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Galway

European Capital of Culture 2020

Conceived as a means of bringing citizens of Europe closer culture and language have attracted artists and writers for
together the project for an award of a European City of generations. As tangible proof of the friendship between
Culture was launched on 13 June 1985 by the European nations a life-size bronze sculpture placed on William Street,
Council of Ministers on the initiative of the Greek Minister Galway City imagines the possible meeting in 1892 of the
of Culture Culture, Melina Mercouri. Athens was chosen as two writers, Oscar Wilde of Ireland (1856-1900) and Eduard
the city for this prestigious event and a long list of others have Wilde of Estonia (1865-1933), sitting side by side, as it were,
followed. in long and lasting literary commune … “in the spirit of the
Wildes”. Their literary genius and reputation have left their
Approaching the Millennium the concept, rules and name mark in Europe and around the world*.
were revisited and in 1999 European City of Culture was
changed to European Capital of Culture. In 2005 the Irish In recent decades Galway has seen the rise of a burgeoning
City of Cork was the first to be awarded under the new name. film, television and animation sector bringing significant
In Guidelines set by the Council of the European Union, the economic activity to the area. Galway is expanding film
designated city … “shall establish a community action whose audiences by building its first Art House Cinema and by
objectives shall be to highlight the richness and diversity of supporting the city’s film festivals and increasing opportunities
European cultures and features they share, as well as promote for film exhibitions in the region. Its overall vision is to
greater mutual acquaintance between European citizens”. showcase the rich heritage, tradition and legacy of film in the
area, to broaden ongoing film activities and enrich the social,
During one year the European Capital of Culture provides economic and cultural contributions across the region.
an opportunity to showcase its cultural life and cultural
development. A number of European cities have used the On 1 December 2014 the Director-General of UNESCO
event to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way announced that Galway was designated a UNESCO City of
in which they are viewed internationally. Culture can also be Film. Under the ‘United Nations Creative Cities Network’
seen as a driving force for civilised urban development from Galway became one of the only eight film centres in the
which the chosen cities have derived significant economic world to achieve this much sought after status. The award
and tourist benefits. is a permanent global designation and brings the highest
internationally recognised standards of excellence in the
Galway: European Capital of Culture (ECoC) creative industries. Ireland’s oldest Film Society started
In 2020 Galway is one of two European Capitals of Culture in Galway and has provided a vital platform to screen the
chosen to share the prestigious award with Rijika in Croatia. work of the first wave of Irish film makers. It has continued
Beginning in the farthest reaches of Galway, on ‘St Brigid’s to develop over the last thirty years with Galway City and
Day’ fiery celebrations will erupt in towns and villages across county now boasting an impressive, healthy and growing film
the county in keeping with the ancient traditions of the Irish and television industry.
Celtic calendar. The ceremony will travel across the county
between 2-7 February encompassing An Spiédal, Tuam, ‘Tribes of Galway’
Ballinasloe, Clifden, Portumna and Athenry before its final Known as ‘city of the tribes’, the term was first used during
instalment at South Park in Galway City on 8 February. the seventeenth century to negatively describe a group of
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, will officially fourteen powerful and clannish families of Anglo-Norman
inaugurate Galway 2020. It is Ireland’s fourth largest city origin in Co. Galway: Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, Darcy,
and is home to the greatly expanded National University of Deane, Ffrench, Ffront, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin,
Ireland (NUI). Many artistic, exploratory walks and other Morris, and Skerrett. The pejorative term was later adopted
celebrations are scheduled or are due to be announced by the families themselves as a badge of honour.
throughout the year to mark the event. Ita Marguet

As an outpost facing west towards America and a gateway
to Europe, Galway stands at a pivotal vantage point on the
west coast of Ireland with its spectacular rugged and varied Note: Acknowledgement is given to sources used in
scenery. The city’s historic Spanish Arch is the remainder of a preparation of this text. It follows titles *Ireland and Estonia:
centuries old bastion as a reminder of the city’s multi-cultural, The Wilde connection (2004,) European Capital of Culture,
multi-lingual history and present day character where Cork (2005), UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin (2011),
imagination and arts flourish. The surrounding landscape, Irish City of Culture, Limerick (2014), by Ita Marguet.

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