A comprehensive analysis of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme

Abstract

The 2018 report focuses on the delivery of the Cultural Programme and builds on the previous reports that examined the development of the programme from the early stages. The main aim is to understand the experience of programmers and main contributors in terms of delivering a programme that includes a balanced cultural offer, citizen engagement and European collaboration. The study examines the Cultural Programme strategies and processes through an analysis of Valletta 2018 documentation, over 10 interviews with programmers and an online survey with participants involved in a range of 2018 projects. On the cultural offer, the study finds that the development of programme content was characterised by ongoing changes and reworking of themes and projects. The programme included activities across main art forms with music and visual arts being the most represented genres. Overall the programme included a varied cultural offer and mixture of projects ranging from mass events to niche community-based projects with different and often contrasting objectives. The study also looks at the diverse forms of engagement varying from mere attendance to co-creation and active collaboration with specific target groups. Mixed methods were used to promote projects, but the extensive range of events meant that projects were also competing for limited resources and audiences. About the European dimension, generally, respondents felt that their project themes were relevant to international audiences and that their projects had export potential. The island theme and Malta’s geographical position was interpreted as an opportunity to create meaningful international connections. However, the findings show that the Foundation also experienced difficulties in working with international collaborators. The study concludes that the experience gained by the programming team and producers should be exploited to improve future cultural aspirations and programming in Malta and to reflect on the next phase of legacy development.