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OUR CITY, Europe’s Cultural Capital Getting lost between one narrow alley and another will never be more intriguing. There are statues at every corner and colourful balconies from which the curious wonderer is likely to meet two scenarios. A young worker on a quick coffee break, in an attempt to break away from the cosmopolitan whirlwind, or a calmer, more observant, elderly person, one hand holding hot tea with milk in a glass, the other poised on a purring cat. Such are the streets of Valletta; a vibrant blend of old and new. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built as a cityfortress. Centuries later, it was declared European Capital of Culture for 2018 by the European Commission. Local authorities have invested strongly in a programme that will include hundreds of local and international artists, curators, artist collectives, performers, workshop leaders, writers, designers, choirs and film-makers. The Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme will involve a collection of over 140 projects and 400 events taking place throughout the European Capital of Culture year. This means that during peak and off-peak months alike, prospective holiday makers will find interesting activities taking place in Malta’s cultural calendar. The very diversity offered by the programme helps in promoting the Maltese Islands as a destination that is able to tailor for all sorts of tastes.
Not only will the programme itself bring many visitors to our hotels, restaurants and attractions, but those visiting are bound to share their experiences on social media or recount details of their stay once they return to their home country. Being absolutely aware of this, we are working incessantly with several stakeholders in order to ensure that their stay is positive; hopefully to the extent that they either return to our islands for another visit or encourage friends and family to visit. Promoting Malta as a city location also helps combat issues related to seasonality that are already being addressed successfully. Quality is paramount for such positive experiences to happen. Being conscious of this, we manage The Quality Assured (QA) seal, which is a voluntary quality recognition scheme aimed at businesses offering high levels of quality, consistency and professionalism. The QA seal covers three key tourism business operations, namely restaurants, visitor attractions and destination management companies (DMCs). The participating businesses are assessed either annually or once every two years. The seal is awarded once the QA Monitoring Committee of each category receives and approves the assessor’s report. Additionally, the MTA manages a reward scheme known as STAR, which stands for Special Thanks And Recognition. This is an important initiative through which the Malta Tourism Au-
thority is able to give public recognition to outstanding employees who work directly or indirectly in the tourism industry.
The process is completely tourist-driven and gives visitors the opportunity to express their gratitude towards those persons
who have made their holiday a memorable one. Companies are encouraged to participate in this scheme with the aim of acknowledging the importance of maintaining high standards of service across this dynamic industry. Our efforts towards quality tourism are reaping results. All the recent official figures published by the National Statistics Office indicate that the average spent per bed night is registering positve increases, mainly due to an increase spent on accomodation and other expenditure. An increase in the number of tourists setting foot on our islands means that it is ever more necessary for us to attract young, local people to pursue a career in hospitality. We are working towards this by managing different campaigns in various educational facilities. I must conclude by expressing how proud I am that over two million tourists who have visited Malta over the past year have had the opportunity to not only visit Malta, but experiece what Valletta has to offer, now that it is in a state that best befits its title as cultural capital. I look forward to this experience, both as a Maltese citizen as well as a host to foreign visitors. We are now all responsible for safeguarding the legacy that we have received and worked for, in order for future generations to benefit. Paul Bugeja,CEO Malta Tourism Authority
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Jack Lang
Logo for the first City of Culture, Athens. In 1985
Melina Mercouri
Happy 2018, VALLETTA 18 BEGINS Welcome to the first issue of the Malta Independent on Sunday’s Valletta 18 – Capital of Culture series.
