The Clifden Arts Festival is set to return this September, offering an extraordinary blend of visual arts exhibitions, performances, and events that capture the essence of contemporary creativity.

Running from September 18 to 29, the festival will bring together internationally acclaimed artists, local talents, and immersive experiences, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Connemara.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the exhibition of Mick O’Dea’s powerful ‘Portraits’. O’Dea, a renowned Irish artist hailing from Ennis, is celebrated for his ability to capture the very essence of his subjects.

Another compelling exhibition comes from Olga Magliocco, whose work ‘How Far Have We Come?’ tackles the global and national crisis of homelessness with a deeply personal and innovative approach

The festival will also feature ‘Here, the Considered Line,’ an international group exhibition that focuses on contemporary drawing. Curated by Lenka Sýkorová, this exhibition brings together artists from Ireland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and the Czech   Republic.

In addition to visual art, the Clifden Arts Festival will host the Woodland Symposium, which includes a special screening of the short film Forest/ry by Noelle Gallagher. Accompanied by a live cello performance from Eimear Reidy, the film focuses on the restoration of biodiverse woodlands in the Inagh Valley.

Another noteworthy piece is Carrying Wood, an experimental dance film by Linda Schirmer that explores our reliance on rural resources and reflects on the complexities of the energy

Pictured: Artist Mick O’Dea… Portraits for Clifden Arts Festival.