Cultural 2017 Programme

Notte Bianca c. Inigo Taylor 2017 Cultural Programme

1

MEETINGS IN THE RUN-UP TO EDUCATION OUR EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF LITERATURE CULTURE

PARTICIPATION CELEBRATIONS, OUR CONSTANT GOAL IS TO CREATE 2018 MEANINGFUL DANCE EXPERIENCES THAT CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF

DESIGN STIMULATE SOCIAL DIVERSE COMMUNITIES ACROSS AND AND ECONOMIC . AS WE GEAR UP FOR 2018, WE INVITE VISUAL ARTS CHANGE IN YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE YEAR OF MALTA’S VILLAGES, CELEBRATIONS WHICH FESTIVALS TOWNS AND LIES AHEAD OF US. MUSIC CITIES, CREATING AND SUPPORTING EXHIBITIONS ACCESSIBLE

PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES ACROSS FILM THE ISLAND. 2017 Cultural Programme

2 3

THIS YEAR, OUR CULTURAL PROGRAMME INVITES YOU TO REDISCOVER OUR CAPITAL CITY AND TO CREATE NEW, EXCITING EXPERIENCES

FRIENDSHIPS. JOIN US TO SEE THE MALTESE ISLANDS THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS.

OUR COMMUNITIES CONTINUE TO EVOLVE,

PROGRAMME IS FOCUSED ON ENSURING THE SUCCESS OF ONGOING INITIATIVES, ENCOURAGING NEW VISIONS, INVITING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, BUILDING STRONG NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS, AND ON PROVIDING THE SKILLS, RESOURCES AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURES NECESSARY TO SUSTAIN QUALITY FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

Kantakantun c. Chris Mangion 2017 Cultural Programme

4 5

THE YEAR 2018 VALLETTA 2018 INVITES YOU TO TAKE PART IN A YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION.

VALLETTA 2018 WILL Brimming with unique activities INAUGURATE THE centred around art, music, EUROPEAN CAPITAL literature, design, and lots more, OF CULTURE our inclusive, weekend-long FESTIVITIES ON THE programme promises to WEEKEND OF THE enchant visitors young and old through engaging events that 20TH AND 21ST celebrate culture in all its forms. JANUARY 2018, WITH AN IMMERSIVE The year will start off with PROGRAMME Valletta 2018’s major multi- site exhibition, curated by the OF EVENTS. internationally renowned Maren Richter. Contemporary artists from all over the world will connect with and react to local contexts and environments, to present audiences with a vibrant array of cultural activities. Valletta 2018’s theatre and music programmes will also work with local communities to explore our identities, cultures and futures through a year-long programme packed with new Notte Bianca c. Arts Council and exciting performances. 2017 Cultural Programme

6 7

BE PART OF OUR CULTURAL PROGRAMME

The Valletta 2018 Foundation has created an Endorsement Programme that grants release of its logo to eligible third party producers of artistic, THE VALLETTA community, and cultural events. The 2018 FOUNDATION programme considers contemporary CREATES, SUPPORTS initiatives which demonstrate the ability AND PROMOTES to generate community awareness, INITIATIVES THAT and which encourage participation DEMONSTRATE in the European Capital of Culture ethos and the Valletta 2018 Capital HIGH ARTISTIC of Culture celebrations. Initiatives EXCELLENCE, AND supported by the Endorsement ENSURES THAT Programme benefit from an instantly CULTURAL ACTIVITY recognisable mark of quality, which AND CREATIVE may be used across promotional COLLABORATIONS material to communicate that an ENDURE FAR event is true to its proposed vision and BEYOND VALLETTA’S appropriate for its intended audience. TITLE OF EUROPEAN If you are interested in our CAPITAL OF Endorsement Programme, CULTURE IN 2018. we’d like to hear from you.

