The potential loss of Pálás Cinema is a devastating blow to the city’s rich artistic heritage. Pálás is not merely a cinema but a vital meeting point for creativity, conversation, and community. Its closure would further diminish Galway’s already scarce cultural infrastructure and send a troubling signal about the prioritisation of commercial interests over the arts.

We're calling on councillors and staff of Galway City Council to step in and ensure this striking building retains its purpose as a culturally significant city-centre space. As is known, there is a major lack of cultural infrastructure in Galway City. This inadequacy hugely impacts those working in the arts, as well as those who experience the outputs of the industry. As stewards of a UNESCO City of Film and Capital of Culture that is so widely recognised for its vibrant arts scene, Galway City Council has a responsibility to preserve spaces that nurture cultural expression. 

We cannot afford to lose Pálás, a space that champions independent film and supports many local arts organisations as a venue for their programmes. We urge the City Council to step up and not only support, but provide a level of security for the continuation of Pálás' cultural services. Whether through public ownership, subsidies or partnerships, intervention is essential to safeguard this unique venue.

Galway City Council’s commitment to cultural preservation and expansion through their strategic aims as outlined in the New Directions Strategic Plan for the Arts 2021-2026 must be matched by action. Let us open a dialogue about potential solutions. Let us work together to save Pálás and ensure the arts remain at Galway’s heart.