Irish city becomes fifth in the world to be awarded permanent status of UNESCO City of Film.

Galway has become the fifth city in the world to have been awarded the permanent status of UNESCO City of Film.

The status brings the highest internationally recognised standard of excellent in the creative industries to Galway and the titles of Creative City of Film also includes membership of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Galway joins its twin city of Bradford as a designated City of Film.

Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Donal Lyons, commented: “The designation of Galway as a UNESCO City Of Film will, of course, add to and enhance our international status as a creative city and will be enormously beneficial to our bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2020. Galway is now recognised internationally for our quality of artistic work and engagement, which is testament to all those working in this creative vibrant and lucrative film and TV sector.”

Supported by the Irish Film Board (IFB), the bid was organised by Galway Film Centre in association with Galway City and County Councils and IFB chief executive James Hickey served on the committee that drove the bid. The final submission of over 50 organisations from across Galway city and county was submitted in March 2014.

“This is a major international achievement not just for Galway, but for the country. Film has always run through the veins of Galway, and holds a strong cultural, artistic and economic value. I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Galway City and County Councils, together with all of those working in the film and television community in Galway City and County, and to applaud their contribution,” added Bill O’Herlihy, chairman, IFB.

The announcement follows a successful week for the Galway Film Centre which held its annual Film and TV seminar last week. Declan Gibbons, manager of Galway Film Centre, said that the status has “already opened doors for us” - “This will open so many opportunities for Galway that it is actually quite overwhelming.”