During the May Bank holiday weekend, we were delighted to bring DELVE artists Eimear Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh and María Lydia Polotto to experience Festival of Fools in Belfast.

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.

Here is what Eimear and María Lydia said about their experience:

I can’t tell you how excited I was to get the email telling me I’d be going to Festival of fools (nó Féile na n-amadán as I call it) as a Delve artist. My excitement was well placed, as from the moment I sat across the table on the enterprise across from Lucy, I was learning and gaining insight. We hit the ground running as soon as we got to Béal Feirste, literally running to see our first show. This joyous chaotic energy persisted throughout, scampering around in the glorious sunshine, taking everything the programme had to offer, and I mean everything, we saw it ALL!

Aside from getting to see lots of great street art, a lot of the value in it for me, was getting to sit in on the producers meeting hosted by Promenade and spending time with 3 international bookers. Not because it afforded me an opportunity to sell myself, that’s not what it’s about. I got to listen to those with with years of experience, be it as a producer, performer, programmer, discuss and share the knowledge that experience has afforded them.

I don’t know is it the same in other places, but I love the sense of community we have here. People share opportunities, skills, their experiences, good and bad, to help and support each other. That is something that we so need, it’s hard out there for an artist. Being renumerated appropriately for the love, dedicated and hours that we pour into creating and showing what we do can be hard. This is one of the reasons why opportunities like this are so important, to build and strengthen our network. To meet friends old and new, see some incredible art, to have the chats serious and foolish over a cuppa or a pint. I couldn’t recommend Delve enough to anyone at any stage of their career.

Míle Buíochas le ISACS for an incredibly fun, entertaining and educational weekend

-Eimear

 

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have attended the Festival of Fools in Belfast as part of the DELVE programme. Being invited by ISACS as a DELVE artist was an enriching and inspiring experience.

The festival offered an incredible atmosphere, filled with creativity, humour, and powerful street performances. It was a unique chance to witness the work of international artists, connect with fellow professionals, and discover new ways of engaging audiences in public spaces.

The support and hospitality from ISACS and the Festival of Fools team were exceptional. From the warm welcome to the well-organised schedule, every detail contributed to making this experience enjoyable and professionally meaningful. I also appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the performances and engage in critical conversations with other DELVE artists.

Participating in this programme has expanded my perspective on street arts and has left me feeling inspired and motivated in my own artistic journey. Thank you for this valuable experience.

-María Lydia