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ears of preparation have passed and Valletta is now a European Capital of Culture, But where, when and why did such a concept begin? It was 33 years ago, in Greece, a country well known for its ancient cultural history, that the then minister for culture, Melina Mercouri, felt that culture was not being given the same importance as politics and economics; and that there should be a way to promote the different European cultures of member states. Together with the French minister of culture, Jack Lang, she thought of a way to bring Europeans closer by concentrating on the history and values they shared, and celebrating the richness and diversity of their cultures with the annual designation of a City of Culture. For one year the chosen city would or-
ganise cultural activities with a strong European aspect and vibe. The chosen city gets to embrace a pan-European experience while sharing its own rich culture and heritage with thousands of local and European visitors. During the year everyone can be part of the events, the social exchanges and the development of their city through international artists, performers, activities, exhibitions, concerts and just communicating with so many people on a local and international level. The title is managed by the Commission of the European Union and over 50 European cities have held the honour up to now. The first, in 1985, was, unsurprisingly, Athens, Greece. Since then cities including Amsterdam, Florence, West Berlin, Dublin, Istanbul, Paris, Antwerp, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Copen-
hagen and Stockholm have qualified. In 1999, when Germany held the presidency of the European Union, the European City of Culture was renamed the European Capital of Culture. At the start of the new millennium, in 2000, there were 10 Capitals of Culture spanning Europe from Reykjavík, in Iceland, to Santiago de Compostela, in the region of Galicia, Spain and taking in Bergen, in Norway, Prague, Brussels, Helsinki, Krakow, Avignon and Bologna. Three cities in the United Kingdom have held the title: Glasgow, in 1990, Liverpool, in 2018 and Hull, in 2017. But it has been suggested that no more UK cities will be considered, following Britain’s plans to withdraw from the European Union in 2019. This year Malta's fellow Capital of Culture is Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands. And it is good to know that Valletta intends to forge links with its counterpart in an environment of exchange and col-
Leeuwarden, Valletta’s fellow Capital of Culture
laboration with the Dutch city. There may not be many obvious similarities between the two cities but the collaborations will focus on the sharing aspects of culture and social life, One thing Malta and the Netherlands do have in common is their excellent potato crops. And the cultural project Poetry in Potato Bags, which builds on our long-standing links in agriculture and commerce, is one example. This initiative links the two countries and offers the artistic experience of exchanging and sharing of poetry from local poets working within each community, which certainly encourages a creative and cultural relationship. From its introduction the concepts and realities of cities of culture have expanded and become steadily more successful and beneficial for the citizens of Europe. Its cultural and socio-economic impact has grown, as have the benefits for the cities that take part and the thousands who enjoy and learn from the experience.
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The FINEST foundations The very existence of Valletta is an early example of European integration and cooperation in the field of culture.
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hile we are happy enough to explore and admire famous cities overseas, we are in danger of taking our own valiant Valletta for granted. And if there is one thing we should all gain during its coming 12 months of cultural exposure and creativity, it is a new-found admiration and respect for what is a truly remarkable city. It may be one of the smallest European capitals, but its heart is huge. Christianity was only beginning to spread through Europe, when a ship, carrying the future St Paul, was wrecked on what is believed to have been the islands of Malta. The survivors were made welcome and as a result of this event Christianity came to Malta. A testament to this is, of course, the Church of St Paul's Shipwreck, in Valletta. There is a tenuous but fitting link here, in as much as centuries later, the Knights of St John, intended Malta to be not only a fortification and useful harbour, but also a place of care and safety. Grand Master La Vallette, a hero of the 1565 Great Siege, set about planning such a city which, of course, came to be named after him. The site chosen for the new city, Mount Sceberras, was perfect; situated between two readymade, very deep harbours, on land that was totally bare but for one watch tower, which is still known as St Elmo. It was not only to be a fortified city but one which considered its inhabitants and their welfare and comfort. When the Knights' Hospital and places of shelter were built for soldiers injured in the Crusades and pilgrims travelling to and from holy places, the city's unique identity was forged.
King Philip II of Spain promised financial aid
First European cultural links.
Conditions in the Mediterranean area at that time were such that other European countries supported this practical approach to the security of the Church and the region, by promising financial aid and logistical support. King Philip II of Spain and Pope Pius V offered great assistance. And from the beginning of the project in 1566 until its completion, the beautiful and functional designs of its many buildings became realities. And luckily a fair number survive today. Thanks to the work of Grand Master La Vallette and Pietro del Monte, who succeeded him, plus architects Francesco Laparelli and his assistant Gerolamo Cassar, and the thousands who built the city, almost with their bare hands, Valletta was completed. The knights moved to the new capital from Victoria, and its population grew. They lived in a town that was truly ahead of its time. Cassar's
Knight's Hospital, the Grandmaster's Palace, St John's Cathedral and the Auberges, were eventually joined by more baroque palaces and churches, with ornate and heavily carved facades. Valletta was now the city it was meant to be, one of strategic importance, thanks to its unique grid style street plan and fortress walls. It also had
Statue, by John Grima, depicting Francesco Laparelli and Gerolamo Cassar studying plans for the new city of Valletta. what would have been state-ofthe-art environmental advantages, having been especially designed to allow for water storage, the circulation of fresh air and sanitation requirements. These were not always priorities with the town planners in those days.
