Galway’s arts community was out in force on Monday evening at the Radisson Hotel to celebrate the launch of the 33rd Galway Arts Festival, which will be weaving its distinctive spell over the city and surrounding regions from now until July 25.
This year’s event cost €2 million to organise and features some 500 artists and 250 events. It sees the festival extend beyond the city boundaries to stage shows in Tuam, Headford, Inis Boffin, and Indreabhain.
Last year’s festival generated €20 million for the local economy and was attended by 165,000 people and this year’s event is set to emulate those impressive figures.
Festival director Paul Fahy welcomed the assembled revellers with the observation that now the World Cup had ended in South Africa, it was time for Galway to celebrate its very own global jamboree. He also expressed his “eagerness and excitement” as he looked forward to the coming fortnight and the myriad treats in store.
Saluting the many festival sponsors, arts festival manager John Crumlish paid special thanks to Absolut Vodka whose contribution made possible the acquisition of the fantastic Fairgreen Festival Gallery space.
Galway’s new mayor, Fianna Fáil councillor Michael J Crowe also spoke, noting that the Galway Arts Festival is a key flagship event for the city of Galway, promoting both the city and county nationally and internationally.
The launch’s keynote speech was delivered by Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin.
Reflecting on her eventful visit she revealed: “Since I came I’ve done a waltz with Paul, we’ve had a tango on a building site, been serenaded with a ukulele, seen the most magnificent exhibition of Brian Bourke’s work, and I’m going to Druid tonight, and that’s all in half a day! So without any doubt, Galway is where it’s at for this fortnight.”
Discussing the important links between culture and tourism, Minister Hanafin noted: “In a recent survey asking Chinese people what they knew of Ireland, they knew Riverdance, Bono, and Roy Keane, and I’m lucky because my ministerial remit covers all of those!
“If you can make that link, that’s what will attract people to come to Ireland because they know they will find something different and vibrant and that’s all to be captured here in Galway over the next fortnight.”
The Minister paid tribute to the hard work put in by Paul Fahy, John Crumlish, and the festival team in putting the event together, and she concluded by observing that their efforts “pay off in making Galway people and Irish people and artists feel good and proud of who we are, and where we are, and that sense of pride keeps us going and lifts us over whatever other difficulties we may have. It showcases the best of Ireland’s creativity, innovation, ambition, and celebration.”
The Minister’s speech was met with warm applause and then it was time for all present to disperse and make their expectant ways toward that evening’s alluring events.
Tickets for all arts festival events are available from the festival box office, Galway Tourist Office, Forster Street, and through www.galwayartsfestival.com
