AKA FESTIVAL FAQ
Alternative Kilkenny Arts 2026 – Submission Form FAQ
The AKA Festival runs across the month of August from the 6 – 16.
The submissions for the AKA Festival for 2026 open Monday 13 April.
Submissions must be received by Monday 25 May. No late entries can be accepted.
Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA) is a listing festival. This means that artists are responsible for sourcing their own venue, insurance, funding, and event logistics. Everyone who meets the listing criteria will be included within the programme.
Complete and submit the online form available on our website – akafringe.com
Submissions by email or shared folders will not be considered.
Yes. We recommend preparing your materials (text, image, dates, etc.) before you sit down to complete the form. This is due to the limitations of google form.
Please include a high-resolution landscape image without text overlay. This will be used in our programme (print and online).
Reference images submitted should be original artwork/images and not generated using AI tools.
– Approximately 16cm wide/10cm high, i.e. landscape dimensions
– High quality image
– Your image should reflect your artform or event
– Do not use text overlay on your image
– Ensure you have permission to use images of individuals included in your images
– Avoid frames/decorations over your image
– Avoid underexposed/dark images
– Avoid collage images
Yes, but each event must be submitted via a separate form with its own unique details and image.
You will receive a confirmation email after the submission form closes on May 25. You may be contacted for follow-up information regarding health and safety or child safeguarding, depending on the nature of your event.
Yes, if applicable to your event. You are responsible for ensuring that adequate insurance (e.g., public liability) is in place.
Yes. By agreeing to the permissions section in our submissions form, you give consent for your event, artwork, and performance to be recorded for promotional and archival use by Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA). If you are filming or photographing your own event, ensure people are appropriately informed.
Your data will only be used for festival coordination and communication, and will be stored securely. It will not be shared without your consent, and you may request access or deletion at any time at hello@akafringe.com.
You can contact the voluntary committee at hello@akafringe.com.
General Information
Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA) is dedicated to supporting and platforming the artistic community in Kilkenny, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, particularly during AKA and alongside the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Committed to inclusivity and accessibility, the festival ensures that participation remains free and open to all, fostering a strong sense of community. 2025 is the 10th year of the AKA festival.
The 2026 AKA Festival will run from Thursday, 6 to Sunday, 16 August 2026
2026 marks the 11th year of the AKA Festival.
We want everyone to feel welcome at our festival. As accessibility can vary between venues, we strongly encourage you to contact venues directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Participation and Events
The festival is open to both established and emerging artists from Kilkenny City and County.
The festival features a diverse range of art forms, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, and other community arts projects.
Volunteering and Support
The AKA Festival is run exclusively by a dedicated team of volunteers who contribute their time, skills and energy to make the festival happen each year.
If you would like to get involved, support the festival, or share skills you feel could benefit our work, we would love to hear from you. Please get
in touch at hello@akafringe.com
The festival relies on community support, sponsorships, and grants to fund its activities. Additional details on supporting the festival can be found on their website.
More information, including event schedules, participant details, and volunteer opportunities, can be found on the official AKA Festival website and through their social media channels.