Website: valletta2018.org/have-your-project-endorsed/ 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

8 9

L-GĦANJA TAL-P OPLU FESTIVAL TAL-KANZUNETTA MALTIJA FESTIVALS July 2017

As Malta’s festivals go from strength to strength,

creatives from a wide range L-Għanja tal-Poplu is a live music festival devoted to the of disciplines will bring a strengthening and preservation of new original songs written and performed in the Maltese whole new year of cultural language. Songs competing for the title of L-Għanja tal-Poplu activity to the capital city and deal with a variety of themes relating to the experiences various places in Malta and of the – social issues, hopes, dreams, Gozo, including an array of and traditions. The festival awards artists who contribute events and initiatives which significantly to the creation of songs in the Maltese language, contribute to the Valletta and seeks to engage audiences with these productions. 2018 Cultural Programme. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

10 11

VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL

12 – 28 January 2017

Since its launch in 2013, the Valletta International Baroque Festival has treated audiences to a unique event featuring some of the best ensembles on the baroque music scene. Taking as its main venue one of the oldest working theatres in the world, Teatru Manoel, this prestigious two-week festival also plays out within many wonderful baroque and historical venues, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. This year’s musical programme has once again secured some of the best contemporary exponents of Baroque music from the international and local sphere to contribute to the celebration of Malta’s capital. Valletta International Baroque Festival c. Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

12 13

CARNIVAL

24 – 28 February 2017

Every year, the city of Valletta hosts the Maltese , one of the island’s oldest festive traditions. Over four vibrant days, the capital plays host to dancers in elaborate costume and numerous marching bands, whilst the much-anticipated carnival float parade sees beautiful handcrafted floats depicting various themes – people, animals and mythical creatures – travelling along Carnival c. Jonathan Borg the historic streets. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

14 15

VALLETTA GREEN FESTIVAL

28 – 30 April 2017

This highly-anticipated three-day event transforms one of the largest open spaces in Valletta, Pjazza San Ġorġ, through the introduction of an ‘infjorata’ – a floral carpet composed of some 80,000 seasonal flowering plants. Throughout the Valletta Green Festival, a varied programme of events will also explore the theme of environmental sustainability from multiple angles, with educational workshops, information sessions, and music and entertainment events

Valletta Green Festival taking place around Pjazza San Ġorġ c. Elisa von Brockdorff and other venues within the capital. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

16 17

MALTA FASHION WEEK GĦANAFEST

21 – 27 May 2017 24, 25, 28, 29 June 2017

Malta Fashion Week provides Now in its 10th edition, Malta’s yearly world a platform through which the music festival showcases a diverse mix of talented individuals working local and international talent, and attracts in Malta’s fashion industry both devout folk fans and aficionados may be recognised, while of Maltese-Mediterranean music with its also celebrating fashion’s diverse content and presentation. This contribution to visual culture. popular festival seeks to nurture the folk Now in its 7th edition, this revival happening on the Maltese music much-anticipated event sees scene, whilst fostering collaboration with a fashionistas gathering for growing network of international musicians. a week of fashion shows, parties, and events that showcase some of Malta’s finest industry talent – from fashion designers to catwalk models, stylists, make-up artists, photographers, fashion bloggers and writers.

Malta Fashion Week c. Kurt Paris

Ghanafest c. Joe Smith 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

18 19

MALTA INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

23 June – 15 July 2017

The Malta International Arts Festival provides a dynamic platform through which established and emerging Maltese artists can showcase their work and engage with broader audiences. Each year, the festival strives to enrich the cultural calendar with a host of events, including virtuoso music performances, visual installations, dance, and well-established international acts performing at various venues in and around Valletta.

Malta International Arts Festival c. Darrin Zammit Lupi 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

20 21

VALLETTA FILM FESTIVAL

16 – 25 June 2017

The Valletta Film Festival is Malta’s largest film event, a live and communal affair that transforms Valletta into a city- sized cinema, with 40 feature films and 25 short films being screened at several venues around the capital. Free screenings are also held at Pjazza San Ġorġ, Valletta, while masterclasses, conferences, and debates provide a platform through which participants can discuss film and contemporary affairs over the course of the festival’s programme. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

22 23

MALTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

20 – 22 July 2017

One of Malta’s longest-running festivals, this highly-acclaimed music event brings local and international artists to the city of Valletta for three days of jazz performances, concerts, and events. Each year, the festival features some of the most popular jazz musicians working in the music sector, and also offers a diverse programme of free activities and events, such as open-air concerts, master classes, intimate jazz Malta Jazz Festival c. Stefano Vella performances, and jazz contests. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

