Bere Island Arts Festival
Bere Island Arts Festival curated a collection of performances, experiences, readings, screenings, concerts, and exhibitions across the island. Performances and exhibitions turned regular spaces into artistic and performance venues, including the Heritage Centre, Wild Atlantic Glamping and former military buildings such as The Drill Hall and The Lecture Theatre (old Camp Church), offering a diverse cultural landscape for attendees.
The festival welcomed a host of inspiring artists and performers, including acclaimed poets Enda Wyley and Peter Sirr, visual artist Bill Griffin, renowned folk singer Lisa Lambe, and the creative trio behind Building the Boat: poet Keith Payne, dancer Inma Pavón, and sound artist Mick O’Shea. With over 30 events held across the weekend, the broad offering of this festival meant there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Exciting new events were added this year including a poetry and movement workshop, a pop up Gaeltacht, and the seven Islands Art Exhibition as well as some highlight events from last year such as The Long Table Lunch, Dancing at The Crossroads, and The Choir Project which was expanded to include islanders from Sherkin Island and Oileán Chléire. Additionally My Townland, My Story, a project led by artist, and Bere Islander, Mary Sullivan, was launched at the festival. This book project tells the unique and important stories of the West Cork Islands from the perspective of its children.
These events, among many others, ensured a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees, highlighting the cultural richness and creative spirit of Bere Island. bereislandartsfestival.ie