Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture

thesandeman wrote: »

It's going to be discussed on Claire Byrne on Radio 1 this morning.

That was an interesting listen, according to Judy Murphy the Arts Editor of the Connacht Tribune-
-It was an anti climax, people in the arts are relived it is over because the process for artists to take part was flawed.
-Artists themselves were banging their heads against a brick wall trying to get their shows organised. They were ringing and emailing the organisers trying to engage with them and set up meetings but they wouldnt even get a reply. Many of them just gave up in the end.
-Aside from digital archives there is no lasting legacy from Galway 2020 and artists are disillusioned with how it was organised and are wondering where the money has gone
-There is widespread omerta among artists who are afraid that if they speak out about what a shambles it was then they will be blacklisted for any future arts funding and grants. She said she has never seen anything like it in decades of covering the Arts in Galway and feels it has caused long term damage between artists and the council

Fianna Fail Senator Ollie Crowe said that everyone he speaks to is asking where has the money gone and said there has to be accountability. He said everyone he talks no one believes the 25 million was well spent and no way were 700 events put on as the organisers are claiming. He is calling for a full audit at a national level and says that it has cross party support. Politicians from SF, SDs, Greens and independent TD Catherine Connolly are also raising many of the same points and want a review of spending.

The business community are also asking questions. They paid up a 3% levy on their council rates for the last 3 years and want to know where their money has gone because they havent seen anything out of it. Johnny Duggan a former board member of Macnas is also calling for a review of spending.

Seems the Galway 2020 saga has plenty of road to run yet.

Claire Byrne podcast on it here
https://www.rte.ie/radio1/today-with-claire-byrne/podcasts/#103672328

Is there a break down of where the 14m the Department for Culture spent?