24 25

MALTA MEDITERRANEAN LITERATURE FESTIVAL

24 – 26 August 2017

The Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival brings together active writers and translators from Malta, the Mediterranean and beyond, POETRY to showcase contemporary ON FILM writing and thinking, promote interaction across languages, August 2017 geographies and artistic genres, and to discuss some of the major issues of our time. By fostering collaboration within specific programmes and across artistic genres through Poetry on Film is an initiative that an annual literary festival, a beautifully merges the visual art of film literary translation workshop with Malta’s rich literature. Each year and other pre-festival events, since 2014, Inizjamed has selected the MMLF aims to consolidate a Maltese poem from a different the place of decade for adaptation into a short film,

Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival in its simultaneously global which then premieres at the Malta c. Virginia Monteforte and Mediterranean context. Mediterranean Literature Festival. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

26 27

NOTTE BIANCA

7 October 2017

Each October, Notte Bianca brings the streets of Valletta to life with a spectacular evening of cultural events that promises to hold something special for everybody. All over the city, state palaces and museums open their doors for visual art exhibitions and theatrical performances, and musicians and dancers perform throughout the capital’s streets and piazzas. On the night of the festival, cafes, restaurants and food stalls also provide

Notte Bianca visitors with a wide variety of c. Inigo Taylor late-night dining choices. 2017 Cultural Programme FESTIVALS

28 29

THREE PALACES FESTIVAL

3 – 12 November 2017

The Three Palaces Festival attracts admirers of classical, modern, and jazz music. Set against the rich backdrop of the Presidential Palaces – the Verdala Palace in Buskett, San Anton Palace in Attard, and the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta – this festival promises audiences

Three Palaces Festival an unforgettable evening c. Stephanie Sant steeped in music and history. 2017 Cultural Programme PARTICIPATION

30 31

POETRY IN POTATO BAGS

March & October 2017

This unique project is based on an ongoing poetry exchange PARTICIPATION between Malta and The Netherlands, a geographical region which has shared agricultural ties with Malta via Our Cultural the city of Leeuwarden since 1850. Poetry in Potato Bags Programme invites creates a dialogue between Maltese and Dutch poets, all communities whose poetic exchanges follow the actual agricultural cycle: every March, Maltese to exchange poems are packaged and sent to The Netherlands with ideas, memories, the potatoes, whilst Dutch poets send their poetry back and experiences to Malta with the seeds in October. This initiative also through diverse incorporates an educational level, where students learn and engaging about agriculture and local farming processes and communal events. attend poetry workshops conducted by local poets. 2017 Cultural Programme PARTICIPATION

32 33

RIMA NAQSAM MIGRANT IL-MUŻ A STORIES

ONGOING ONGOING

This exercise in community This multidisciplinary project curation and participation combines art and anthropology celebrates the transition of to explore the multi-faceted the Museum of Fine Arts to aspects of migration and exile. MUŻA, Malta’s new national art Rima’s initiatives encourage fruitful museum. As this flagship project collaborations between experts prepares to open its doors from artistic and academic fields for Valletta’s title of European and migrants, wherein stories and Capital of Culture, community experiences retrace a lost continuity representatives from different between homeland and present localities choose meaningful daily life. Upcoming projects will works from the national focus on offering various creative collection to be reproduced, initiatives for migrant communities, exhibited, and discussed in including a film festival featuring various community spaces. films produced by migrants, creative workshops in photography, creative writing and filming, and a final showcase of works produced.

Naqsam il-MUŻA c. Jonathan Borg 2017 Cultural Programme PARTICIPATION

34 35

DARBA WAĦDA

ONGOING

This much-loved multi- ĠEWWA disciplinary series continues on its mission to draw children and BARRA the elderly together in different locations across Malta. Darba ONGOING Waħda celebrates and explores the relationship between the valuable life experience of the elderly and the youthful inspiration of children through Ġewwa Barra explores the needs, dreams all sorts of inventive activities: and ideas that shape life in the capital drama, games, exercises, through creative collaborations with arts and crafts, storytelling, Valletta’s residents. This community- improvisations, and much more. focused initiative empowers the residents Designed to create a bridge of Valletta by encouraging their creative between two generations, all participation in the dialogues taking place group sessions are carefully around our ever-changing capital city. designed and curated by The project provides an opportunity for creative professionals, who us all to appreciate and celebrate Valletta’s are committed to fostering multi-faceted social fabric together with solidarity and friendship the city’s residents, and to encourage amongst participants in a changes in ways that respect the cultural fun and engaging way. complexity and wealth of life in Valletta. 2017 Cultural Programme PARTICIPATION

36 37

LATITUDE 36

ONGOING

Latitude 36 is a transmedia project focusing on the Maltese emigrant experience. With the help of Maltese communities residing abroad, the migratory experience is placed at the core, mapping and examining SUBJECTIVE migratory patterns and personal narratives. The final work will be a MAPS MALTA multi-platform transmedia project, woven together from various strands ONGOING – conversations, images, texts, artefacts, memories, and emotions.

