Huge opportunity for Galway in competition for European Capital of Culture 2020 – Kyne

Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Chair of the Fine Gael Committee on Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Sean Kyne, has welcomed the opening of the competition for the European Capital of Culture 2020, saying it is a huge opportunity for Galway and the West.

“I have been supporting the Galway application to be the European Capital of Culture 2020. I am delighted that Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, has secured Government agreement to hold an open competition for an Irish city to host European Capital of Culture 2020.

“This chance only comes around once every 15 years and it is a huge opportunity to showcase Galway – and the West – across Europe. Visitors come to Galway for its vibrant cultural, artistic and music scene. We have a lot to offer in this great city and we have a real chance at being named the European Capital of Culture 2020.

“Galway now has ten months to get the application in. A shortlist will be drawn up, and the shortlisted cities will have a further 9 months in which to develop and refine their applications.  The winning city will be named in mid to late 2016, leaving at least three years to prepare for the year of designation in 2020.

“I know the City and County Councils, as well as many local organisations, are firmly backing the bid which if successful, would see Galway benefitting from €1.5 million of EU funding, not to mention the large numbers of visitors that would be attracted to the city. I look forward to supporting this bid in whatever way I can.”