One of Ireland’s newest and boldest fringe festivals returns to the streets, back rooms and unexpected spaces of the city’s West End for its second year from July 20-29.
Aiming to create a platform for emerging artists working outside convention, the Westend Theatre and Arts Festival (WTAF?! ) brings together 30 productions across theatre, music, drag, film, visual art.
Founded and operated by Hysteria Productions in association with Galway’s Westend, WTAF?! is co-directed by Emily Aherne and Jess Harkin, who said that the festival was built “for artists who don’t quite fit the pre-described boxes that so often appear in ‘the arts.’
“It’s for those that are emerging, different, innovative and frankly, stubborn. It’s a space where bold ideas can take shape and a welcoming platform for the next generation of makers n’ shakers.
“They have so much to say, we just have to listen.”
Working with venues including the Blue Note, the Róisín Dubh, Áras na nGael, Plámás, and the Westend Art Collective, the festival uses the whole neighbourhood as an arts space.
This year marks the launch of Obair Ghaeilge, WTAF!? ‘s new Irish language strand, dedicated to showcasing the full diversity of artistic voices in the West.
Organisers are also committed to making the arts affordable, so most tickets are priced at €20 or under, with many shows operating on a pay-what-you-can basis.
WTAF!? is supported by Galway City Council through its Arts Office and Night-Time Economy programmes, in collaboration with the Arts Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Visit www.wtaffringe.com for tickets and programmes and wtafgalway on social media.
