The line-up for this year’s Galway International Arts Festival is imminent, and organisers are keen to highlight how important the vital role Friends of the Festival play in bringing this world-renowned event to audiences each year.
Support from these sponsors is central to making GIAF possible and enables the festival to offer almost a third of its programme free to the public.
Businesses and individuals are invited to support the 2026 festival this July by becoming a Friend of the Festival, and over coming weeks, organisers will share a social media video campaign showcasing its supporters.
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival has helped shape Ireland’s cultural landscape, presenting a world-class annual event series that unites Irish and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning, producing and touring new work; supporting the next generation of artists, and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF will build on its legacy in Galway to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and international connection.
GIAF had over 450,000 attendees in 2025, delivering an unforgettable two weeks of the extraordinary across Galway.
This year’s festival, running from July 13, to July 26, promises to be even more spectacular, with an electrifying programme of world-class music, ground-breaking theatre, captivating visual arts, thought-provoking talks, and thrilling street performances.
Friends enjoy fantastic benefits, including priority booking, complimentary tickets, exclusive festival invitations and more.
“We are thrilled to bring our 49th festival to Galway. The support of our Friends makes this possible, and we are very grateful for their generosity. I look forward to welcoming both new and returning Friends as we prepare for another incredible festival,” said Friends Manager, Aisling O’Sullivan.
For more details, visit giaf.ie/support email [email protected] or call 091509700.
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding partners: the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Heineken; and University of Galway.
