Galway 2020’s title as European Capital of Culture will be pass on to the three cities who will next hold the title on April 30th with a televised version of the handover airing on TG4 and TG4.ie on Friday 7th of May at 7.30pm.
The symbolic handover will see the title pass from Galway and Rijeka in Croatia, to Esch in Luxembourg, Kaunas in Lithuania, and Novi Sad in Serbia.
“In the delivery of the cultural programme that won Galway the title of Ireland’s 2020 European Capital of Culture, Galway 2020 has realised its vision to create new partnerships and new ways of working,” said Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
“That it did so in the midst of the sudden onset of a global pandemic is testament to the creativity and commitment of the Galway 2020 team and the cultural partners working side by side to deliver for audiences. We have experienced the joy of wonderful live performances, exhibitions, and online events across the entire spectrum of cultural activity,” Martin added. “I thank all involved for their dedication and work. As we hand over to the 2022 European Capitals of Culture, I wish Novi Sad, Esch and Kaunas a truly successful and memorable year.”
Following a particularly challenging year, Galway 2020 continued to deliver its Capital of Culture programme throughout 2020, ending on April 30th, 2021. This 12 minute programme celebrates just some of the theatre, music, dance, circus, and visual arts highlights, which happened online and offline. Featuring the work of 600 artists and organisations who participated in the programme since 2020 began.
“Having the opportunity to help to bring these projects and performances to life despite the pandemic and the set-backs that presented was an honour for Galway 2020. It truly reflected the breadth of creativity and resilience in our creative community,” said Patricia Philbin, CEO, Galway 2020. “We’re delighted to present some of these events in this TG4 film, and would like to thank all of those who helped to make it happen – our cultural partners, creatives, Mayor, Cathaoirleach and of course, TG4.”
When speaking about the 2020 programme, TG4’s Director General Alan Esslemont said that TG4 believed in it from the outset. “We were proud to be onboard as a partner to showcase the culture of Galway and the west coast of Ireland to a European and international audience. Despite setbacks and a global pandemic that resulted in a scaled back programme of events, I would like to congratulate Galway 2020 in what has been achieved in these extraordinary times,” said Esslemont.
“Highlights for me personally include John Gerard’s Mirror Pavilion on the Claddagh Quay in Galway, the bog portraits in Ros Muc and the beautiful suite of music 'The Mighty Ocean', composed by Máirtin O’Connor which through our partnership with Galway 2020 aired recently on TG4.”
The stunning scenery of the west coast of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way features alongside the medieval streets of Galway City. Expect a breath-taking illumination of the Connemara landscape, colourful performers, fire tours, acrobatics, high wire walking, and clips of powerful events specially commissioned by Galway 2020.
It will include a short 30 second address by EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and Irish Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin. There will be a symbolic acceptance of the title by the 3 new host cities and a specially-commissioned music composition by composer Anna Mullarkey will run alongside the visuals throughout.
