Placemaking is a creative and design practice which looks at how our towns, streets and public realm are designed, used and managed. When we think about urban design, we can focus on what is fixed and permanent, yet some of the most interesting and well used places are flexible spaces that welcome temporary, pop-up and nomadic uses. The Irish Architecture Foundation and Dr Sindy Joyce will present a talk, which explores how Nomadic placemaking should be studied and celebrated as part of Ireland’s urban design heritage.

Talented young musicians from the local Traveller community take to the stage, following a songwriting and performance masterclass. This live concert will also feature a special performance from musical mentor and contemporary folk artist Steo Wall. Black Back Beginnings is the first in a series of youth music events, this event is presented by the Black Gate, in partnership with Galway City Arts Office and Music Generation Galway City. 

Misleór Festival is proud to host the world premieres of three inspiring film projects, created by young people from Traveller and Mongolian communities in Ireland. 

Misleór - Animate - Otorlokh
Young people from Mongolian and Traveller communities in Ireland, explored their nomadic roots to create these colourful and eclectic  animations. Produced during the summer of 2022, in a series of ‘under camera’ stop-motion animation workshops with Mongolian filmmaker Alisi Telengut, these short films have been compiled together for exhibition.

CANT Beat
Be the first to hear this brand new hip-hop track, written and performed by young Travellers from Loughrea during summer workshops with Atmos Collective. Using words in the Cant language to express themselves, these brilliant young artists step up to the mic to rap and sing about what matters to them!

Wheel of Dreams 
In Wheel of Dreams, 9 inspiring girls from the West Cork Traveller Community (Stronger Together Collective) fearlessly set out to explore their creative talents, passions and ambitions. Working with artivist Toma McCullim, behind and in front of the camera, the girls present an intimate and heart-opening record of their journey. 

Screening will be followed by Q+A and live performances

Misleór In Song

An evening of music, song, and spoken word, performed by artists from different nomadic cultures.

Romane Chaja

With a shared passion for music, singing and dancing, Monika Paszkowska and her daughters Vanessa and Alexandra, perform beautiful songs from the rich Romani music tradition.

Steo Wall

Steo Wall is a contemporary urban based folk artist from Dublin. Drawing on his Traveller heritage, Steo mixes folk inspired melodies with spoken word, bringing the listener on a journey from the first note.

Timimie Märak

Timimie is a Sámi poet, indigenous feminist and queer activist, based in Stockholm. Like them, their poetry is a combination of deep roots and connections, read at a big city pace. 

Sharyn Ward

Sharyn Ward is a traditional singer and proud Irish Traveller. A finalist in Ireland's Got Talent, Sharyn continues to break barriers with her music and has just released her new single ‘Feeling Free’.

Galaxy Band

Galaxy Band are a talented and passionate group of young Roma men based in Longford. Performing high-energy traditional Roma music and songs, Galaxy Band will be sure to get you on your feet and dancing!

Misleór Illuminated

A stunning outdoor visual experience, featuring images from nomadic artists, cultures and communities. Showcasing the local Traveller community, Tibetan nomads, the Bajau (sea nomads) and many more. 

Extra showings

Friday 23rd September (Culture Night) - Galway City
Monday 3rd October (Ballinasloe Horse Fair) - St Michael’s Churc

Ballinasloe Horse Fair

As a special addition, Misleór Festival is hitting the road to visit the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, which is celebrating its 300 year anniversary. On Monday 3rd October, an installation of two wooden horses built from recycled materials will be on display in St Michael’s Square, accompanied by Tinsmith Tom McDonnell, who will run an interactive Tinsmithing workshop. This installation was developed to celebrate the importance of horses in Traveller and nomadic cultures and was a collaboration with members of both Traveller and Mongolian communities, and local artist Tommy Casby.