Subjective Maps Malta c. Tomoko Goto This project gathers ‘subjective maps’ produced by residents from various localities in the Maltese Islands. The main focus of Subjective Maps Malta is to investigate rapidly changing communities and emerging identities found at the confluence of Maltese and non-Maltese residents. 2017 Cultural Programme: Calendar of Events

PAGE 20-21 PAGE PAGE 24-28 Teatru Manoel 16-25 12-28 Carnival 13 7-8 Youth Opera 57 Valletta Film Festival 21 Valletta PAGE Malta PAGE International 11 Robotics Olympiad 21-27 24, 25, 28, 29 Baroque Festival 11 Modern Music Days 55 Valletta Design Cluster 41 Malta Fashion Week 17 Għanafest 17

12-28 PAGE 28-30 23 JUN - 15 JUL Theatres Audit A Tale of Poetry in Valletta Culture Malta International Catalogue 65 Two Cities 45 Potato Bags 31 Green Festival 15 Participation Survey 67 Arts Festival 19

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

23 JUN - 15 JUL PAGE 24-26 28th AUG - 1st SEP PAGE PAGE 3-12 PAGE PAGE Malta International Malta PAGE Curatorial Poetry in Three Digital Arts Festival 19 Mediterranean School 43 Potato Bags 31 Palaces Festival 29 Projections 53 Literature Festival 29 25 10-19 7 Utopian Nights: ŻiguŻajg Notte Bianca Displacement 27 International Arts 69 Poetry on Film 25 Festival for Children 20-22 Rima and Young People 53 28th AUG - 1st SEP Malta Jazz Festival 23 Migrant Stories 33 Curatorial School 43 22-24 L-Għanja tal-Poplu Valletta 2018 International Festival Design4DCity 45 Conference tal-Kanzunetta Maltija 09 66

Balzunetta Towers 61 2017 Cultural Programme VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN

40 41

VALLETTA DESIGN CLUSTER PROGRAMME MALTA ROBOTIC OLYMPIAD VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN 7 – 8 April 2017

This series of accessible

exhibitions and events The Valletta Design Cluster Programme focuses on initiatives showcases contemporary related to infrastructural development and design. The programme is cultural forms – visual committed to two main strands: the creation of accessible events that art, design, and other raise awareness about design, and the exploration of design concepts emerging media – as they which contribute to the regeneration of Valletta. For the second year running, the Valletta Design Cluster take root in the capital will be collaborating with the Design and Technology Learning Centre city, where spaces, places, (Ministry of Education) and the Malta Robotics Olimpiad, to deliver a history and technology National Design & Technology Expo that reaches out to all interested interact with modern students and the general public. The Valletta Design Cluster Programme audiences in surprising also curates the urban development project, Design4DCity, and continues and innovative ways. to cultivate relationships with international design collaborators. 2017 Cultural Programme VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN

42 43

CURATORIAL FRAGMENTA SCHOOL MALTA

28 August – 1 September 2017 ONGOING

Now approaching its 4th Curated by Bettina Hutschek, edition, this intensive one-week FRAGMENTA is a platform programme invites practitioners for presenting contemporary and students involved in a art in the form of pop-up variety of related areas, such exhibitions set in public or as fine arts, art education, arts semi-public spaces around administration, curation, and the Maltese Islands. Each history of art to participate exhibition is a one-day-only in lectures and workshops event, during which the public delivered by international guest can engage with art and some speakers. The 2017 edition will of the most relevant and employ an interactive model, complex issues of our time. incorporating workshops and a hands-on approach into the lecture programme.

