Space exploration: search for social centre

Galway seeks space

A public meeting is to be held in Galway in December to discuss the opening of a cultural and social centre in Galway.

A number of local charities and community groups have been invited to the meeting and the organisers are hopeful that it will gain support among these organisations.

Independent cultural centres have existed for some years in Dublin and Cork. Now a newly formed association in Galway aims to develop a community orientated and community organised, non-profit, cultural and creative space for Galway.

"Whilst there are lots of bars and clubs there is a definite need for community-owned and driven cultural, artistic and creative spaces that can facilitate learning and provide a space for people to come together," a spokesperson said this week.

The meeting will be attended by various social, cultural, community and charity organisations from throughout Galway City and County, and will deal with issues such as the increasing lack of public space in Galway city, as well as the lack of a focus for Galway's vibrant cultural traditions. It will also provide a forum for ideas and uses for the space to be discussed.

"We're calling on anyone, whether they be a visitor to Galway or a long time resident, and particularly those involved with community organisations, to come along on Saturday and share their views whilst hearing what others are proposing," they added.

The group say they are not seeking a space like that proposed for Ceannt Station, but a space that will be self-funding and independent from government or any organisation, although they fully support the work of the Arts Alliance on Ceannt Station.

The meeting will take place on Saturday 1 December, at 2pm in Conradh na Gael on Dominic Street.