Inclusive PIMA! Fest announced for Ennis, Co. Clare

PIMA! Fest is a brand new festival produced by Music Generation Clare for all ages, with both ticketed and free events. It will take place on October 15-16, 2022. Based in Ennis, Clare, PIMA! (Participate in Music and Arts!) Fest aims to create an inclusive and participatory experience.

The goal is to create projects that 'integrate communities and nurture creative ambition.'

"We started developing the concept of PIMA! Fest in early 2021, when we saw on the horizon a great need for communities to be together again in a meaningful way, in particular opportunities for our young musicians to play together and collaborate on projects together. So you could say that this festival was born out of the difficult Covid times and a sense of responsibility for the welfare of our communities," explains Pádraig Rynne, Music Development Officer of Music Generation Clare.

The inaugural festival will feature some of Ireland's most innovative artists. Thus far, five projects have been announced.

Orchestral composer Brian Irvine and filmmaker John McIlduff of Dumbworld will collaborate with students from Rice College Ennis on a 'Songbook' composition, resulting in an outdoor projection in the town centre.

Digital music composer Kerry Hagan and sonic arts researcher Nicholas Ward will create a sound installation 'Sounding Ennis'. This project is open to the locals of Ennis to participate by sending in audio recordings by 9th September.

Theatre director Peter Hussey with assistant director Oğuzhan Şahin and filmmaker Mohammed Farajalla work together for the project 'Mills'. They will create a series of theatrical vignettes for film featuring members of the public, in association with Clare Age Friendly. They invite both older and younger community members to get involved in making these vignettes.

Percussion group Bangers & Crash will perform their full scale Percussion Sextet, allowing for an interactive component which will engage the public in their performance. Community members are also invited to their practice workshop ahead of the festival.

Lastly, electronic sound artist Jürgen Simpson and dance artist/filmmaker Mary Wycherley will come together for 'Clock'. They will mentor a group of young people from Clare Youth Group Service Music Project on an exploration of electronic sound and visuals.

All of these events are free to attend, aside from the Bangers & Crash concert which is €14. Go to the festival website to see more about ticketing.