18 minute read
Galway Arts Centre’s Megs Morley
REGIONAL FOCUS: LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL REGIONAL FOCUS: GALWAY CITY COUNCIL
A contemporary connection to the old world
“Our cities become very dull if they are not populated by artists and we have to protect this sector,” according to Megs Morley, Director and Curator of Galway Arts Centre, who sits down with Ciarán Galway and Odrán Waldron to talk about challenges faced by the sector, and what gives Galway city a unique arts scene.
Morley has been in Galway since 2005, and has worked in various roles throughout the arts sector, including freelance roles with the Irish Museum of Modern Art as a book editor and film editor. She has also held roles with the Galway City Council in the past, including as a public arts commissioner.
She assumed her current role in September 2021 and believes that the ongoing energy crisis presents a challenge “potentially on the same scale as Covid” for the sector. She further states that she hopes to “continue the work that we have been doing, creating the space for voices from all parts of the community to express their creativity, share that culture with a wider audience in Galway”. Megs Morley
Moving on from Covid-19
Morley, who originally hails from Mayo, believes that the Covid-19 pandemic caused problems for the arts sector economically and in terms of audience confidence.
“What we have seen is ebbs and flows of that confidence through the year; at certain points we have been quite busy but at other points there is still a hesitance to fill certain venues. This is happening right across the arts, and it is a challenge which everyone in the arts sector is facing right now.”
She continues: “The Galway Arts Centre is very much a venue-based organisation with our public galleries and our theatre. If the doors are closed, that is a pretty big challenge to overcome. Moving our work online was a challenge but also opened up creative potential for engaging with new audiences. When we did reopen the doors, we were very restricted in terms of how many people could be in a gallery at one time.
Arts scene in Galway city
One of Galway city’s unique factors is that it is the most diverse city in Ireland, and its high student population, according to Morley.
“It is a really young city which is steeped in Irish traditions which is full of welcome. It is a really international and diverse community which is what makes Galway real cultural hub and a vibrant and interesting place to be. It attracts a lot of artists and musicians to live here. There is a real wealth of exciting artistic talent here.”
Morley further explains how the city’s diversity is reflected by the programmes and exhibitions in Galway Arts Centre and how the arts sector has championed representation of people from minority backgrounds, and that the Galway Arts Centre has been a hub for art representing people from LGBT+, immigrant, and Irish Traveller backgrounds.
Reflecting on Galway city’s proximity to the Gaeltacht and consequential connection with old Irish traditions, Morley states that she admired “artists like Ceara Conway, who is based in Galway and who draws from the sean nós tradition such as the caoineadh, but takes a contemporary approach to it that recreates it for today”. She adds: “I think that Galway city creates that space for reimagining the traditional roots of cultures and bringing them into the contemporary moment to make them relevant for now. The Array Collective [whose Turner Prize-winning installation The Druithaib’s Ball was shown in the Galway Arts Centre and its Nun’s Island Theatre from August-October 2022] is dynamic and interesting; they have a grá for Celtic and pre-Christian mythology and the characters from those myths, whilst adapting those characters in a contemporary way.
“Each artist from the collective has created characters and costumes that are drawn from these myths, and they use them to create performances, films, protests and events with. So you will see a lot of imagery from Celtic mythology. When you experience their immersive installation, The Druithaib’s Ball the connections to these roots are really brought into the current social and political moment.”
Morley further outlines how the arts sector is strengthened through diversity of age, and that there is “a younger generation that are really interested in maintaining the language and drawing on their heritage but in a fresh and contemporary way which I think is the key”.
She concludes: “Culture is not a museum piece; it is alive and living and it needs to be adapted for our times and for what is relevant and important now. I think that that is the same for Irish culture and all of our traditions.”
REGIONAL FOCUS: LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL REGIONAL FOCUS: GALWAY CITY COUNCIL
Galway Convention Bureau: Supporting you in organisaing your event
Galway Convention Bureau promotes Galway as a destination for international meetings, conferences, and events and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Galway City Council and Galway County Council, Shannon Airport, Western Development Commission, and trade memberships.
