Borderless Romance: Three-Day Queer and Inclusive Art Festival Coming Soon
The upcoming arts festival known as Convergence: A Borderless Romance is set to take place from August 8th to 10th at Milford House in North Tipperary. This festival, which happens biennially, promises attendees live performances, live art, workshops, and more. The festival is organized by Live Art Ireland, curated by Deej Fabyc and Rachel Macmanus. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of internationally recognized performance artists, such as Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens, Sandra Johnston, Denys Blacker, Maja Zeco, and many more.
In terms of music, the festival will bring together local and national musicians to present original works and collaborative performances that complement the visual arts segment of the festival. Some of the musical highlights include performances by Liam Ó Maonlaí, Ian Whitty & the Exchange, Cait Ní Riain, Mc an tSaoi, Nightwood, Mary and the pigeons, VaticanJail, and Andy Spearpoint. Additionally, the festival will feature a keynote presentation by Laura Leuzzi and a special film screening showcasing works by Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens and b.h.Yael.
Workshops will be offered by a select group of artists to provide attendees with hands-on experiences. As part of the festival, the North Tipperary Queer Shed will be launched on August 9th. On-site camping will be available for festivalgoers, and tickets can be purchased from the Live Art Ireland website starting at €65.
The underlying theme of “A Borderless Romance” at the heart of CONVERGENCE speaks to the festival’s desire to foster connections between various artistic disciplines, cultures, and creative voices. Embracing the idea that art transcends boundaries, the festival celebrates collaboration across different backgrounds and forms of expression. This notion of a borderless romance manifests in the creation of hybrid artistic works that emerge from the melding of diverse languages and styles, resulting in unique and innovative forms of art.
By inviting artists and audiences alike to step outside their comfort zones, CONVERGENCE creates a space for creative intimacy and transformation. It encourages participants to engage with unfamiliar artistic expressions and to be open to the possibility of being changed by the encounter. The festival becomes a platform where traditional Irish music can intertwine with experimental performance art, where global perspectives merge with local narratives, and where the audience becomes an integral part of the artistic dialogue that transcends boundaries.
In conclusion, Convergence: A Borderless Romance promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience for all attendees, featuring a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and collaborations that embody the festival’s philosophy of embracing artistic diversity and creative exploration. This event serves as a testament to the power of art to unite people across cultural and geographical divides and to inspire new forms of expression and connection in the world of contemporary arts.