ABOUT US
Imagine Arts Festival is a unique celebration of the arts here in Waterford City. The multidisciplinary arts festival is a professional organisation supported by a voluntary committee.
Imagine Arts Festival likes to capture the essence of Waterford’s burgeoning artistic community and give it a national platform and therefore a bigger audience.
Their aim is to feature the best of national and international artists and inspire new ideas and thought within the local community by exposure to such talent and creativity. Its vision is clear: promote established and emerging artists, from local, national and the international arena, support various artform development and in turn nurture its audiences through an eclectic programme of activities that evoke and engage on a multi-sensory level.
History of the Festival
Imagine was set up in 2001 by a group of arts workers and arts enthusiasts who felt that the city needed an artistic platform. Now in its 21st season, each year Imagine Arts Festival strives to present an exciting, eclectic and diverse range of artistic events which include theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, literature, film and children’s events.
Imagine is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Failte Ireland and The Arts Council. Imagine also incorporates the Waterford Writers Weekend as part of the festival.
Our vision is that Imagine continues to evolve, contributing to the ever growing economic, social and cultural tapestry of the south east.
Last year edition
The previous year's edition of the festival was centered around the theme of community and connections. We, at Imagine Arts Festival, endeavored to curate an imaginative lineup of events that brought us all together this year. In today's world, where mutual support and a sense of connection are paramount, there's nothing quite like the arts to achieve this. This year, we also directed our resources towards supporting artists and nurturing their artistic development. If you're an artist, don't hesitate to reach out.
Here are some genres present at the festival: rock, folk, classical music, literature, visual arts, and much more. Among the artists who participated, names such as Camille O'Sullivan stand out. With her captivating presence and soulful interpretations, Camille O'Sullivan has left a lasting impression on our past editions. Renowned for her ability to mesmerize audiences with her charisma and exceptional musical talent, she has become a fixture of the festival. Her dedication to the arts and her ability to evoke emotion make her an unforgettable artist.
The artists we have hosted
Past Rock and Folk Music Acts have included: Leon Redbone, The Delines, Kitt Philippa, Ron Sexsmith, Mercury Rev, Waterson Carthy Band, Tim Eriksen, Holly Cooke, Penguin Cafe, Martin Stephenson, Yorkston Thorne and Khan, Bill Ryder Jones, The Unthanks, Billy Bragg, The Wedding Present, John Etheridge, Chris Wood, O Emperor, Andy Irvine, Wallis Bird, Martin Simpson, Peggy Seeger, Camille O’Sullivan, Niall McCabe , Brigid Mae Power, Leon Bishop and Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly Featuring Sophie Hutchinson
Classical and Brass Classical fans have enjoyed John O’Conor, Finghin Collins, Eric Sweeney, Bridget Knowles, RTE Vanbugh Quartet, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Black Dyke Brass Band, Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, Irish National Opera, Eric Sweeney in Memoriam.
Literature and Spoken Word events have included such names as Willy Vlautin, Roger McGough, Linton Kwesi Johnson, John Cooper Clarke, Rita Ann Higgins, Joseph O’Connor, Peter Sheridan, Grace Wells, Mark Roper, Thomas McCarthy, Kevin Barry, John Banville, John McKenna and REIC.
Childrens events have included Cirkus Inferno, Aesops fabulous foibles and fables, Pignut theatre, Pandemonium Theatre, Storytellers Niall de Burca, Eddie Lenihan, Melissa Baker, music in schools with Tom Kaufman, Roger McGough, Parade of Light, Kite making workshops Little Red Kettle Children’s Theatre company, Humans: A Robot Musical etc.
Theatre Acts have been excellent national and touring work such as Blue Raincoat (2015 and 20170 and Theatre Royal Productions ‘Memory of Water’ a new premiere and the new Opera ‘The Invader’ by Eric Sweeney and Mark Roper, Curlew Theatre Company, Flat by Nicola Spendlove, Black Wood by Derek Flynn, Curlew Theatre Company.
Also individual performers like Donal O’Kelly, Mannix Flynn, John Nee, Katie O’Kelly, Declan O’Gorman, Subhashini Goda etc. Local shows have included plays by Jim Nolan, Pat Daly, Noel Kelly, and a number of writers involved in a youth theatre showcase of new writing called ‘Diversions’ which happened in site specific venues.
Trad Music Acts that have appeared at the John Dwyer Trad Weekend include John Dwyer, Castle Ceili Band, Ann Mulqueen, David Power, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Nell ní Chrónín, Dervish, Danu, Buillle, Mairead and Triona Ni Domhnaill, Mairtin O’Connor, Michael McGoldrick, Liam O’Flynn, Paddy Glacken, Noirin Ni Riain. T with the Maggies, Noel Hill, Frankie Gavin, The Kane Sisters, Mick and Aoife O’Brien, Noriana Kennedy, Mirella Murray, Oisín MacDiarmada, Donogh Hennessy.
Performances had included Cois Ceim, Dance Theatre of Ireland, Ciotog, Genesis Collective and young choreographers showcasing their work.
Visual Artists have included: Ernest Ruckle, Pat Murphy, Hughie O’Donoghue, Robert Ballagh, Tony Ryan, Anthony Pilbro, Janet Pierce, Amanda Coogan, Rosemary Higbee, a Patrick Morrisson retrospective, the Arts Council touring exhibition, Nigel Rolfe, Pat O’ Brien, Joe McNicholas, Gillian O’ Shea, John R. Foley and Lillian O’ Sullivan.
Comedy Acts who have appeared at Imagine include: Rich Hall, Kevin McAleer, David O’Doherty, Jason Byrne, Abie Philbin Bowman, John Cooper Clarke, Kevin Bridges and David McSavage.
