Congratulating Galway on being selected as the successful bid for the 2020 designation, the Director of the Limerick 2020 bid for European Capital of Culture has said that the bid process has been a giant boost to the cultural re-awakening energising Limerick today.
- Congratulations to Galway but Limerick’s cultural flame set to continue burning regardless
The Director of the Limerick 2020 bid for European Capital of Culture has said that the bid process has been a giant boost to the cultural re-awakening energising Limerick today.
Congratulating Galway on being selected as the successful bid for the 2020 designation, Mike Fitzpatrick said that though disappointed not to have been selected, Limerick’s cultural flame has been fuelled for decades to come by the experience.
“The 2020 European Capital of Culture bid has been an incredible experience for Limerick. After the highs of the National City of Culture programme in 2014, it kept our energies and vision very much focussed on the cultural advancement of Limerick. That has ensured a wonderful continuing expression, in all art forms, over the past two years or so.
“In decades to come, when we reflect on where the new Limerick came from, the record will prominently show how culture flourished and inspired the city and its people to do greater things.
"A key barometer for us in terms of recognising the monumental shift in internal and external perceptions of Limerick that this whole process has brought about, is that we are now attracting and keeping the best and the brightest in the arts to the city. People here are excited about the future and so the National City of Culture designation followed by the 18 month bid process for 2020 has been a great turning point for Limerick.”
Mr Fitzpatrick went on to say that for many in Limerick, 2014 was the moment when the cultural flame was lit again. “It might have had a spicy start but it was the biggest ingredient for the great and celebratory cultural mix we now have today in Limerick. We discovered the power of culture and the 2020 bid process was a continuation of this journey. It also opened our eyes to what being part of Europe means and developed a new understanding of Limerick as a European city. We are definitely primed to move forward with greater confidence and success as a result,” he continued.
“We are indebted to so many for their efforts on this, the local authority which has unfailingly supported us; our staff, of course, for their tireless efforts; the business community but most of all the people of Limerick for their investment in this process. Collectively, Limerick could have done no more and has gained so much from this process that, once the initial disappointment wears off, we will look back with absolute pride on what we have achieved and where this road is leading us to.”
The Director, however, congratulated Galway on winning, adding: “We know that Limerick would have more than done justice to this great opportunity but, likewise, we have no doubt but Galway will also. Galway has a great cultural heritage and 2020 will be their moment to shine. The beauty of this process, however, is that the work we have done over the past 18 months or so in preparing for it, and what went before that with the National City of Culture programme, will mean that Limerick, too, sparkles in 2020 and every year between now and then and beyond that. This is a city and county reborn. Whatever happens, culture will remain at the centre of what we do, it has given us so much confidence and belief in ourselves," he added.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said: “Those involved in the bid have done Limerick proud. They have worked tirelessly on the process and proved what can be achieved when we all work together. The level of engagement by the public and the arts community shows that everyone bought into this and there has been a real collective beating of chests with pride over the past 18 months or so. It demonstrates that Limerick has a great cultural heartbeat and it is getting stronger and stronger.”
Said Sheila Deegan, Deputy Bid Director: “The past 18 months have been hugely important in the re-imaging of culture in Limerick and we all want to continue to embrace, nurture and deliver this in an imaginative and inclusive way allowing us to grow and strengthen the sector in the coming years. All we have to do is look at the amazing street party we held in Limerick city centre last Tuesday when 12,000 people celebrated with us. Limerick is continually embracing its identity now and that means culture has won regardless of the actual competition outcome.”