- Programme of Talks, Workshops, Performances and Community Events after 6pm in Galway Arts Centre from March to December 2026.
Galway City Council is delighted to announce the continued expansion of Gallery Lates, a cultural initiative delivered in partnership with Galway Arts Centre from March to December 2026, supporting a thriving, diverse, and accessible evening-time cultural offering in the heart of the city.
As a key action within the Galway City Night-Time Economy (NTE) Action Plan—and aligned with the national Night-Time Economy report and the Programme for Government—Gallery Lates extends public access to arts and culture beyond traditional hours, ensuring that residents, families, students, visitors, and workers can engage with creativity and cultural experiences after dark. By opening cultural buildings later and offering dynamic weekly programming, the initiative strengthens Galway’s evening cultural life, drives footfall into the city centre, and fosters greater participation in the arts.
Speaking at the launch, where the Mayor officially unveiled the next phase of the programme, Mayor of Galway City Cllr Mike Cubbard said:
“Gallery Lates reflects the very best of our city—creative, welcoming, and alive well into the evening. By opening our cultural spaces after hours, we are supporting a vibrant night-time economy while making arts and culture more accessible for everyone“
Running every Thursday until 9pm, Gallery Lates invites the public to explore Galway Arts Centre’s exhibitions after hours while enjoying talks, workshops, performances, and community events. The spring programme coincides with the new group exhibition usual and generous ways, presented in partnership with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and curated by Padraig Regan, Galway Arts Centre’s inaugural Writer in Residence. The exhibition weaves together works from the IMMA collection with geological samples, historic maps, and material from the Tim Robinson Archive, offering a rich and interdisciplinary reflection on how artists and scientists have captured the shaping of our landscapes.
Visitors can experience a curator’s tour and poetry workshop with Padraig Regan, an artist talk by David Beattie, an exploration of the Tim Robinson Archive with Dr. Nessa Cronin, and insights from IMMA’s Head of Collections, Christina Kennedy. Throughout the season, late openings provide a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the exhibition at one’s own pace, while artist gatherings nurture community and conversation among local creatives.
Megs Morley, Director and Curator of Galway Arts Centre, said:
“The continuation of Gallery Lates allows us to deepen our connection with the public and create welcoming, meaningful encounters with art in the evening-time. This initiative not only expands access to culture but also strengthens Galway’s cultural ecosystem, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Galway City Council in bringing this vision to life.”
Funded by Galway City Council and the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport, Gallery Lates embodies Galway’s commitment to building a more vibrant, inclusive, and safe night-time economy—one where culture plays a central and inspiring role.
Members of the public are invited to join in every Thursday evening and be part of Galway’s growing cultural life after dark. For more information, www.GalwayArtCentre.ie