Friday Agreement. He has also served terms as Director of the Africa Unit and of the Human Rights Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs. His foreign postings included the Embassies of Ireland in Bonn and Washington DC and most recently, from 2005-2007, he was Consul General of Ireland in New York, USA. Tim is the holder of Honorary Doctorates from NUI Maynooth, the University of Ulster and Quinnipiac University (Connecticut, USA).
Aidan Connolly
Director of the new Irish Arts Centre, New York.
Aidan Connolly is the Executive Director of the new Irish Arts Centre in New York. The centre is dedicated to projecting a dynamic image of Ireland and Irish America for the 21st century. Its multi-disciplinary programming focuses on performance, exhibition and education. The centre serves as a dynamic platform for top emerging and established artists and cultural creators to reach a New York, US, and global audience, and as a gateway for other institutions to access first-rate Irish and Irish American culture.
Prof. Kevin Whelan (Chair)
University of Notre Dame.
Professor Kevin Whelan was named the inaugural Michael Smurfit Director of the Keough-Notre Dame Centre in Ireland in 1998. He has been a visiting professor at New York University, Boston College and Concordia University, Montreal. He has lectured in over a dozen countries and at the Sorbonne, Cambridge, Oxford, Torino, Berkeley, Yale, Dartmouth and Louvain universities. He has written or edited fifteen books and over one hundred articles on Ireland’s history, geography and culture. Since 1999, he has co-directed the annual Irish Seminar, the leading seminar in the field of Irish Studies.
Prof. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháín
Chair of Music and Founding Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháín is noted for his development of a uniquely Irish traditional piano style. He has recorded extensively with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and has released some 15 recordings overall. His most recent recordings includeELVER GLEAMS: New and SelectedRecordings (EMI 2010), and the DVD Irish Destiny: music for the historic 1925 silent movie of the same name (Irish Film Institute 2006).
In 2004 he was appointed inaugural Chair of Culture Ireland (the statutory body for promoting Irish arts – including Northern Ireland – worldwide), was reappointed in 2008, and again in 2012. In 2005 he was awarded an Honorary D.Mus. by the National University of Ireland at University College Cork for his contribution to music in Ireland. Other awards include Ollamh na hÉigse (Professor of Arts) in 2005 by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Boston College Honorary Alumnus Award for contributions to Irish music in the USA (2006), and Gradam Cheoil (Irish language television award for contribution to Irish music) in 2011.
In May 2011, he performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland for The Queen’s Concert in the National Convention Centre, Dublin, marking the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland. In December of the same year he performed at the Grand Canal Theatre, at the request of the newly appointed President of Ireland, Dr. Michael D. Higgins. He was in residence for the year 2012 at the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and the DeBartolo Center for Performing Arts at Notre Dame University where he is writing a new symphonic work for performance in 2014.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/thicker-than-water_1/#sthash.1c9CjYpx.dpuf
CONVERSATIONS: Enda Walsh IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL FAHY
Enda Walsh is one of Ireland’s most celebrated playwrights. Recent work includes the book for the Broadway and West End musical Once, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical in 2012, and the award winning play Misterman which toured to New York and following its Galway performances at GAF 2011. Other recent plays include Penelope, The New Electric Ballroom and The Walworth Farce, have toured all over the world.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/conversations/enda-walsh-in-conversation-with-paul-fahy_1/#sthash.uYlLuxvb.dpuf
READINGS: COLUM McCANN – TransAtlantic
Colum McCann is the author of six novels and two collections of stories. He has won numerous international literary awards including the Dublin IMPAC Literary Award and the National Book Award in the USA for his last novel Let The Great World Spin.
In his new novel TransAtlantic, from which he reads, McCann weaves together personal stories to explore the fine line between what is real and what is imagined, and the tangled skein of connections that make up our lives.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/readings/colum-mccann-transatlantic_1/#sthash.TwEm1uft.dpuf
Listen from the Archive: First Thought 2012: Caroline Casey on disability and creativity.
“Labels are for jam-jars, not for people”. Entrepreneur & Disability Campaigner, Caroline Casey speaking about disability and the importance of creativity as part of First Thought Talks at last year’s Festival.
Listen from the Archive: First Thought 2012: Chic’s Nile Rodgers In Conversation.
Chic’s Nile Rodgers talks partying, drugs & Madonna. Recorded after Chic’s Big Top performance as part of last year’s series of First Thought Backstage Talks at the Festival.
DISCUSSIONS: #YOUNGGUNS
The discussion will profile four young Irish creatives. Galvea Kelly, James Whelton, Jonathan Cloonan & Jason Sullivan have embraced the digital world and have mapped out their own careers. In their twenties and internationally acclaimed, these sparkling creatives will speak about their work, their ideas and inspirations. How do they do it? And, is digi entrepreneurship the way forward?