The convention bureau’s strategic partners include University of Galway, ATU Galway, Galway Chamber of Commerce, and the Galway branch of the Irish Hotel Federation. Galway Convention Bureau’s membership consists of venues, universities, hotels, retailers, transport, restaurants, pubs, activities, attractions, and airports. In the year to date, Galway Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland have secured circa €7.6 million in business for Galway in MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conference, Events) led revenue. A business visitor is worth up to three times that of the leisure tourist and meetings tend to take place outside the main summer months, which will lead to an extension of the season for the tourism sector in Galway. This has a very positive effect on the local economy in ensuring that jobs are kept in the west. Earlier this year in July, the 11th European Solid Mechanics Conference took place at the University of Galway over five days. With over 1,200 delegates in attendance, it was the largest international conference to have ever taken place on the campus. In addition, the economic impact of the conference to the local area was almost €2 million. The Conference Ambassador
Galway Convention Bureau is looking for people throughout Galway to become champions in bringing international conferences home to the city and county. People who might be thinking of hosting an international conference can work with Galway Convention Bureau and become a conference ambassador.
Who are our conference ambassadors?
Conference ambassadors are influential members of professional and industry associations who can influence their home country in hosting international conferences and meetings. They may have been involved in the organising of these conferences in the past or expressed interest in doing so while attending such events abroad. Ambassadors can become a spokesperson for Galway and choose to be involved as much as they like with the event, or they can leave it to the Galway Convention Bureau team who are here to help from the very beginning and ensure that the conference is a major success.
Benefits of becoming a conference ambassador:
• free support from conferencing expert; • recognition from your professional colleagues; • increased profile for Galway/national association; • enhanced reputation in your area of expertise; • increased networking opportunities and worldwide links; • increased revenue to local economy; • create awareness for local tourism; and • earn national and international recognition.
Galway Convention Bureau supports include:
• bid documentation preparation and presentation; • guidance on financial funding through Fáilte Ireland (please note certain criteria must be met and approved) to assist with the preparation and the travel involved with bidding for an international conference. Meet in
Ireland, a brand owned and operated by Fáilte Ireland, our national tourism development authority, offers a suite of financial supports to help attract corporate meetings and incentive trips to Ireland; • independent advice on all aspects of organising an international conference; • introduction to professional conference organisers (PCOs) who can manage the bid process for you; • letters of invitation/endorsement to support the bid document; • image libraries; • award winning videos; • sample presentations; and • site inspection hosting.
From the initial bid to the event itself, Galway Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland will work hard to support our Conference Ambassadors to deliver successful conferences and provide unique experiences for your delegates.
T: 091 33 99 20
E: info@galwayconventionbureau.com Advertorial
REGIONAL FOCUS: LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL REGIONAL FOCUS: GALWAY CITY COUNCIL
Connecting women in business
“Having a network in business is key to your success to endure the ups and downs as part of the business journey,” says Treasa Hanniffy, president of the Galway branch of Network Ireland, who discusses her priorities in the role, improving life for women in business, and Galway city as a business destination.
Network Ireland was established in 1983 as an organisation for women in business and the workplace to network and with the aim of “promoting professional and the personal development of women in business across Ireland”. The Galway branch was established in 1990 and has over 100 members and is growing.
Galway as a business destination
Hanniffy is serving a one-year term as president of the Galway branch, which is due to expire in the coming weeks. She states that her priority upon assuming the role was engagement with her fellow members in person, especially after two challenging years.
“As we emerged from the pandemic, some members wanted support to help grow and develop their business or career journeys, more wanted connection as it can be isolating being on your own in business. A supportive community is crucial to success while also balancing your professional and personal goals.”
She states that business in Galway thrives based on the closeness of the community of the city. “Referrals are an important aspect of business in Galway. The best kind of referral has always been word of mouth. People buy and do business with people they trust or that have been highly recommended. Galway businesses prosper from networking and building these connections.”
She adds: “Galway is a city of warmth, character, and resilience. No matter what business you are in, there is a tribe where you can connect, seek support, expand, and export depending on your needs. This is key in terms of growing and learning, as success is not a straight road and your tribe are a key element to growing your business locally, nationally, and globally.”
Coping with ongoing crises
Hanniffy believes that businesses are facing major challenges in the years ahead. “We are still reeling for the impact of Covid followed now by the energy crisis as costs are rising significantly. When you hear the word blackout, it is a case of either being overcome by fear or trying your best to adapt and being more energy efficient.”
Further to the ongoing crises, Hanniffy believes that Galway city has never truly recovered since the 2008 financial crash. “The city still has a long way to go in terms of recovery. We have not got a big retail unit as they have not been attracted into the city. Great work is being done on innovation and STEM, but there is room for a lot of progress culturally.”
