Better Looking at You than for You, San Fran salutes New Irish Artists

Irish Culture Bay Area joined forces with San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre for the 2024 Irish Arts & Writers Festival last month to bring the Bay Area a unique celebration of diversity in the Irish arts.

The emphasis was very much on a new generation of Irish artists and performers — in all their splendid diversity. 

“The Look of The Irish” theme – introduced by Irish Consul General Micheál Smith – explored the work and experiences of Black and mixed-race artists and performers from Ireland and the Bay Area, including Leon Diop, co-author of “Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes” ; Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi, poet; Maïa Nunes, performance artist; Dr. Phil Mullen, Professor Black Studies, TCD; and Megan Lowe Chinese Irish dancer/choreographer (Bay Area).

Galway-based poet Chiamake Enyi Amadi in conversation with Leon Diop

Also taking part were historians Miriam Nyhan Gray, Maria McGarrity and Cormac O’Malley.

Acclaimed Irish author Colum McCann closed out the festival weekend with an exclusive author event and interview with Kelly Candaele, Los Angeles writer and filmmaker.

Festival founder Catherine Barry paid tribute to the “talented and expressive” artists and writers who came together for the event. “We discussed some difficult topics, for sure, but folks showed up and together we listened, learned and laughed,” she told the Irish Echo.

“This would not have been possible without support from Culture Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland. With their support, Irish Culture Bay Area will continue to showcase contemporary Ireland here in the US and together let’s keep uncovering this trove of Irish American culture.”

And this isn’t the last of the “Look of the Irish!”

“We are already planning for next year,” added Catherine, “so all our friends should mark their calendars for Presidio Theatre from March 28-30, 2025.”

FEST: Consul General of Ireland San Francisco Micheál Smith with author Emer Martin and Colum McCann