Draft 10-year culture strategy drawn up

A decade-long cultural strategy is being drawn up for the first time to place culture at the heart of all strands of life for both city and county.

The joint initiative between Galway City and County Councils aims to ensure that the cultural impact of every project undertaken or policy pursued is as important as the social and economic implications, explained Senior Executive Officer for Arts, Culture and Communications in Galway City Council, Gary McMahon.

The strategy examines culture from a very broad perspective, everything from built and natural heritage, language, landscape, sport, traditions to food.

It was prompted by the European Capital of Culture 2020 bid.

“Culture is what makes Galway Galway. It’s what makes us different from other cities. It’s about acknowledging how hugely important culture is and how we live and how we want to live into the future.”

A draft version of the strategy contained in a 23-page document was presented to a meeting in Salthill last Friday as part of the public consultation process. The audience was made up of figures from the arts, community groups, Irish language advocates, music innovators as well was development agencies.

“It was received very well. Some of the feedback was that the language was in parts too technical, some felt it was too dense,” the council official admitted.

In a presentation about the strategy, the aims of the project were outlined – to highlight the benefits of culture; guarantee access; foster employment opportunities; support cultural and creative innovation; protect and enhance cultural heritage and Irish language culture, to recommend practical delivery and to maximise the use of technology.

There will be five public meetings in the county to give feedback on the document with a draft implementation plan drawn up and further consultations sought early next year before the final document will go before councillors for ratification at a later date.

The plan will be reviewed every three years to see if goals have been met.