Curatorial School c. Inigo Taylor 2017 Cultural Programme VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN

44 45

A TALE OF TWO CITIES Design4DCity

12 – 28 February 2017

This exhibition brings two very A close collaboration between different cities and histories Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta together through the lens of 2018, the and 72 photographer David Pisani. Hours Urban Action, the objective Combining the photographer’s of Design4DCity is to co-design the 29-year documentation experience of common and shared of Valletta’s buildings and spaces in Valletta and the Maltese his photographic essay on Islands, by building meaningful Nicosia and conflict areas in bridges with the community of the north of Cyprus, A Tale residents and regular users of such of Two Cities offers a cross- spaces, with a focus on the ‘Biċċerija’

A Tale of Two Cities cultural dialogue between two area in Valletta. The workshop c. David Pisani Mediterranean Island states sessions as well as the dynamics whose architecture voices a generated during the exercise shall powerful narrative of social provide valuable information for future displacement. The exhibition research into the multidisciplinary will be held in Pafos, Cyprus, application of design-related practices in 2017, and in Malta in 2018. to the regeneration of urban areas. 2017 Cultural Programme CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

46 47

THE BOX

SCHOLASTIC YEAR

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE OĦLOQ KULTURA Studio 18 leads this intensive drama workshop where young teenagers of all experience levels SCHOLASTIC YEAR With the right tools in hand, can explore dynamic performance and theatrical production. Taking young generations are better their inspiration from a creative stimulus – a poem, a piece of music, an object – which is hidden equipped to explore the Led by More or Less Theatre, inside a box, each school group will these workshops are designed collaborate with professional tutors multi-faceted aspects of to create awareness about and workshop leaders to write, cultural activities amongst produce and perform their own secondary school children aged culture and production. Our original theatrical piece. The project 8 to 10. Through a series of will culminate in a final performance entertaining talks and hands- empowering initiatives for showcase for participating schools. on activities taking place at children and young people their own school, students are introduced to complex ideas like history, architecture, combine engaging content and cultural heritage in fun, engaging and accessible ways. with artistic development With this knowledge in hand, students are then encouraged programmes and to create their own fantasy culture and devise a rich cultural skill-building activities. programme for their world. 2017 Cultural Programme CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

48 49

SOUNDS OUT LOUD KANTAKANTUN SCHOLASTIC YEAR

SCHOLASTIC YEAR

Sounds Out Loud is an empowering workshop aimed at children and young people KantaKantun encourages early with different abilities, which secondary school students to taps into the power of music and explore the relationship between rhythm to motivate participation, music and architectural space. This enjoyment, and the importance innovative project kicks off with an of sounding out. A series of introduction to important concepts workshops will be held at in both areas and a fieldtrip around resource centres and special a school’s locality, where students school programmes during the can apply learned concepts to academic year, while several the urban landscape. Following activities open to the public will these impressions, a practical be held at the Johann Strauss exercise allows students to create School of Music in Ħamrun. an original soundscape based on their surrounding architecture. The experience culminates in a follow-up session, where students share their

Kantakantun soundscapes with other schools, c. Chris Mangion propose imaginary interpretations of what their peers’ spaces might have looked like, and have their visual designs transferred unto a series of prefabricated architectural elements to form an installation. 2017 Cultural Programme CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

50 51

DISCOVER MCAST VALLETTA VALLETTA2018 COLLABORATIONS

SCHOLASTIC YEAR ONGOING

This enchanting project takes Following the success of joint initiatives such secondary school students on a as the digital projections on the façade of the journey through the fascinating Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta at Christmas history, myths, legends, people, time, and the cladding of the Valletta and places of Valletta with Cruise Port Tunnel, MCAST’s Institute for stories by beloved Maltese the Creative Arts and Valletta 2018 are now author, Trevor Zahra. In the exploring new collaborative projects that run-up to 2018, Discover Valletta can be undertaken with the Dutch European distributes activity packs to Capital of Culture, Leeuwarden 2018. Over schools for all form one students the past year, lecturers and administrators to enjoy. Each pack is theirs to from MCAST and two Dutch colleges, keep and contains everything Friesland College and ROC Friese Poort, a child needs for a fascinating have identified and developed a number of cultural excursion around the collaborative projects designed to connect city with teachers or guardians. students, lecturers and professionals from the Discover Malta is sponsored two capitals of culture. The projects identified by Bank of Valletta and is fully cover an array of areas: a web portal whereby endorsed by the Ministry for individuals from the two countries can Education and Employment. interact together, a children’s book, an opera project, info pods to be placed in Valletta and Leeuwarden in 2018, the setting up of commercial companies, a joint water quality project, a biodiversity project, a brewing project, and the creation of a solar- powered motor boat. A number of student mobility programmes have already provided

