Theatre and arts group Branar, which specialises in creating top quality arts experiences for children, received the Culture and Creativity Award at Galway Chamber’s Business Awards, held last Friday, November 29.

The accolade honoured Branar’s 23 years of stellar work to enrich Galway’s creative landscape, by creating and promoting arts and culture, supporting artists’ livelihoods and upholding Galway’s cultural reputation worldwide.

Branar has been exceptionally creative this year, having presented seven different theatre shows – including three premieres – in top venues in Ireland, the UK, Paris, Istanbul and New York, where the group has flown the flag for Galway.

In January, Branar’s Grand Soft Day become the first show on Broadway to feature the Irish language.

All in Branar believe that children, like adults, deserve top-quality art experiences and the company did that in October with its new show, Scéal Lae/Story of a Day.

This featured the renowned ConTempo Quartet alongside Conamara actor Eoin Ó Dubhghaill, and was presented in English and Irish language versions.

In addition to its shows Branar supports arts engagement in the community, working with primary schools and early-years educational facilities, as well as delivering a module in the Drama and Children’s Studies programmes at the University of Galway. In all, 76 schools have engaged directly with the group this year through the Branar sa Scoil initiative, its Acorn Digital Arts Flag project and its in-school performance programmes.

Branar employs five core staff and it created 145 weeks of work for independent Galway-based artists this year. On top of that, its Meitheal artist-support initiative offers advice, mentorship and access to rehearsal space to independent artists who are creating work for young audiences.

Describing Branar as “an ambitious and hard-working company”, its Artistic Director, Marc Mac Lochlainn said the group was “truly delighted to receive the Culture and Creativity Award from Galway Chamber in recognition of the work we do”.

He stressed that championing quality arts for children was at the heart of Branar’s values.

“Láidir sits alongside cróga, being brave; flathiúil, being generous; spraíúil, being playful; and ionraic, being true. Simple words for such big ideals. They express what we believe in and try to live by every day. We will continue to strive to ensure that more children are enjoying quality arts experiences,” he concluded.

Branar’s show, Clann Lir, and its co-production with Miquel Barceó, Ballad of a Bandit, will tour to schools in Spring 2025, with more details to follow.

Pictured: Miquel Barceló and Matthew Berrill in the theatre version of Ballad of a Bandit, co-produced by Branar and Miquel. PHOTO: JOHN MCMAHON.