Cork City has been officially unveiled as the 2005 European Capital of Culture.
In a ceremony at Cork City Hall last night, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue TD, officially bestowed the title upon the city.
"Cork, one of our country's most historic cities is proud and honoured to accept this designation for 2005 on behalf of the people of Ireland," he said.
Cork 2005 Director, John Kennedy, said that he was confident that Cork could make its mark on the European event. "I am strong in the belief that Cork can rightly take its place amongst Europe's cultural cities."
While the full programme of events will not be detailed until October, a preview was given last night.
Among the 40 projects will be Relocations, a major compilation of outdoor European theatre to be held during the summer of 2005.
July 2005 will be the Month of Childhood, with a series of events that will ensure children and teenagers can become involved in the festivities.
It was also announced that the year will see a new arts space sited in the city for the year - Eighteen Turns, Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2001, was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose Ground Zero design will replace the World Trade Centre in New York.
