Galway could potentially be the location for a major global arts forum in Ireland. The event would be modelled on the Global Irish Economic Forum but focus on highlighting Irish arts and culture.
The idea has been mooted by Tánaiste Joan Burton, and was welcomed today by Labour Galway West TD Derek Nolan, who said Galway "would be an ideal location for the event" and an "opportunity to show off the talent and creativity that we have in spades in this country".
Dep Nolan is calling for the idea to be "supported as much as possible", especially as Galway has a "tremendous record in the arts". He cited the fact that Galway is a UNESCO designated City of Film, that it holds "renowned arts and cultural festivals" every year, and is currently bidding to be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. He also pointed out that "local businesses have agreed to pay higher commercial rates in order to support the bid".
“Culture and the arts in an intrinsic part of Galway’s social scene and is one of the main tourist attractions in our city," he said. "Holding this forum in Galway would be a fantastic coup for the city and it would put us firmly back on the international stage."