Discover Valletta groups of students with the opportunity c. Chris Mangion to work on the various projects together. 2017 Cultural Programme CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

52 53

ŻIGUŻAJG INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN DIGITAL AND YOUNG PEOPLE PROJECTIONS 10 – 19 November 2017 December 2017

Every year, this annual international arts festival The Christmas season sees the delights audiences in Valletta return of this magical event and Gozo with a treasure trove developed in collaboration of over 150 performances with the MCAST Institute for and workshops by critically- the Creative Arts, where BA acclaimed international and Graphics and Interactive Media national companies. ŻiguŻajg’s Students in their final year enduring popularity springs from present digital projections to its varied and multidisciplinary illuminate and transform the Żigużajg programme of quality creative façade of the Grandmaster’s c. Tümer Gençtürk work for children and youth, Palace. A brand new set of original which attracts audiences of projections will be revealed over 13,000 every year. during this year’s celebration. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

54 55

MODERN PERFORMANCE MUSIC DAYS

11 February 2017

The performing arts empower

professionals working in a Modern Music Days (MMD) is committed to promoting the wide range of disciplines to performance and awareness of 20th-century repertoire and uncover the potential of the contemporary music in Malta. Through adventurous programming self and others through artistic and informed presentation, MMD connects composers and musicians expression. Our Cultural with other artists, to encourage interdisciplinary expression, and to Programme brings audiences support collaborations between local musicians and international and cultural operators artists and institutions. together through dedicated youth workshops, accessible platforms for both established and emerging talent, and an ever-growing creative network. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

56 57

TEATRU MANOEL YOUTH OPERA

20 – 21 May 2017

A long-term collaboration between Teatru Manoel and Valletta 2018, this dedicated youth programme is committed to offering artistic development and support to emerging operatic talent in Malta and Gozo. The programme offers intensive weekly workshops and masterclasses, enabling young singers to explore all aspects of production in the run-up to staging their own full-scale opera, and the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and performances

Teatru Manoel Youth Opera alongside established practitioners c. Ray Attard at the prestigious Teatru Manoel. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

58 59

QUINTESSENCE

ONGOING

A collaboration between Valletta 2018 and the artist collective Open Works Lab, Quintessence consists of a solo performance by musician and sound designer Renzo Spiteri, that was premiered at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, in partnership with Future Everything Festival 2015. It has since been presented to critical acclaim in various locations in Germany, The Netherlands and England. This performance is then opened up into ‘Quintessence [City]’, a story lab which opens up the city into a space that encourages play, performance and

Quintessence participation through experimental c. European Central Bank storytelling techniques. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

60 61

Jump c. Marco Montalto

JUMP BALZUNETTA TOWERS ONGOING July 2017

Valletta 2018 has joined forces with the ŻfinMalta Dance Balzunetta Towers is a theatrical cabaret Ensemble, Malta’s national based on one of Malta’s best kept secrets contemporary dance company, – ‘Balzunetta’. Sometimes described as to create JUMP. This initiative Strait Street’s naughtier sibling, ’s is designed to empower lesser-known ‘Balzunetta’ area earned its teens who have never had the infamy through the ironic contrast between opportunity to receive formal its risky goings-on and the official nature dance training to explore of its neighbourhood, which held the creative movement and dance. Maltese Curia, the Police Headquarters, Participants undergo intensive and the Army Barracks. Set to play out in sessions with company dancers, Pjazza Teatru Rjal with a live orchestra, in preparation for various this spectacular performance promises to performances taking place deliver an exciting and interactive cabaret around the Maltese Islands. experience, replete with a spine-tingling A documentary set to be collection of memoirs and tales that frame screened in 2018 will follow this enduring local myth within some of the youngsters’ journey. the islands’ most gripping historical eras. 2017 Cultural Programme PERFORMANCE

