Vista - 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 the Vista 2025 Programme are now open.

Vista, The GIAF Visual Arts Invigilation Programme 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 programme 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
Visual Arts Invigilation programme 2022 Group in front of the GIAF Box Office

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
Visual Arts Invigilation Programme Participants with artist Aideen Barry

All programme 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.

Visual Arts Invigilation Programme participants get bespoke talk by Ana Maria Pacheco, GIAF 2023

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

Touch Tour of Patricia Piccinnini's 'We Travel Together' at the Festival Gallery in 2025.

Interested in becoming a Vista Participant?

Applications for the July 2025 edition of GIAF's Visual Arts Invigilation Programme open on 2 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.

Visual Arts Participation programme participant invigilating at GIAF 2023.