merrion street

Arts Minister Heather Humphreys today congratulated Galway after the city was chosen to host the European Capital of Culture 2020. Galway will hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020 along with Rijeka in Croatia.

Galway was selected from a shortlist of three candidate bids and beat off excellent competition from Limerick and the Three Sisters Bid (Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny) in the final selection process. 

Minister Humphreys said:

The European Capital of Culture will give Galway a wonderful opportunity to showcase its cultural richness. While of course being named European Capital of Culture for 2020 will be a great boost in terms of attracting visitors, it also has the potential to engage and enliven local communities right across Galway in an exciting year of artistic and creative engagement.

Being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture provides all Europeans with an opportunity to learn more about each other's cultures and to enjoy their shared history and values. In 2020, we will celebrate our unique Irish cultural heritage, while also celebrating our European influences.

Minister Humphreys noted that one of the aims of the European City of Culture initiative was to bring the people of Europe closer together and improve mutual understanding. In reflecting on the attack in Nice the Minister said:

We can only respond to such attacks by strengthening our resolve and commitment to our culture and our way of life in Europe. It is at moments such as this that we say aloud that we will not stop celebrating what is great about living in Ireland, in France or in Europe.