As a music residency programme rooted in the soul of Galway, we bring inspiring music and musicians into the heart of everyday life – reaching people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities across the city and county.
Our work is built on connection: between people, between past and present, and between music and place. At the centre of everything we do is our ensemble in residence – an ongoing presence that allows us to build deep, meaningful relationships with communities over time.
We take music beyond the concert stage – into schools, nursing homes, community halls, and public spaces. We nurture young talent, support emerging artists, and collaborate across art forms to create experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable.
Music enriching life
Embedding music in Galway.
Creating stimulating connections for audiences and musicians through the engagement of a high quality ensemble in residence.
Providing accessible opportunities for everyone to listen to, learn about and love music.
Innovation + Collaboration
We are innovative, curious and collaborative. We work in partnership across genres and artforms to create an ambitious, imaginative and distinctive programme.
Quality + Accessibility
We believe that music and the arts are for everyone. We work tirelessly to deliver excellent and enjoyable events and opportunities, and to remove barriers to access.
People + Place
By employing and supporting musicians and arts professionals at all stages of their careers, and embracing diverse audiences, we contribute to sustaining Galway’s vibrant musical life.
Respect + Integrity
We treat all people with dignity, and work to create safe and welcoming music events. We conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical way.
(2025–2030 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES SNAPSHOT)
Our Purpose
Bringing inspiring music into everyday life – connecting people, place,
and creativity across Galway.
Our Five Priorities
1. Programme – Bold, imaginative and inclusive performances, education, and outreach rooted in collaboration and creativity.
2. Organisation – Strong foundations, with the people, skills and resources to grow sustainably.
3. Communications – Clear, warm, and accessible storytelling that amplifies our work and identity.
4. People – Inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
5. Place – Deep roots in Galway’s people, culture, and landscape – with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
By 2030, We Will:
• Deliver a new commission or collaboration every year
• Reach new communities with at least one new location annually
• Ensure greater representation of underrepresented artists and composers
• Launch a new brand and website to reflect our mission
• Implement an EDI policy and audience engagement strategy
• Conduct a climate audit and launch our green strategy
• Foster long-term partnerships to share knowledge and resources
• Support professional development for artists, staff and board
• Maintain an annual and mid-term review process to stay on track
We create imaginative, high-quality music experiences across Galway city and county. Our work is rooted in creativity, collaboration, and curiosity, with our ensemble in residence at its core.
We will:
• Keep programmes bold, inclusive and diverse – with collaboration at the core
• Provide inspiring education and outreach for all ages
• Support musicians with performance and career opportunities
• Share, commission or collaborate on new Irish and international work each year
• Expand representation across all programmes and prioritise inclusion in everything we do
• Build long-term partnerships for creativity, shared learning and local engagement
• Explore new venues, formats and locations and present activities in one new location each year
We are committed to doing things well – professionally, sustainably, and with
integrity. To grow, we need the right people, resources and partnerships.
We will:
• Secure and maintain the staff and funding needed to realise our ambitions
• Strengthen partnerships to share resources and align strategies
• Lead with strong governance and thoughtful succession planning
• Diversify funding, including new corporate partnerships
• Establish new long-term partnerships to share resources and align strategies
• Provide professional development for staff and board
We want more people to know who we are, what we do, and how music can bring people together.
We will:
• Raise awareness of our work locally and nationally
• Communicate clearly, consistently and accessibly
• Launch a new, engaging and accessible website
• Work with PR and marketing professionals
• Ensure inclusive, consistent use of language and design
We aim to create an open, safe and welcoming space for everyone. We’re committed to inclusion, representation and access – on stage, behind the scenes, and in our audiences.
We will:
• Diversify audiences and foster a sense of belonging at our events and activities
• Embed respect, accessibility and integrity into everything we do
• Reflect a wide range of voices and experiences in our programming
• Offer low- or no-cost events
• Ensure our programme reflects our commitment to equality of representation
• Create an audience strategy to retain, and welcome new, listeners
• Partner with community groups to support access
• Develop and deliver an EDI policy
MusicConnects is rooted in Galway – its people, culture and landscapes. We also recognise our responsibility to the environment and to the region we serve.
We will:
• Strengthen Galway’s arts and music scene
• Reach new people in new places
• Build local partnerships to deepen engagement at regional events
• Expand our reach across new communities
• Explore funding streams and pathways to support regional artists and students
• Put climate awareness into action: complete a climate audit and implement a green strategy
Come on this journey with us. Help us make many generations of musicians and music lovers in Galway and beyond.
Support Us
