Capitals of Culture boss advises more ‘transparency’ on 2020

Galway City Tribune – A European Capitals of Culture expert has advised management of Galway 2020 to be more open and transparent and to engage more with stakeholders.

Steve Green, who was a member of the selection and monitoring panel that designated Galway as a City of Culture in 2020, said the organisation here needs to “bring people along” with its ambitions.

In a statement to the Galway City Tribune, Mr Green said: “To win the title Galway demonstrated a good public consultation; delivery means no less an openness and engagement.”

Mr Green, from the UK, was the chair of the 10-judge panel that ultimately picked Galway over Limerick and the three sisters (Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny).

In July 2016, when the announcement was made that Galway had won the designation, Mr Green said six criteria were applied and one included ‘participation’.

“How do you engage with people? Not just the cultural sector but schools, youth groups, the new Irish as they’re called,” he said at the time.

Mr Green also cited Galway’s managerial criteria. He added: “Have you got the money? and how are you going to manage it?”.

Galway 2020 has been dogged by controversy this year. A number of Galway City Councillors have raised concerns about the lack of preparedness for the 2020 European Capital of Culture extravaganza – some launched stinging attacks on the company charged with getting the city and county ready for the event.
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