PANELLISTS INCLUDE
Global Director of Digital and Social Media for Revlon & recently awarded Top 40 under 40 Brand Innovators in the US.
Aged 28, Galvea spearheads Global Social Media and Digital for Revlon Products. From Galway Galvea made the move to New York last year and is responsible for leading and executing US social media strategies and developing global social media measurement and standards for the brand. Prior to working in Revlon, Galvea setup her own social media consulting business – Brand Nua – and has worked throughout Europe, Middle East and the US. Her clients included Unilever, BMW, Nescafe and Saatchi and Saatchi. A frequent speaker at digital conferences, her work has been published globally and she has won 9 Digital awards in the US in the past 12 months. She has most recently been awarded Top 40 under 40 Brand Innovators in the US.
Co-founder of Coderdojo computer coding clubs and named by Forbes magazine in their 30 under 30 list.
A self-confessed “horrible academic”, James Whelton is one of Forbes’ ‘30 under 30: Social Entrepreneurs’. In 2011, the 20 year old from Cork co-founded CoderDojo, free clubs where children learn computer coding skills. Now there are 130 dojos across 22 countries, with 10,000 children learning to code for free each week. Whelton’s ideal is to take young hackers out of their parents’ basements and provide them with a social environment in which to explore and hone their skills.
Creator of the Sminky Shorts animation series.
A relatively newcomer to the animation scene, Jason began working under the pseudonym, Andrew James last year and released his first animated short “Sminky Shorts: Awful Sad” in May 2012. In a short space of time, his animations clocked up over 18 million views on YouTube and he was signed to United Agents, the London-based office that represents Rickey Gervais and Richard Attenborough. Jason is currently concentrating on a new series for television while also studying for a BA degree in Multimedia at Cork Institute of Technology.
Global WPP Fellow, Digital Strategist Ogilvy & Mather WW and named by Forbes magazine in their 30 under 30 list.
Jonathan Cloonan is a 27-year old Irish advertising executive currently working in Ogilvy & Mather, NYC. He was recently named in Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 list. He is a GlobGlobal WPP Fellow and prior to his move to New York, he was working in London and Singapore scouting out TV formats , such as Masterchef, The Voice and Next Top Model, for major brands and then working on exporting them in China, India and Vietnam. Cloonan is from Dublin; he was educated at Belvedere College, Trinity College and has completed a work-based Masters Degree in Smurfit Graduate Business School. – See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/youngguns_1/#sthash.SkYcUHiQ.dpuf
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/firstthought/discussions/youngguns_1/#sthash.SkYcUHiQ.dpuf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlHRkgWjYEMkgWjYEM
Dragons
Be prepared to be dazzled as one of Europe’s most exciting outdoor theatre companies, the world famous Sarruga from Barcelona, invade the city streets. Fire-breathing dragons, accompanied by pulsating electronic music, travel from Eyre Square through the heart of the city to the Spanish Arch. Boldly inventive and hugely thrilling, Sarruga bring excitement and terror in equal measure!
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/street-spectacle/dragons/#sthash.OQLsJy5L.dpuf
Les Pepones – The Flying Trapeze
Spectacle
France
Les Pepones is a breathtaking comic tale with astonishing acrobatics, swings, catches, hangs and somersaults – all choreographed to a fantastic musical score inspired by the silent movies of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. With jaw-dropping skill, this cast of nine performing on a huge circus rig thirty-five feet above the audience has become one of the most talked about trapeze shows in Europe.
Eyre Square
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/street-spectacle/les-pepones-the-flying-trapeze/#sthash.1KeZz3Xi.dpuf
The Dream Engine Heliosphere
Spectacle
England
Creating the illusion of flying, an enormous, light-filled, helium balloon rises, falls and glides through the sky, suspending a stunning balletic aerialist below who tumbles and turns from ground level to twenty metres above the audience.
An enchanting and beautiful spectacle, which has wowed audiences all over the world.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/street-spectacle/the-dream-engine-heliosphere_1/#sthash.utzC5gID.dpuf
ANY DAY
Spectacle
Spain
Using clowning and acrobatics Any Day is a beautiful circus show that leaves audiences dazzled.
A traveller arrives in Galway, looking for a place to plant his nomadic home. But this traveller’s home is a little different; it’s a trampoline. Catalan trampoline master Max Calaf Seve, mixes extreme physical theatre and touching humour as he flies high into the sky.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/street-spectacle/any-day_1/#sthash.KcQkRzhO.dpuf
Lightwalkers
Spectacle
England
Mesmerizing audiences with their simple and beautiful imagery, The Wrong Size use technology and circus skills to create stunning, visual spectacle. Highly visual and utterly unique Lightwalkers is a multi-colour swirl of movement, costume and light.
– See more at: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/programme/street-spectacle/lightwalkers_1/#sthash.ZarJm2Wv.dpuf
The View from The DJ booth 