Vacant buildings to be repurposed as arts spaces, increased investment in artists
Galway County Council has adopted a new five-year Arts Plan that will see increased investment in artists through grants and bursaries, the repurposing of vacant buildings as arts spaces and investment in arts infrastructure to improve access to cultural activities across County Galway.
The five-year strategy also commits to strengthening support for arts venues and festivals, developing a countywide Cultural Arts Trail and establishing Tuam as a long-term creative hub.
Titled “A Place to Create, A Place to Live”, the plan sets out a roadmap for the development of the arts over the next five years, with a focus on supporting artists, expanding participation, improving cultural infrastructure and ensuring the arts are accessible to communities throughout the county.
The strategy was informed by an extensive public consultation involving artists, arts organisations, community groups, volunteers and members of the public.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Andrew Reddington, said the plan recognised the central role the arts play in communities across the county.
“Galway is a county with an extraordinary cultural identity, where creativity is woven into the fabric of our towns, villages, islands and Gaeltacht communities. This Arts Plan recognises the enormous contribution artists, volunteers, festivals and community groups make to county life and sets out a clear vision to support them over the next five years.”
“The arts bring people together, strengthen our communities and help define our sense of place. Through this plan, Galway County Council is committed to increasing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to create, participate in and experience the arts in every part of County Galway.”
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the strategy would help deliver stronger, more vibrant communities while supporting the county's wider economic and social development.
“The Arts Plan provides a strong strategic framework that reflects the important role the arts play in building vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities. It aligns with the Council's wider ambitions for community development, wellbeing, placemaking and sustainable economic growth.”
“Successful delivery of this plan will depend on collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to work with artists, arts organisations, community groups, educational institutions and our many partners to ensure County Galway remains a place where creativity can flourish and where the benefits of the arts are accessible to everyone.”
Director of Services with responsibility for Cultural Services, Michael Owens, said the strategy would deliver long-term investment in artists, cultural infrastructure and local communities.
“This plan has been shaped by extensive consultation with artists, arts organisations, community groups and the public. It responds directly to what we heard, with a strong focus on supporting artists, creating new arts spaces, broadening participation and making the arts more accessible across every part of the county.”
Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Coordinator Sharon O'Grady said the strategy builds on the achievements of the previous Arts Plan.
“The previous Arts Plan delivered significant progress despite the challenges of the COVID-19pandemic. We strengthened supports for artists, invested in arts infrastructure, expanded festivals and community programmes, and developed strong partnerships across the county.”
“This new plan builds on that success and provides a clear roadmap for the next five years. It reflects what artists, communities and stakeholders told us during the consultation process and sets out ambitious but achievable actions to support creativity, strengthen cultural infrastructure and ensure more people can participate in and benefit from the arts.”
Among the measures included in the strategy are increased funding for artists through grants and bursaries, additional residency opportunities, professional development programmes, greater support for artists working through Irish and investment in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The plan also aims to address the shortage of arts infrastructure by developing new creative spaces, repurposing vacant buildings, strengthening festivals and performance venues, and delivering a flagship annual cultural event in different parts of the county. It also envisages Tuam becoming a long-term creative hub and the creation of a Cultural Arts Trail highlighting Galway's artistic and cultural heritage.
The Arts Plan is aligned with Galway County Council's Corporate Plan 2025-2029 and the Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2030. Delivery will be monitored through annual implementation plans, with a mid-term review in 2028 and a full evaluation in 2030.
Further information is available at www.galway.ie.
Galway County Council Unveils Ambitious Five-Year Arts Plan
