GALWAY 2020 looks set to take place with a re-imagined programme of events in the closing months of this year and in early 2021, with some events happening digitally.
The decision "to explore options" to allow the programme proceed in an altered format, follows an agreement between Galway 2020 and the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. It will see consultation with local and national cultural partners, with whom formal arrangements are in place, "to make this re-imagined programme a reality".
The focus will be on "maximising the delivery of the bid book projects", many of which are to be delivered by local cultural partners. Also, in light of a wider reduction in funding for the project, and the commitment to deliver a re-imagined programme, the Board of Galway 2020 has also decided to "substantially reduce the team working on the project".
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Arthur Lappin, chair of the Galway 2020 Board, said the agreement with the Department is "a most welcome affirmation of the work being planned", and which also "allows us to map a new way forward". He said the revised programme, while "smaller than originally envisaged", will "celebrate the cultural vibrancy and brilliance of our city and county, will lift the spirits of our creative community and audiences, and leave a legacy of which we can all be proud".
Regarding the redundancies, Mr Lappin said the Board was "extremely disappointed" that it was not possible to retain all members of its team. "We acknowledge with gratitude," he said, "all the members of our team for their hard work and dedication to this project."