Six centuries later
Pope Pius V lent the Knights the services of Francesco Laparelli
At the end of World War II, Valletta began a period of recovery from devastating bomb damage. But new towns were also appearing around the island, luring its population to brighter, more spacious homes, and its businesses to offices with more sophisticated surroundings and space. Even as a place of entertainment it was being upstaged by other towns. Although still a fascinating place to visit and loved by those who called it home, Valletta seemed almost on the sidelines. But some years ago this began to change. A new local generation, including in-comers, has dis-
covered what too few people appreciated. And they have the imagination and enthusiasm to not only return Valletta to its previous glory, but to realise the value of its basic bones. They see right into the buildings, whose extraordinary histories emanate from every wall, and soak up the vibes from its streets and alleys; the settings for scenes of who knows what dramas and triumphs. This city of such rich cultural heritage and irreplaceable architecture and atmosphere is being restored. Restored, not replaced, by people who realise that the true value of culture is in its history and uniqueness. What makes Valletta precious is more about what was and should remain in the city than about destroying the very factors that make it what it so deserves to be – a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen (the accent in this case being on the word gentle), a World Heritage Site and, for the year 2018, a European Capital of Culture.
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Let the CELEBRATIONS begin! Valletta will be pulling out all the stops during the coming week, as visitors flock to the city for the opening of its year as a European Capital of Culture
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rom January 14 to 21, everyone is invited to the magnificent celebrations; the most amazing and exciting festa these islands have ever seen. Heralding the cultural entertainment and special events taking place throughout the year, the opening week of Valletta 2018 presents music, street artists and performers. There will also be exhibitions, staged in various different venues within the city, and open days where anyone can discover or re-visit some of Valletta’s most curious and historical places. And the week will be a chance to learn more about the people of Valletta and their life in this magnetic city, through community storytelling events. All four of Valletta’s main squares are known to be popular meeting places and spaces on which to enjoy the city’s fascinating buildings and atmosphere, both day and night. For this week they will be scenes of music, dance and revelry. Valletta’s four main squares: Castille Square, St John’s Square, St George’s Square and the newly restored area by the Triton Fountain will see fellow European performers, including La
La Fura dels Baus performing Fura dels Baus, a Catalan theatrical group, who blur the line between audience, and performers ŻfinMalta with contemporary dance performances. The celebrations will also be marked by digital projections and video art. A choral symphony will create a magical atmosphere. And travelling bands and performers will carry the festivities through the streets, so residents and visitors alike can be part of the spectacle.
Events at a glance The events are designed to explore Valletta and all of Malta’s vibrancy and heritage, and to introduce the various themes that
MPO takes on Richard Strauss’s heroic epic The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing German composer Richard Strauss’ masterpiece Ein Heldenleben this month, in a concert which will see a staggering 100 musicians on stage. The concert, which will take place on 27 January, will see the return to Malta of the renowned Dutch-Maltese conductor Lawrence Renes, who last conducted the national orchestra in 2003 in what was the only concert he conducted in Malta to date. Ein Heldenleben, which directly translates to A Hero’s Life, is a tone poem composed in 1898, which is generally agreed to be autobiographical in nature. As with many of his other works, Ein Heldenleben is epic in scope, scale and instrumentation, and it is one of Strauss’ most technically difficult works for an orchestra. It also requires more musicians than the MPO – or most orchestras, for that matter – employ. So, on this occasion the MPO will be joined by a number of musicians from the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia.
The internationally-acclaimed Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri, co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, will once more join the MPO as guest orchestral leader. In this concert, the MPO will also be performing Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Concerto, written when he was just 18 years old but revised and refined at a later stage. Latvian concert pianist Inese Klotiņa will be performing the solo pieces. The concert is being dedicated to the memory of jazz saxophonist and percussionist Joe Curmi il-Pusè, who died last month, at the age of 90.Curmi was the orchestra’s first timpanist, back when it was set up as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra in 1968 with the musicians forming part of the recently-disbanded “C-in-C” orchestra of the British Mediterranean fleet. Tickets for this concert, which will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, can be obtained through showshappening.com or from the MCC’s box office.
will be highlighted during the city’s year as a European Capital of Culture, which are: Music and Theatre, Festa, Pop-up/Music, Children and Young People, History and Sport; certainly something for everyone. On January 20, the date Valletta actually becomes European Capital of Culture for 2018, the Erba’ Pjazez will be staged on Triton Square, St John’s Square, St George’s Square and Castille Square. There will be 20-minute shows taking place on the hour at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm, ensuring no one will miss a chance to enjoy them all. Here are just a few of the acts and event you can look forward to.