62 63

STRADA STRETTA EVENTS DANCE4ALL

ONGOING ONGOING

As the bygone haunt of bar This community-oriented hoppers and risqué characters, dance project is offering Valletta’s infamous Strada Stretta, members of various local or ‘Strait Street’, holds a special communities the opportunity place in Malta’s contemporary to participate in workshops history and popular imagination. with company dancers from It is now a fast-growing hub the ŻfinMalta Dance Ensemble. of social and cultural activity With the format and content that is being sustained by a of each workshop customised programme of quality events, to suit the needs of the including exhibitions, talks, community taking part, this street theatre, jamming sessions, initiative is an open invitation networking opportunities for for everyone and anyone to artists, and much more. share in the art of dance. 2017 Cultural Programme ENCOUNTERS

64 65

CULTURE ENCOUNTERS MATTERS: THEATRES VALLETTA2018 FINDINGS Establishing the ideal conditions AUDIT February 2017 CATALOGUE for meaningful creative exchange ensures the long-term January 2017 In February 2017, this seminar will present the 2016 research findings health of cultural activity. uncovered by Valletta 2018’s Evaluation and Monitoring Steering For this reason, our Cultural As part of the Cultural Mapping Committee, an initiative devoted project, the Valletta 2018 to monitoring and evaluating the Programme includes a dedicated Foundation is carrying out processes and impact of Valletta research commissioned by Arts as a European Capital of Culture. strand of ongoing funds and Council Malta, which consists The Steering Committee, which is of an analysis of spaces and coordinated and managed by Valletta initiatives that are designed their potential for cultural use in 2018’s Research Department, is Malta and Gozo. This study aims composed of individual academics to facilitate cross-cultural and to provide the culture sector and a number of institutions, with valuable informational including the Economic and resources about the spaces Policy Department, Jobsplus, multidisciplinary dialogue, available within each locality, as the Malta Tourism Authority, and well as the use of these same the National Statistics Office, and skill-sharing and professional spaces in contemporary cultural conducts quantitative and qualitative activity. A comprehensive and research into vital themes related development, mobility, visual audit of theatres located to ECoCs and the development in Malta and Gozo will be and regeneration of Valletta itself and networking. published in January 2017. over the period 2015-2019. 2017 Cultural Programme ENCOUNTERS

66 67

LIVING CITIES, LIVEABLE SPACES: PLACEMAKING & IDENTITY CULTURE 22 – 24 November 2017 PARTICIPATION SURVEY

SPRING Titled ‘Living Cities, Liveable Spaces: Placemaking & Identity’, the 2017 edition of the Valletta 2018 International Conference seeks to discuss and analyse the The Culture Participation Survey is a impact of rebranding policies collaboration between Arts Council and strategies on cities and Malta, the National Statistics Office, the community members who and the Valletta 2018 Foundation. inhabit or interact with these The current survey, which acts as a cities. Taking cue from Valletta’s follow up to that carried out in 2011, run-up to the title of ECoC in offers a comprehensive picture of 2018, this conference analyses the status of cultural participation the effects of such branding in Malta, and a detailed analysis of and repositioning strategies audience segmentation, lifestyle and by exploring research, policy wellbeing, language preferences in and practical examples carried cultural consumption, and personal out by different researchers, perceptions towards culture and academics, policy makers and the arts amongst respondents. A cultural practitioners, and by specific section about Valletta 2018 combining policy and strategic will also be included, the results

Cultural Mapping Conference aspects with practical, on- of which will be presented during c. Elisa von Brockdorff the-ground perspectives. the survey’s launch event in May. 2017 Cultural Programme ENCOUNTERS

68 69

IS-SUQ TAL-B ELT

ONGOING

The restoration of the iconic Victorian-era structure affectionately known as ‘is-Suq tal-Belt’ is being overseen by the Arkadia group, the Maltese firm CGE Architects, and the UTOPIAN Italian architectural design firm Archea, with works projected NIGHTS for completion by the end of 2017. Together, the operators are ONGOING working with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage to ensure a plan that rehabilitates this neglected landmark in line with all requirements, and which This series of public events reconciles the property’s place brings artists and thinkers in Maltese collective memory together to discuss important with its potential for present-day social issues related to exile and commercial and cultural use. conflict. The Utopian Nights The restoration plan features will take place over the course a basement-level food market of four themed events, where dedicated to fresh produce, a experts will engage the public ground floor offering a range with artistic interpretations of of culinary specialties, and, pressing political themes. All in the spirit of the operators’ sessions will include an open commitment to collaborating debate with experts and an with the Malta Arts Council and invitation for public feedback, Valletta 2018, an upper level which followed by the opportunity will function as an open space for to continue discussion during cultural events and initiatives. a social mixer event. 2017 Cultural Programme ENCOUNTERS

