James Harrold, who has served Galway for more than 30 years as the city arts officer with the Galway City Council, will stand down from the position on July 16.
In a Facebook post last weekend, Mr Harrold wrote: “Exit stage left: after many happy years as Arts Officer in Galway I’m calling time this summer. It has been an honour and a privilege, the rôle of a lifetime”.
Leading figures in the arts and politics in the city, spoke to the Galway Advertiser, to pay tribute to the man.
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Artist Alice Maher and James Harrold. Photo:- Brian Harding
Brendan McGrath, chief executive of the Galway City Council:
“James has worked as the Arts Officer with Galway City Council for almost 31 years, during which time he has championed Galway as a place for the arts and culture to thrive.
“He has been involved with supporting the development of countless artists, groups and organisations through funding, bursaries and residencies - but just as importantly through his genuine love for the arts and his desire to see it flourish here in Galway city.
“James supported creativity in the widest variety of art forms including architecture, circus, dance, film, literature, music, opera, street art and spectacle, theatre, traditional arts, and visual culture. He has also been involved with the numerous cultural events Galway has to offer. Whether it was Culture Night, the Galway International Arts Festival or St Patrick’s Day parades, his work has enriched the lives of residents and visitors to the city in some shape or form.
“James’s passion for and dedication to his job has led to the founding of many long-lasting artistic relationships and partnerships. I’m sure everyone James has crossed paths with down through the years will be sad to see him go, however a new chapter awaits and we all wish him the very best for what lies ahead.”
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Anne McCabe, James Harrold, and Michelle Tully. Photo:- Reg Gordon
Paul Fahy, artistic director, Galway International Arts Festival:
“I was shocked to hear James’s news over the weekend! I had not realised this was on the cards so it took me by surprise. I have always been hugely fond of James, he is a fountain of knowledge on so much, a brilliant raconteur and great fun. He has been very loyal to the arts in Galway.
“His job was not easy. Resources were never plentiful, but his aim was always to support as many artists as possible and we all know how hard it is to stretch limited funds. James always kept his eye out for something or someone new and was always very encouraging and inclusive. I have great memories of James in the earlier Macnas days and great nights in Tigh Neactain or the old Quays Bar.
We will miss you James. Don’t exit too far stage left!”
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Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State and Galway West TD:
“Though a Tipperary man, James has become synonymous with Galway and particularly with the arts. As I know very well from my time as Mayor of Galway, James was the very epitome of enthusiasm and expertise and brought an infectious energy to everything he did as arts officer for the Galway City Council.
“He was a font of knowledge and his wise counsel was always available to members of the council. I can safely say that, without James, Galway would not occupy the enviable position in the national arts scene that it does.
“I wish James an enjoyable retirement and have no doubt that his successor will have the unenviable task of championing the arts in Galway in the hugely positive and successful way that James has done over the years.”
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James Harrold with Lelia Doonlin. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy
Ollie Jennings, found of the Galway Arts Festival:
“Thank you James for your boundless enthusiasm, for your advocacy of the arts in the corridors of power , and for your tireless work over a long number of years in both the Galway County Council and the Galway City Council, to foster and promote the arts in our community. I hope you enjoy a creative and a leisurely retirement.”
Fergal McGrath, manager of the Town Hall Theatre:
“James C is a legend. If there was one person who carries the institutional memory of the Galway arts scene of the past 4 decades, it is James. I reckon the C in his name stands for ‘connectivity’ – James knows virtually everyone involved in the local (and indeed probably also the national ) arts scene. He will be sorely missed
“James C is always affable but no pushover - always capable and willing to debate an issue to try to secure a fair result; he understands people’s perspectives and what they are trying to achieve and why, he understands their ambitions and their frustrations. He has an eye for injustice, and can see both sides of the argument, an invaluable skill when trying to reconcile differing views to enable things to happen.
Niall Ó Brolchain, former mayor of Galway city:
“James, you have been probably the most impactful public servant on the council during your time there. A genuine, old style public servant who saw public service as an honour and a duty. You always did your job to the best of your abilities. I was always delighted to support your work when I was on the council and as Mayor. You deserve your retirement but you will be sorely missed. Thanks for your many years of dedication and please enjoy the extra time you will now have.”
