The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday) congratulated Galway, Limerick and Waterford leading on a regional bid on behalf of the adjoining city of Kilkenny and Wexford region after they were successfully shortlisted in the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture 2020. The shortlist was drawn up by a panel of independent experts, who have been evaluating applications from four competing Irish cities. The announcement was made after a two day meeting in Dublin Castle.
The ‘European Capital of Culture’ is an initiative of the European Union. Following an open call by the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, four candidate cities submitted applications; Dublin, Galway, Limerick and the Waterford led bid.
Today’s shortlisted cities will have until mid 2016 to complete their applications. The expert panel will then meet again in Dublin during the second half of 2016 to recommend which Irish city will be the European Capital of Culture 2020.
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“In 2020, Ireland will host the European Capital of Culture for the third time, after Dublin in 1991 and Cork in 2005. The designation presents a unique and important opportunity to showcase a city, bringing with it an unprecedented focus at local, national and international level. It will allow the winning city, and Ireland as a whole, to put our best cultural foot forward. I hope 2020 will be a year of unprecedented cultural engagement and creativity.
“I would like to congratulate Galway, Limerick and the Waterford led bid on progressing to the next stage of the selection process, and indeed I wish all of the locations well as they complete their applications over the next six months or so. I would also like to acknowledge the commitment, drive, and enthusiasm which Dublin demonstrated so well in their applications for the title also. Being eliminated at this point is, of course, hugely disappointing, but everyone involved in the Dublin bid should be extremely proud of their efforts. ”
Notes to Editors:
Started in 1985 on the initiative of the then Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri, European Capitals of Culture have grown into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and become one of the best known – and most appreciated – activities of the European Union.
The outcome of the selection process of the European Capital of Culture Union is twofold:
- The award of the title of European Capital of Culture
- The award of a pecuniary prize of €1.5million in honour of Melina Mercouri