La Fura dels Baus, is a Spanish theatre company that is all about eccentricity, innovation, adaptation, rhythm, evolution and transgression. They constantly redefine space and change the public’s role from passive to active. On this occasion they will be performing a spectacular, choreographed aerobatic show, featuring a human net above the newly restored Triton Fountain. They will be joined by a pool of local talent, including about 60 people. ŻfinMalta will be performing a modern dance, choreographed by Paolo Mangiola, to original music composed by Cyprian Cassar. The show will feature dancers interacting with projected visuals by Blaze Anima-
tion and lighting effects by Mad About Video. Site – St George’s Square Elfejn u Tmintax is a brand new choral symphony which will be premiered on the steps of St John’s Cathedral. The music is composed by Elton Zarb and the lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia. The choir will be directed by Pamela Bezzina. The performance includes innovative lighting effects illuminating the centuries old façades of St John’s Square. Site – St John’s Square Minn Qiegħ l-Imgħoddi għallQuċċata tal-Ġejjieni comprises 3D mapping projections on the Auberge de Castille which combine CGI components, music and visual special effects. This 20-minute extravaganza celebrates the past and prepares for an imagined future. Site – Castille Square Apart from these spectacles, other performances will reach spectators in the surrounding areas: A guard of honour, celebrating the Maltese people, with bands playing on either side of a large street; Moveo Dance Company creating beautiful, evocative movements on specially designed swings and within the crowd; Rota, a huge wheel welcoming the crowd to the city of Valletta; Big Dancers – giant marionettes in synchronised choreography and light effects; Nibnu Malta, a gaggle of clowns interacting with the crowd in a comedy creation of Malta’s national symbol, plus three marching bands accompanying the crowds from venue to venue. And, on the way to the rest of the night’s programme, the delicious, traditional warm chocolate drink, Imbuljuta, will be handed round to the crowd.
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Selecting a CAPITAL OF CULTURE Special criteria apply to the choice of cities for this award and these are specified by the European Union. In October, 2011Alexiei Dingli, Valletta’s mayor, submitted a bid for Malta's capital to be a Capital of Culture which was forwarded to the members of the selection panel to be considered. This panel assesses each bid based on certain criteria which include: contribution to the long term strategy of the city, European dimension, cultural and artistic content, capacity to deliver, outreach and management. In 2004, a study known as the Palmer Report was made for the EU Commission. It revealed how the choice of a European City of Culture was a catalyst for its cultural development and transformation, which also benefitted its socio-economic development. This effect is now given a lot of consideration in determining which cities are chosen. Malta presented a single bid incorporating all its towns, ensuring that the benefits of winning the bid would be felt throughout the country. The Local Councils' Association agreed that all localities in Malta and Gozo would support Valletta’s bid. In January, 2012, while visiting Valletta, a selection panel, comprising 13 members, nominated by European institutions and national authorities, gave the city the goahead to continue its application. The panel continued to give feedback and advice and Valletta's final bid, entitled Imagine 18, focused on the Valletta Foundation's vision for the year, should its bid be successful. It was. In May, 2013, Valletta was officially declared European Capital of Culture for 2018 by the Council of the Ministers of Culture of the European Union. Preparation for the cultural year has been supported by the European Commission and the Monitoring and Advisory Panel, as 2018 approached. The regeneration of Valletta had been underway for some time and already a determined policy of restoring and repurposing old buildings is evident everywhere you go in the city. That many of these buildings are being transformed into select hotels, galleries and museums is a step in the right direction for a Capital of Culture. And,
Valletta Fine Arts Museum
Signs of regeneration show Valletta’s endeavors to enhance its cultural and environmental aspects clearly, our already rich legacy of historical and cultural buildings and venues for exhibitions and artistic events proved Valletta to be a worthy choice for 2018. Valletta’s nomination as European Capital of Culture 2018 includes all localities. And the Valletta Foundation will be finding ways to assist local councils with their own cultural activities, within a European dimension, to improve quality and accessibility to a wider audience. All in all an amazing amount of planning, dialogue and effort by everyone involved, from the Valletta Foundation to the artists, performers, technicians, construction workers, security, transport, hospitality and tourism employees and all volunteers, has gone into the preparations for this year. And while thousands of visitors, local and foreign, enjoy the many events and the unique ambience that will
Renovation works at Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta, now home to the Malta Society of Arts surround them all this will to ensure that Valletta and indeed, all of Malta and Gozo will enjoy not just one year but its whole future as a beacon of innovative creativity and culture for all.
