Galway is Ireland's 2020 European Capital of Culture. The objectives of Galway 2020 are to: regenerate the cultural life of Galway city and county and spread its influence across Europe; re-open our eyes to the immense cultural landscaper of Galway and of Europe; re-energise communities that have been undermined by economic decline and migration; and. re-instil a confidence in the power of culture to shape our lived environment.
The cultural programme for Galway 2020 is structured according to the three themes of:
- Migration: celebrating the diversity of cultures in Europe on the backdrop of Galway City and County;
- Landscape: at the Western Edge of Europe, Galway is collaborating with its European partners to challenge and engage citizens in 2020 across its rural and the marine landscape; and,
Language: promoting the variety of languages spoken in Europe and in Galway, language will feature in projects and encourage the acceptance and use of many languages.
Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture has been in development over a number of years with many events taking place in the period 2017-2019. Galway 2020 was just over a month into its official designation as 2020 European Capital of Culture when public health restrictions were introduced. Up to this point, many events including musical performances, talks with leading authors and a major exhibition for children on the Irish language had taken place with many of these events involving European and international artists.
While the cultural programme has been restructured as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public events and gatherings, many projects are still proceeding mainly through online platforms and limited physical attendance. Over two thirds of the projects proceeding under the cultural programme involve international artists who have worked closely with Irish artists over a number of years to develop and now deliver.
Central Government funding: EU15m ($17.5m)
Local Government funding: EU9.5m ($11m)
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
| Public Sector
|
Galway City Council
| Public Sector
|
Galway County Council
| Public Sector
|
European Commission
| Public Sector
|