Galway and Rijeka in Croatia will pass the title of European Capital of Culture to Esch in Luxembourg, Kaunas in Lithuania and Novi Sad in Serbia, with a ceremony that will be broadcast on TG4.

Galway’s title as European Capital of Culture 2020 came to an end on April 30 and the symbolic presentation of the title will form a special program on TG4 and TG4.ie, tomorrow, Friday May 7th at 7:30 p.m.

The program will feature breathtaking landscapes of the west coast of Ireland, including Connemara and the streets of Galway City. There will also be colorful performers, fire tours, acrobatics, wire walks and clips of events specially commissioned by Galway 2020.

The handover will also include short addresses by EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, Catherine Martin, as well as a symbolic acceptance of the title and a composition specially commissioned by Galway composer Anna Mullarkey.

‘A testament to creativity and commitment’

Galway 2020 has suffered many challenges and setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns, which have prevented most cultural activities or severely restricted. Nonetheless, a program of theater, music, dance, circus and visual arts events took place online and offline, the result of the work of some 600 artists and organizations.

Victoria McCormack and Miah Reddan. Photo: – Andrew Downes

“In delivering the cultural program that has earned Galway the title of European Capital of Culture of Ireland 2020, Galway 2020 has delivered on its vision of creating new partnerships and new ways of working,” said Minister Catherine Martin. “The fact that it did so in the midst of a global pandemic is a testament to the creativity and commitment of the Galway 2020 team and cultural partners working side by side to meet the needs of the public. We have experienced the joy of wonderful live shows, exhibitions and online events across the spectrum of cultural activity. I thank everyone involved for their dedication and work. “

Patricia Philbin, CEO of Galway 2020, said helping bring the various projects and performances to life “despite the pandemic and setbacks” was “an honor” for Galway 2020.

‘Extraordinary times’

“It really reflected the breadth of creativity and resilience of our creative community,” she said. “We are delighted to feature some of these events in this TG4 film and would like to thank everyone who helped make it happen – our cultural partners, the creatives, the mayor, Cathaoirleach and of course TG4.”

TG4 Managing Director Alan Esslemont said the Connemara-based station “believed in the Galway 2020 program from the start” and was “proud to be on board as a partner”.

“Despite the setbacks and a global pandemic that have resulted in a reduced event program, I want to congratulate Galway 2020 for what has been accomplished in these extraordinary times,” he said. “Highlights for me include John Gerard’s Mirror Pavilion on Claddagh Wharf, Bog Portraits at Ros Muc and the magnificent music suite ‘The Mighty Ocean’, composed by Máirtin O’Connor who, through our partnership with Galway 2020, aired recently on TG4. “