Hanniffy does, however, give cautious optimism for navigating a course out of Galway’s problems, which she believes can act as a springboard for further recruitment going forward.
“We see a lot of impressive stuff behind the scenes, especially with the creative hubs and the collaboration with the colleges, and it helps to attract great talent. The rental market is at capacity, yes building is up, but it is mostly just for the social housing market.
Women succeeding in business
Whilst progress has been made, Hanniffy outlines her belief that there is still a generation of women who have been held back due to the “taboo” nature of discussion of issues unique to women and their wellbeing.
Hanniffy believes the modern businesses ad workplace orthodoxy needs to take further account of work-life balance for employees, and that an employee will be “loyal to an employer who is on their side”.
She adds: “It is not even just women; dads want to be more involved too, and remote working during Covid was a bridge to that gap which exists in a lot of families. However, today, childcare costs are going up and commuting costs are going up. A balance needs to be struck which takes account of the cost of working and the rewards that come from it.”
Speaking on mental health positivity and challenges for people running a business, she concludes: “It is not just about arriving at a destination, it is about enjoying the journey. Having a supportive network makes it all worthwhile.”
Galway City Council REGIONAL FOCUS:
Gaillimh le Gaeilge: Putting bilingualism chun cinn in Galway city
Agus iad ag déanamh cúirt ar cathair na Gaillimhe, shuí Ciarán de Gallaidhe agus Odrán de Bhaldraithe síos le Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Príomhfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, chun stádas an teanga insan cathair a phlé. Ciarán Galway and Odrán Waldron discuss the status of the Irish language in Galway city with Bríd Ní Chonghóile, CEO of Gaillimh le Gaeilge.
Bunaíodh Gaillimh le Gaeilge i 1987 faoi choimirce Chomhdháil Naisiúnta na Gaeilge le go gcoinneofaí agus go neartófaí an Ghaeilge agus chun a chinntiú go leanfadh an buntáiste mór geilleagrach don chathair a ghabhann leis an nGaeilge. Le tacaíocht ó Roinn na Gaeltachta, d’údaraigh an fiontar staidéar socheacnamaíoch a rinne Coláiste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe anois), faoi céard is fiú idirghabhálacha an stáit ó thaobh na Gaeilge i limistéar na Gaillimhe. Léirigh an taighde, Tuarascáil Uí Chinnéide, gurbh £17 milliún in aghaidh na bliana do limistéir na Gaillimhe agus £13.1 milliún in aghaidh na bliana do chathair na Gaillimhe na hidirghabhálacha sin. “Go leor airgid a bhí ann ag an am sin,” a deir Ní Chonghóile
Leis an mbuntáiste seo a choinneáil i nGaillimh, chuaigh Peadar Ó Flatharta agus Pádraig Ó Beaglaoich chuig an gCumann Tráchtála chun plé a dhéanamh ar an mbealach is fearr chun an buntáiste seo a choinneáil i gcathair na Gaillimhe. Bunaíodh Coiste na Gaeilge sa Chumann Tráchtála faoi Chathaoirleach Sheosaimh Ó hÓgartaigh, fear gnó agus Gaeilgeoir líofa a thig an gaol atá idir an chathair agus an Ghaeltacht mar aon leis na buntáistí geilleagracha, sóisialta, agus cultúrtha a d’eascair as an gaol sin.
Mar thoradh ar an tuarascáil, bunaíodh Gaillimh le Gaeilge, ó sin tá dul chun cinn déanta acu laistigh de phobal gnó na Gaillimhe chun infheictheacht na Gaeilge a ardú trí scéimeanna ar nós scéimeanna Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, an tSeirbhís Gaeilge sa Ghnó agus Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, agus tá úsáid na Gaeilge ó lá go lá á cur chun cinn sa chathair. Tá obair an Choiste Logainmneacha i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe ar cheann de na héachtaí is infheicthe agus is mó tionchar ó thaobh na Gaeilge scríofa di.
“In 2009, rinneadh uasdátú ar Thuarascáil Uí Chinnéide. Cuireadh in iúl sa taighde go raibh os cionn €136 milliún i limistéir na Gaillimhe ag teacht ón Ghaeilge agus chomh maith leis sin, cuireadh moltaí nua ar fáil chun dul i bhfeidhm tuilleadh ar an lucht gnó,” miníonn Ní Chonghóile. “Tá an sprioc chéanna againn inniu is a bhí i 1987 ach amháin go bhfuil uirlisí difriúila agus tograí nua á úsáid againn chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Oibríonn muid freisin chun úsáid na Gaeilge labhartha a chur chun cinn tríd ár n-imeachtaí éagsúla gnó lena n-áixrítear an Lón Gnó míosúil agus imeachtaí rialta eile.”
