Visual Arts Invigilation Programme

Galway International Arts Festival takes pride in helping to develop Ireland’s next generation of cultural producers and workers.

Applications for VAIP 2024 open in early May.

The GIAF Visual Arts Invigilation Programme (VAIP) was created to give those interested in visual arts – from artists to aspiring cultural managers, art students to enthusiasts – the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Festival’s visual arts, learning and building skills and networks necessary for success in the sector.

Each year our VAIP participants serve as the main invigilators for the Festival Gallery, welcoming visitors, providing them with information about the artworks and ensuring they had an enjoyable experience.

VAIP 2022 Group in front of the GIAF Box Office
VAIP 2022 Group in front of the GIAF Box Office

VAIP Participants receive professional development seminars, training workshops on the artwork learn about visitor engagement techniques and receive exclusive talks from artists before becoming the Festival’s core invigilation team for tens of thousands of visitors over two weeks.

VAIP Participants with artist Aideen Barry
VAIP Participants with artist Aideen Barry

All VAIP participants receive official t-shirts, complimentary tickets to select Festival shows, discounts at local businesses, invitations to the Festival wrap party and certificates co-signed by GIAF Education Partner University of Galway.

VAIP Participant Invigilating at the Printworks Gallery during GIAF 2023.

Touch Tour of David Mach's 'Oligarch's Nightmare' at the Festival Gallery in 2023.

Interested in becoming a VAIP Participant?

Applications for the July 2024 edition of GIAF's Visual Arts Invigilation Programme open in Early May.

Have questions? Drop us a line at vaip@giaf.ie with any queries.

Please note: Participants must be age 18 or older and fully available for the duration of the programme in order to participate.

VAIP participants with Turner Prize-nominated artist David Mach during installation of his ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ exhibition at GIAF 2018