The Intersection of Art and Activism: Gala for Gaza in Galway
Gala for Gaza organiser Dr. Melanie McGovern pictured alongside Ruth Smith and Síle Seoige, who will serve as the evening’s hosts. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Melanie McGovern)
By Caitlin Maughan
This Saturday, Galway’s art scene is mobilising for international solidarity. Gala for Gaza will take place in the Ardilaun Hotel in Salthill, blending culture with activism in support of Palestine.
“The Gala for Gaza was born out of an emotion of utter helplessness and despair at the ongoing genocide that was being live-streamed into my living space as I held my newborn baby in my arms,” Dr. Melanie McGovern told Galway Pulse. “Out of this despair came a deep sense of concern for the trajectory of humankind.”
“An injustice anywhere has implications for justice everywhere,” Dr. McGovern continued. “So, with the fire in my belly, I said, ‘I’m going to do something, I’m going to do a fundraiser, and I’m going to seek out Sharon Shannon.’”
Galway boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a long tradition of activism. Dr. McGovern has combined these elements to raise money and spread awareness for a cause that she is extremely passionate about.
“My motive was never really political, even though this is a deeply political topic,” Dr. McGovern explained. “My motive was as a mother, and my motive was human rights.”
Gala for Gaza will feature several musical acts, including Sharon Shannon, renowned lyric soprano Celine Byrne, Pauline Scanlon from Half Room, and Leo Moran from the Saw Doctors.
Other notable contributors include Ruth Smith and Síle Seoige, who will serve as the evening’s hosts. Additionally, presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the event.
“Our guiding motto was: evil can only triumph when good people do nothing,” Dr. McGovern said. “And in that regard, good people have spoken, good people are coming together, and it’s going to be a very special night of solidarity, of culture, of community, of all cohorts of life coming together.”
Guests at the gala will also have the opportunity to purchase artwork generously donated by a wide variety of extremely talented Galway artists through a silent auction. For example, Lola Donoghue, Ronan Butler, Davin Butler, and Siobhan McNutt.
All of the money raised will be donated to two charities: Gaza go Bragh and Children not Numbers.
Dr. McGovern explained, “These two charities spoke to us because we knew they were on the ground in Gaza.”
“We did the research because we wanted to make sure that we were able to overcome the blockade that was happening in relation to aid getting into Gaza. We didn’t want to raise a load of money and for it all to be stuck outside on the wrong side of the wall.”
So far, Gala for Gaza has raised an incredible €70k, and the ongoing raffle has collected an additional €17k.