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Valletta’s year of OPPORTUNITY
As the city gears up to become 2018’s European Capital of Culture, we asked its Mayor, Dr Alexiei Dingli, to share his hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Valletta 18 is with us at last. What are your hopes for this year for Valletta and Malta in general? I hope that both Valletta and Malta get the most out of Valletta 2018. I like to describe The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) as an opportunity for regeneration through culture. So we have to seize the opportunity to change our country once and for all. Culture is what defines and enriches us as individuals. It also helps us to open our viewpoints and consider new alternatives. So apart from the infrastructural upgrade, through ECOC and by exposing more people to culture (especially those who wouldn’t normally consider it), I hope we manage to make the culture change which our country badly needs. After all, the success of such an event should not be measured by the number of events organised or by the number of people who attend such events but rather by the effect, not just economical but more socially, which it will have on the country in the following years.
How will the city absorb and promote all the extra events and visitors it will need to accommodate during the year? In the past years, we’ve seen a huge rise in boutique hotels. These offer quality accommodation within the city. Today we’re seeing the city alive at night thanks to the visitors who make Valletta their obvious choice. Through the organisation of past events such as Notte Bianca, the NYE, etc, we’ve also learnt how to handle logistical nightmares which these events bring to the city. Whilst doing so, we always strive to have as little impact as possible on the residents who have to continue with their life. So we are confident that with this baggage of experiences, we can manage to absorb all the events which are in store for this year.
How important is the help and enthusiasm of Valletta residents, and in what extra ways are they supporting this very significant year? The help and enthusiasm of the Valletta residents is vital. ECOC
is not just about using Valletta for its locations, it must also leave a legacy in the city. This was one of the main deliverables promised to the evaluation panel who gave us the title. In fact, many people from Valletta will be involved as helpers and in other roles within the Valletta 2018 Foundation. Various outreach activities were held with the children in Valletta and with the community in general. The local NGOs will be directly involved in the projects. Finally, we hope that residents actively attend the various events which will be held throughout the city.
What would you suggest visitors, local and foreign, can do to discover the hidden treasures and special advantages of frequent visits to Valletta during its year as a City of Culture? After attending one of our various events, I suggest visitors get lost in the city. Valletta is a small walkable city. It’s also very safe. So I do suggest that visitors venture beyond the city centre and into the residential zone. Whilst there, the secret is to look up and admire the architecture which adorns the city. I’m sure they will be pleasantly surprised. Even though I’ve lived most of my life in the city, I still discover new stuff each and every day. The secret is to look for the details; the small niches, the sculptures under the balconies, and loads of other hidden gems. After soaking themselves in these baroque jewels, they should then find one of the bars, restaurants or even gardens which are located within the residential areas and they should get to know the locals. I’m sure they will be inspired with the stories recounted by the people living in the city.
What do you hope will be the legacy of this period and all the activities that take place during the year, for the city? I hope that ECOC manages to change how we look at Valletta. Unfortunately, sometimes I feel that some people look at Valletta as a commodity, good for exploitation. You can see it every day from the lack of respect for the city. For people like me who hail from the city, Valletta is very special.
First of all its our source of pride, and this can be felt immediately when you meet someone from the city. We were soaked in culture since our inception. When we opened our eyes for the first time, they most probably landed on a piece of baroque architecture. Just going out of the front
door makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a museum. When you consider that the most important buildings in Malta like the Palace, the Office of the Prime Minister, the museums, etc and the most important commercial centre on the Island are all within walking distance, what else can
you ask for? The choice of cultural events within our various theatres or the culinary experiences which one can savour in the city is the best you can get in Malta. Valletta does give people a holistic experience. So I really wish that the legacy which ECOC brings to Valletta focuses on respecting the city. I want people to feel that the city is also theirs, especially since we’re also a World Heritage Site. But people have to do their best to respect it, keep it clean and not be of nuisance to the residents of the city. I hope people take this unique opportunity and participate in the various events organised in Valletta. I hope they get to know Valletta better and they learn to respect it. Finally, I really hope that Valletta 2018 will touch them personally and give them a new outlook towards culture and its importance for our society to thrive.
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