Tá dhá stráiteas foilsithe ag Gaillimh le Gaeilge ó bunaíodh iad, an chéad ceann in 2006. Bhain an straitéis sin go príomha le stádas dhátheangach a bhaint amach do chathair na Gaillimhe.
“Chreid muid go gcuideodh stádas dhátheangach oifigiúil le seasamh na Gaeilge sa chathair a threisiú agus go spreagfadh sé comhlachtaí nua ag teacht isteach sa chathair an Ghaeilge a úsáid,” a deir Ní Chonghóile.
Seoladh an straitéis is deanaí 2023-2025 don eagraíocht ar Oíche Chultúir 2022 mar céad chéim eile i bhforbairt Ghaillimh le Gaeilge. Tugann an straitéis aghaidh ar na dúshláin agus na deiseanna a chuireann Plean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe (2020-2026) rompu.
Máire Uí Dhufaigh, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga, Gaillimh le Gaeilge; Ciara O’Connor, Oifigeach Tograí, Gaillimh le Gaeilge; Andrew Algeo, CEO National Lottery; Caitlín Nic an Ultaigh, Stiúrthóir, Gaillimh le Gaeilge; agus Maeve Joyce Crehan, Stiúrthóir, Gaillimh le Gaeilge accepting the Irish Language category at this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards ceremony which took place in Killashee House Hotel in County Kildare. I measc na dtionscnamh nua sa straitéis, tá stádas mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta á bhaint amach do Ghaillimh i gcomhpháirtíocht le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe.
Tá sé beartaithe acu Lárionad Gaeilge a éascú sa chathair agus féilire d'imeachtaí Gaeilge a fhorbairt do chainteoirí líofa chomh maith leo siúd a bhfuil cúpla focal acu agus atá ag iarraidh níos mó deiseanna lena gcuid Gaeilge a chleachtadh.
“Tagann go leor do na daoine as na Gaeltachtaí mórthimpeall orainn isteach sa chathair go fóill agus déanann siad gnó sa chathair,” a deir Ní Chonghóile, arb as Ceathrú na gCloch i nGaeltacht Mhuigheo di. “Bheifeá ag siúil le haon chathair sa tír a dheireann go bhfuil sé dátheangach go mbeadh líon áirithe de chomlachtaí agus d’eagraíochtaí ag soláthair seirbhís i nGaeilge.”
“Rinne muid staidéar a choimisiúnú chun staid reatha na Gaeilge sa chathair a thomhais, bhí 53 faoin gcéad de na gnólachtaí a ghlac páirt sa taighde go bhfuil comharthaíocht dhátheangach acu agus 67 faoin gcéad acu go n-úsáideann siad Gaeilge in ábhar scríofa a bhaineann lena ngnólacht.
Switching briefly to Béarla, Ní Chonghóile explores the strength and value of the Irish language in the city and the origins of that strength:
“The Irish language is worth in excess of €136 million annually to the economy of Galway City and County – €59 million of this goes to Galway City. An Taibhdhearc, Conradh na Gaeilge, Gaeil na Gaillimhe are situated in the city. We are located near the largest Gaeltacht, and we have the headquarters of Roinn na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, TG4, and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on our doorstep.
“Also, Galway is well known as a cultural city, with a thriving traditional music scene. As part of our work, we link the Irish language to the cultural experience one gets when they visit Galway. Tourists especially wish to have a personal authentic experience. They want to experience what is authentic about the place, and the best way to do that is through the use of the Irish language.”
Finishing up, Ní Chonghóile once again reflects on the success of the organisation thus far, attributing it to their making of a business case for the language in the city, and concludes on an optimistic note: “I am always optimistic; you need to be optimistic and proactive when trying to change people's minds. I was lucky to have been brought up in the Gaeltacht, so my experience is positive. The Irish language is a huge part of who I am. I also have a business background, so I know that in order to sell a product, you need to present it in a way that appeals and connects with the customer. We are lucky in Gaillimh le Gaeilge in that we have a very strong board, a diligent team of four, and that we have been supported over the years by our funders and the people of Galway who believe in the vision that we have for Ireland’s bilingual city.”
