The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has agreed a partnership approach with Galway City Council which will see the Picture Palace completed and open to the public. Galway City Council will project manage the venture to completion, and will also contribute to the completion of the project.
Speaking today Arts Minister Heather Humphreys said: “I am delighted that we have agreed a plan to ensure the successful completion of the Galway Picture Palace project. A partnership arrangement between my Department, Galway City Council and Solas Picture Palace Ltd will ensure that there will soon be a new three screen cinema in the heart of Galway City.
“This will come as a significant boost to Galway, which of course is one of this country's main cultural hubs. The State has already invested considerably in the Picture Palace project, so I am very pleased that its future has been secured. When completed, the Picture Palace will be a state-of-the-art three screen cinema, complete with a cafe and book shop. Located close to the historic Spanish Arch and just a stone's throw from the Mick Lally Theatre (Druid), the Picture Palace will be a great addition to Galway's vibrant cultural scene.
“My Department will now work with Galway City Council to bring this project to completion. Galway already has a lively and growing film and TV industry, worth in the region of €72 million to the local economy and employing over 600 people full time. This was given worldwide recognition last December when Galway became one of just five cities worldwide to be awarded the highly prestigious and permanent title of UNESCO City of Film. The completion of the Picture Palace should help to cement Galway's reputation as a film hub.
“I would like to acknowledge the work and support of Galway City Council, which will be a crucial partner in bringing this project to fruition. My Department will continue to work closely with the City Council in the coming months to ensure the Picture Palace is finished, providing Galway City Centre with a new state-of-the-art cinema.”
About the Picture Palace
The Picture Palace when complete will be a three screen cinema with state-of-the-art digital and film projection. The largest of the three screens will accommodate 178 people. The other two screens will have 82 seats and 69 seats respectively.
The new building will also house a café and a bookshop.
The Picture Palace is located in the heart of Galway City; the site was provided by Galway City Council in 2006.
The organisations involved in funding the Galway Picture Palace to date include the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Galway City Council, the Irish Film Board, the Western Development Commission and Solas Picture Palace Ltd.
The Department of Arts has contributed €1.92 million to the project to date.
Galway and film
Galway's designation as UNESCO City of Film reflects the strong heritage and predominance of film in the fabric of Galway society. Galway's institutions include the Galway Film Centre, TG4, the Galway Film Fleadh, the Telegael live-action film studiofacility and the John Huston School of Film and Digital Media.