New Directions, a Galway City Council Strategic Plan for the Arts 2021-2026, was adopted at Monday’s online meeting.
The plan specificies the Galway City Council’s commitment to refreshing an overall approach to the arts. This is set to be achieved as a programmer, funder, advocate, and influencer.
It is envisaged that a strengthening of opportunities for excellence and diversity in the arts will be achieved.
The action based plan identifies the needs and priorities of the arts sector with a model of cultural sustainability and community participation desired outcomes.
James Harrold, Galway City Council’s arts officer, discussed the various challenges which currently exists and how the arts and cultural scene in Galway has thrived throughout recent decades.
Mr Harrold spoke about the access to education for people, who attended UCG in the 1960s and 1970s which enabled people to come to Galway with new voices from other parts of Ireland heard for the first time.
He added that new communities exist in Galway now and that opportunities must be afforded to arts creators.
Different funding options for outdoor spaces in the city are currently being explored, with Mr Harrold acknowledging the ‘good tradition in Galway for outdoor spaces’. — Cian O’Connell