70 71

BLITZ ARTIST-IN- RESIDENCY RESIDENCE PROGRAMME PROGRAMME

ONGOING ONGOING

The Blitz Residency Programme Through a collaboration facilitates long-term, between Valletta 2018 and international artistic cultural Fondazzjoni Kreattività, this exchanges, and is defined programme invites creatives by two activities – incoming from all fields to participate residencies at Blitz and outgoing in a yearly residency based residencies with partner on the Maltese Islands.

Blitz Residency organisations abroad, with the This programme strives c. Alexandra Pace latter commencing in 2017. to enrich multiculturalism Applicants from all over the within the national creative world are invited to apply, and scene by encouraging proposals are open to those productive interaction working across creative fields in between international and a range of media, including (but local creatives, and works not limited to) film, photography, towards fostering ongoing performance, sound, immersive working relationships between installation, and digital platforms. visitors and communities. 2017 Cultural Programme ENCOUNTERS

72 73

DEEP SHELTER ROBERTO PROJECT CIMETTA ONGOING FUND

ONGOING

Deep Shelter Project is a qualitative, interdisciplinary study that analyses the use of Valletta 2018 is collaborating audio-visual artwork designed with the Roberto Cimetta for therapeutic purposes within Fund to facilitate mobility the Psychological Support and collaboration for artists Services at Sir Anthony Mamo and cultural operators living Oncology Centre (SAMOC). and working in the Euro-Arab The visual and auditory content geographical region. A series of used aims to sustain therapeutic open calls for travel grants will dialogue between the healthcare be issued from now until 2018, professional and the patient by and will consider collaborative immersing the viewer or patient projects taking place in Malta, in visuals rich with symbolic or which are linked to Malta language. In the run-up to 2018, and Valletta’s title of European the project enters a new stage Capital of Culture 2018. Priority with a series of art workshops is given to Malta-based artists that aim to create site-specific developing international artwork through research and projects in Malta, or to artists dialogue with cancer survivors. wishing to travel to Malta. 2017 Cultural Programme MAP

74 75

EVENTS IN VALLETTA Carnival Valletta Green Festival Christmas and New Year Digital Projections Notte Bianca Malta International Arts Festival Valletta Film Festival Żigużajg Children’s Festival Ġewwa Barra The Box Discover Valletta Curatorial School A Tale of Two Cities Valletta International Baroque Festival OTHER EVENTS Modern Music Days Malta Jazz Festival AROUND L-Għanja tal-Poplu MALTA & GOZO Jump Malta Fashion Week Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival Naqsam il-MUŻA Poetry on Film Oħloq Kultura Design4DCity KantaKantun Blitz Residency Programme The Box Naqsam il-MUŻA Sounds Out Loud Valletta Design Cluster Programme Għanafest Is-Suq tal-Belt Gozo Operas Strada Stretta Events Artists in Residence Programme Three Palaces Festival Deep Shelter Teatru Manoel Youth Opera Subjective Maps Malta 76

VOLUNTEERING WITH VALLETTA 2018.

An important part of Valletta 2018’s role as European Capital of Culture is to foster the shared universal values behind volunteerism in the cultural sector, as elsewhere - free will, commitment, equity, engagement, solidarity, compassion, empathy and respect for others. For this reason, in collaboration with SOS Malta, a Maltese NGO with a long history of promoting volunteering and civic participation in Malta, Valletta 2018 has launched Tal-Kultura. The Valletta 2018 Foundation and SOS Malta aim to mobilise large numbers of people as volunteers for the various projects and/or events that feature within the 2016-2018 cultural calendar. The main objective behind Tal-Kultura is to establish volunteering as a staple ingredient and common practice within the arts and culture sector in Malta. If you are interested in getting involved, we’d like to hear from you. The information in this booklet was correct at the time of going Contact details: [email protected] to print. Valletta 2018 reserves Website: www.talkultura2018.org the right to amend dates and other event details at any time. Valletta 2018 Foundation Exchange Building Republic Street, Valletta, VLT 1117

Email: [email protected] Telephone (+356) 21242018 www.valletta2018.org