Anam Cara means "Soul Friend" in Irish Gaelic.
This concept of friendship has become well known internationally through the writings of Irish theologian and philosopher John O'Donohue. In his bestselling book "Anam Cara" he explains how "The body lives in the soul." In ancient Celtic wisdom, (see notes on Celtic culture) the body is seen as the 'threshold' between the natural world and the Otherworld, through which the soul interweaves. In the Irish language this is called coích anama (literally "shrine soul" or “soul shrine”). Celtic cultural heritage offers a significant precedent for spiritual contemplative practice prior to the expansion of Western materialism, such that long ago Ireland was known as the land of saints and scholars.

While the name Anam Cara is wonderfully evocative, it is also easy to read. It is a name that people everywhere can easily say and it's meaning is universally understood, thus, the festival represents qualities that will inspire people around the world to come together as "soul friends" ~ in the spirit of friendship.

International Anam Cara Festival events
Anam Cara Festival is an outpouring by kindred spirits around the world, drawing upon their influence and charisma to inspire and educate and to help promote awareness of the desecration and destruction of the Hill of Tara environs: through concerts, film screenings, lectures, master classes, workshops, fine art exhibitions, craft exhibitions, theatrical productions, storytelling, dance, public forum, etc.

This first initiative of the Global Arts Collective is about collaborating to build a better world where all can thrive in love and justice. To do this, we must draw upon our strengths and talents, and the brilliance of our collective efforts as collaborators.

The Global Arts Collective supplies 'official' pre-press art for customizable posters and handbills free of charge and will support all affiliates around the world.