European Capital of Culture

In 2020, Galway, on behalf of Ireland, hosted the European Capital of Culture, one of the biggest cultural initiatives in the world. Galway's designation as European Capital of Culture 2020, is a great honour for Ireland and a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and promote our culture nationally and internationally.

The government's support of €15 million represents the largest single contribution to the overall delivery of Galway 2020 as the European Capital of Culture.

The cultural programme for Galway 2020 planned a year-long celebration of street spectacle, exhibitions, readings, classical concerts, dance, schools’ projects, children’s events, the Irish language, musical performances, digital encounters, live art, theatre, circus, funambulism, public art, heritage, food, sports, sheep, folklore, our islands, our people, imagination and creativity.

Owing to COVID-19, approval was given for the delivery of a revised cultural programme for Galway 2020 to ensure that projects from the original winning bid by Galway could take place. The delivery of the programme took account of changed circumstances and was subject to public health guidance. The revised programme involved a combination of physical performance in compliance with prevailing restrictions and online delivery.

Galway’s hosting of the European Capital of Culture title officially ended in April 2021. Following the official handover of the title to the preceding host countries, a period of consultation with partners and stakeholders commenced. The Evaluation Report of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture was published in December 2021 and can be viewed here.

The development of a legacy framework to sustain and build on the capacity, networks and opportunities arising from the cultural programme of Galway 2020 is a key deliverable of the overall European Capital of Culture Action.

On 1st December 2022, the Minister for Culture approved the allocation of the remaining €1 million from the government’s overall commitment of €15 million to Galway European Capital of Culture to support the delivery of the programme under the proposed legacy framework. A Performance Delivery Agreementbetween the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Galway Culture Company was signed in 2023 to outline the delivery agreement for the drawdown, management and monitoring of the €1 million funding for the programme under the legacy framework.

The website of Galway Culture Company provides details of the legacy programme including current and past projects and is regularly updated to highlight upcoming opportunities available to the creative and cultural sectors. https://galwayculturecompany.ie/

Minister’s Statement Minister Martin approves funding for Galway 2020here.

Information Page on the European Commission Website

The European Capital of Culture action celebrated 25 years in 2010.

The European Commission produced a celebration of those 25 years, “European Capitals of Culture, the Road to Success”.

You can access it here.