Galway International Arts Festival’s volunteer programme is supporting social inclusion for people from marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds, an evaluation of the festival’s equality, diversity and social inclusion initiatives as part the Arts Council Outcome Measurement Pilot has found.
The quantitative data analysis showed that 40% of volunteers experienced a large increase in 'Social Inclusion.' Another outcome showed that 58% of respondents reported increased sense of community.
In 2025, 447 people volunteered for GIAF, representing 64 nationalities, with over 50% returning from 2024. Volunteers included students, retirees, professionals, English language learners, international protection applicants, refugees, neurodivergent and D/deaf communities, and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Volunteers completed 766 shifts across a wide range of roles. 500 volunteers have now signed up for this year’s Volunteer Programme, applications for which have now closed.
Among them was 28-years-old, Ali Mousa who was evacuated from Gaza in April 2025. Ali said that volunteering with GIAF was a gateway to a new community in Galway and that it increased his sense of belonging and participation.
Speaking about the findings, GIAF’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Elena Toniato said: “Outcome measurement is key to GIAF’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, measuring real change for people across every part of the festival. We are thrilled that this programme of activity is having a real impact.”
The volunteer programme, which is backed by the University of Galway, is just one of GIAF’s equality, diversity and social inclusion initiatives, with a wide range of measures lined up for GIAF 2026 that are designed to ensure the Festival is welcoming and accessible to all.
These initiatives, which are presented with the support of Claddagh Credit Union, include captioned performances, ISL-interpreted events, audio-described performances, touch tours, sensory backpacks, relaxed hours and more.
GIAF’s 2026 accessibility initiatives
Captioned Performances
The Shaughraun, Druid
Friday 17 July, 7pm
Saturday 18 July, 2pm
For Dolores, Fishamble
Wednesday 15 July, 8pm
ISL-interpreted performances
For Dolores, Fishamble
Saturday 18 July, 8pm
The Bookbinder, Trick of the Light
Saturday 25 July, 1pm
Two, Decadent
Thursday 23 July, 5pm
Saoirse, An Taibhdhearc
Saturday 25 July, 8pm
Sunday 26 July, 8pm
Audio described performance
Burnout Paradise, Pony Cam
Friday 17 July, 7pm
Touch Tours
Flight, Darkfield (for blind and visually impaired audiences)
Friday 17 July, 2.30pm
Presence, Sean Henry (for blind and visually impaired audiences)
Thursday 16 July, 10am
Assembly, Ireland at Venice
Wednesday 15 July, 10am (for neurodivergent audiences)
Wednesday 15 July, 11am (for blind and visually impaired audiences)
Relaxed Hours
Festival Gallery and Festival Printworks Gallery
Wednesday 15 and Wednesday 22, 11am-1pm
Sensory backpacks
A number of sensory backpacks will be available at GIAF 2026, with more details announced closer to the Festival. Sensory backpacks are designed for adults and children who may find the festival environment overwhelming and who may have additional sensory needs. The backpacks contain ear defenders, a stress ball and fidget toys.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
GIAF is a proud member of the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities initiative. Some disabilities are not obvious to others, which can make it harder for some people to believe that someone with a non-visible disability needs understanding and support. The Sunflower hidden disabilities initiative provides a tool which allows people to share that they have a hidden disability by wearing a sunflower in the form of a badge or a lanyard. If you wear one of those you can watch out for our venue managers who will be also wearing a sunflower tool and can provide support. A number of sunflower lanyards for audience members will be also available at GIAF’s box office.
Concessions
Concessions on selected shows are available for senior citizens (65 +), unwaged, persons in receipt of disability allowance, asylum seekers and refugees and full-time students with appropriate ID. Concession tickets are for theatre, dance and circus shows only and can be bought online or at the box office where available. Please note, customers may be asked proof of status at venues.
Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted at performances at each GIAF venue, however some shows/concerts in Monroe’s Live may not allow the accompaniment of guide and assistance dogs in the interest of the animals’ own safety. If you plan to attend with a guide dog or an assistance dog, please let GIAF know by contacting the box office at boxoffice@giaf.ie or on 091 566577.
Dedicated Email and Accessibility Page
GIAF has also launched a dedicated accessibility newsletter, which will include updates on all GIAF’s accessibility measures. People interested in receiving the email can sign up on GIAF’s dedicated accessibility page - https://www.giaf.ie/info/accessibility, which includes a link to a page with accessible information for each venue. This year, GIAF is also introducing visual guides of key venues for neurodivergent audiences, which will also be available on the accessibility page of the website. An ISL-interpreted video with all access measures will be made available. Any queries regarding accessibility at GIAF can be directed to access@giaf.ie.
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and its Education Partner University of Galway
