Galway City Council Kick Starts Process for European Capital of Culture 2020 Bid, Thursday, 19th February, 2013

Galway City Council today kick-started the process to make a bid for European Capital of Culture 2020. The council is advertising on the Etenders website <www.etenders.gov.ie> for a team to deliver all stages of the pre-selection phase of the European Capital of Culture 2020 bid process.

Although the call for the bid to become European Capital of Culture has not yet been formally announced, the 2020 designation will be given to both Ireland and Croatia and the designated city and region is expected to be announced by early 2016.

European Capital of Culture (ECoC) is a high profile initiative that gives a city the chance to celebrate and showcase its uniqueness of culture, creativity, place and people, both within its home country and abroad. It provides the catalyst for the development and flourishing of high-quality artistic and cultural events and genres.

Galway City Council has had an interim, internal Executive Project Team of key staff led by City Manager Brendan McGrath working on the ECoC process over recent months. Galway City Council Elected Members received a full report on the intention to bid at its most recent meeting last week.

Today’s development starts the process to look for a team or consortium who will progress the next stages including the consultation processes with all local and regional stakeholders including arts, cultural and heritage interests; developing the Bid Theme and Strategy; formulating and getting agreement on Bid Content and finalising the Bid Document for submission to Europe.

Galway City Manager Brendan McGrath has emphasised that this will be an all-of Galway bid, drawing on the city, county and region’s strong heritage and culture including the city’s world-class reputation in theatre and festivals allied to the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of Connemara, of County Galway and of the entire West region. Mr McGrath also pointed out that the process begun today will be inclusive and consultative and will engage with people and organisations in the city and region to put the best possible bid forward.

For further details see attached briefing document or contact: Gary McMahon, a/Senior Executive Officer Corporate Services, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, Ireland
t: +353 91 536445, m: +353 87 797 8956, e: gary.mcmahon@galwaycity.ie