2025 was a particularly busy year for Baboró as we delivered several creative projects in schools and communities throughout Galway, in addition to our annual international festival. These projects allowed us to reach more children and deepen our engagement with them, their parents and community.
During our 29th festival, Galway’s theatres, galleries and schools were filled with joy and laughter as many children experienced live professional performances for the first time. Our access programmes ensured that children, no matter their physical or intellectual needs, could enjoy an aspect of the festival.
Thank you to our brilliant Children’s Panel, artists, volunteers and Board of Trustees. And to the teachers, parents, guardians and of course children who bring our work to life - míle buíochas!
Highlights from 2025
Children and Community
While the festival is the heart of our work for children and we do all we can to remove barriers to attendance, we know that it is not accessible for everyone.
Our year-round activities continue to expand our reach into the wider community. These activities include robust arts engagement programmes, community-building initiatives and new artistic projects with our partners to ensure children can exercise their right to a rich cultural life.
Artist Development
Baboró has a long history of supporting creatives making work for children - whether they’re just getting curious about work for young audiences or have been creating it for years.
Our artist development activity has grown steadily since 2017, with significant expansion in the last few years, including new Irish and international partnerships, more inclusive and meaningful supports and ambitious multi-year programmes.
Festival
The festival champions every child’s right to experience and participate in the creative arts. We strive to present a festival programme where children see themselves and their stories reflected, where they see opportunities to one day grace those same stages and gallery walls.
The 29th festival presented more than 50 unique shows, exhibitions and workshops in venues, galleries, schools and libraries throughout the city and county over 10 days. Our audiences of babies, children and young people experienced moments of beauty and joy whilst being challenged by themes of connection, loneliness, nature and magic.
How Baboró is Supported
Baboró is a registered charity funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City and County Councils and other public funding bodies. We also rely on the support of the local business community, multinational organisations, private funds and donations. Together all of these income streams enable us to produce a world-class arts festival for children that is accessible and affordable.
Baboró is a full-time organisation engaged in year-round community programmes for children and artist development, in addition to presenting the annual festival. These programmes are led and managed by a small team employed year-round. They are supported and governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees and a Children’s Panel.
