A programme of events commemorating the remarkable Irish women of 1923 will be held in Galway as part of the Decade of Centenaries 2012 – 2023 initiative.
‘Reflections’, presented by Galway City Council, Galway Public Libraries and Galway City Museum, is a heartfelt tribute to the women who shaped Irish history during a pivotal era.
It has offered a platform for in-depth discussions, artist residencies, and creative exploration of their lives and contributions. The artists in residence are Áine Philips, Emily Cullen and Tracy Bruen.
Programme of events
‘Reflections Talk’ – The Mick Lally Theatre will host presentations and discussions featuring scholars and experts Mary Clancy, Thérèse McIntyre, and Dr. Angela Griffith on November 28, 12 – 2.30 pm. These discussions will explore the lives of Irish women in 1923, covering various dimensions, including cultural, social, and political, aspects, offering an understanding of the historical context.
Artistic Collaborations: Galway-based artists Áine Philips, Tracy Bruen, and Emily Cullen have immersed themselves in the history and stories of Irish women from 1923. They have worked with archival materials, historical artifacts and collaborated with communities to co-create original works. These artists have established three new collectives and groups to celebrate and memorialize the contributions of women in Irish history.
‘Reflections Performance’: a performance of Visual Art, Literature, and Music, December 7, 7 pm – 8.30 pm at St Nicholas Collegiate Church will showcase the Dun Emer Eastside Collective’s visually stunning banners led by visual artist Áine Philips. These banners celebrate and remember the women of 1923 and 100 years of Irish women’s achievements. They will be paraded from Shop Street to Saint Nicholas’s Collegiate Church and serve as a backdrop for musical and spoken word performances.
Comhrá na mBan Centenary Westside Writers Group: led by writer Emily Cullen, this diverse group will present boldly imaginative poems in a vibrant performance, bridging a fluid conversation across time between Irish women of 1923 and the contemporary moment.
The Women’s Centenary Choir Galway City: led by musician and singer-songwriter Tracy Bruen, this multicultural and multigenerational women’s choir will sing songs honoring the women of the past, present, and future reflecting the diversity and strength of the women of Galway City in 2023.
This free programme of events, reflecting the creative work of women in 2023, pays homage to our past and serves as a catalyst for contemporary discussions and actions relating to gender equality and women’s rights.
