On the 15th of June 2016 at the National Concert Hall in Dublin a press conference was held proclaiming the winner of the contest for the European Capital of Culture 2020. The president of the Selection Committee of independent experts, Steve Green, in the presence of the Irish Minister for Culture, Heather Humphreys, the representatives of the three finalists, the Croatian Ambassador in Ireland, Ivan Mašina, and the media, announced that Galway is the winner and the Irish European Capital of Culture 2020. This makes Galway stand next to Rijeka, the city that won the same title in March 2016. Rijeka"s programme carries the title Port of Diversity and Galway"s programme is called Making Waves.
Ms Humphreys said that positive events such as the European Capital of Culture initiative are important symbols of freedom for all European citizens in the light of the terrorist attack in Nice. All the participants expressed their deepest condolences and solidarity with the French people.
Two other candidates participated in the Irish final, Limerick with its programme called Belonging and the regional programme of three cities, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny called Re-imagining our Region. All three programmes were highly ambitious and very well done.
The Croatian Embassy in Dublin congratulates all the participants and particularly the winner - Galway!
Go Galway and make waves!
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