Galway becomes a European Capital of Culture in 2020, kick-starting a year of county-wide activities. The business community has a critical and rewarding role to play, says Sarah Coop (pictured), development director of Galway 2020

On 1 January 2020 Galway becomes a European Capital of Culture (ECOC), hopefully beginning a year of creativity and cultural innovation.

The ambitious county- and city-wide ECOC programme aims to renew, disrupt and transform the region. We are anticipating that hundreds of thousands of people will visit Galway city and county to experience the best of Irish and European culture throughout 2020.

Culture is a powerful, internationally influential force in industry and politics, which also contributes to the health and vitality of wider society. Arts and culture play a vital role in the creation of new jobs, attracting new businesses, generating tourism, spurring community development and creating an environment that attracts skilled and educated talent.

Towns and cities that have a vibrant culture are places of increasing attractiveness to new investment, business growth and sustainable jobs. There is also increasing evidence that skilled people gravitate to regions with a rich and diverse cultural base.

The year-long ECOC cultural programme includes urban and the rural, county and city events, reaching extensive audiences and communities. Galway 2020 will spearhead a wave of regeneration and growth that will benefit the entire county, leaving a valuable legacy.

In Association with

The business community has a critical role to play in Galway 2020, and much to gain through its involvement with this national designation, the likes of which Ireland won’t see again for another 15 years.

Business Benefits

The breadth and variety of next year's cultural programme offers very attractive and accessible opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships for the business community.

In return for their financial support, businesses will be able to raise their profile on the national and international stage through a bespoke package of attractive rights and benefits, including the opportunity to be part of key cultural events, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

From B2B and B2C networking events that offer meaningful new business connections, to opportunities for site-specific experiential brand activations at key cultural events, as well as unique volunteering and staff engagement programmes that align with CSR priorities and commitments, Galway’s year of culture is a business opportunity that is too good to miss.

To be part of Galway 2020 is to invest in the future of the region. This is a once-in-a-generation moment for companies and the business community as a whole to demonstrate their investment in and commitment to Galway – and to help ensure that next year is a phenomenal success for the people of Ireland.

• Sarah Coop has been raising money for the Arts since 1984 when she worked for the Festival of Sydney. She spent the next 12 years working for some of the best international orchestras, setting up sponsorship departments for the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Philharmonia, securing their residency at Le Chatelet with a £500,000 sponsorship from Rover Cars. She also initiated the capital campaign at the Roundhouse and was responsible for raising the first £10 million.

• To find out more about Galway 2020 opportunities, get in touch with Sarah Coop at sarah.coop@Galway2020.ie