In November, we were delighted to bring our fourth and last 2023 instalment of the DELVE programme to attend the National Circus Festival of Ireland in Tralee.
The DELVE (Discover, Explore, Learn, Visualise and Engage) programme – aims to support artists to experience and be inspired by art through a range of festivals and programmes throughout Ireland. We go, we see, we watch, we listen, we learn, we connect with art and art makers, and we get inspired.
The selected artists – Megan Maher and Fiachra Ó Laigheanáin joined the ISACS team in attending the Festival from November 3rd to 5th, 2023.
Their programme of activities included the SHARE Open Forum presented by ISACS and invaluable opportunities to be introduced to national and international artists, producers and festival programmers.
I saw some very interesting shows in Tralee, in particular Stickman and the NCFI Gala show stood out for me. The gala show had a lot of different styles and unique approaches to contemporary circus which was exciting. Stickman straddled a line between circus act and character driven theatrical performance that I found very engaging and would be interested in exploring that side of contemporary circus. I enjoyed the SHARE morning it was nice to see a small taste of the up and coming circus and street arts festivals and shows people are currently working on. I got talking to some people I’m hoping to follow up with on opportunities within the industry.
– Fiachra Ó Laigheanáin
The Delve Programme was an amazing experience for me. I got to meet with so many Professional Artists and pick their brains about their creative processes. I met directors and producers from all over Europe. And as a performer got to hear stories of their involvement in the circus Industry.
I made connections for future projects while there and I look forward to returning to the festival next year.
-Megan Maher
