A comprehensive analysis of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme

Abstract

Programme in terms of the cultural offer, participation and European collaboration. It draws on to previous evaluations of ECoC programmes and the Bid Book objectives to establish elements and criteria against which to evaluate the programme. It takes a longitudinal and cultural production studies approach to examine the practices and decision-making processes from 2015 to 2018. The 2015 preliminary findings reveal the complexity of developing an ECoC programme and an ongoing refining of the vision and objectives by the Valletta 2018 Foundation. The interpretation of themes and orientations is flexible and used more for internal guidance rather than for external communication of projects. The programme is being further developed to include community based projects targeting specific groups as well as a number of large, special event projects targeting large audiences. The report further signals that the programming balance is currently in flux with a leaning towards a contemporary approach, a range of art forms and a focus on process-led projects rooted in Valletta and across Malta. Content programmers are intent on prioritising audience participation, European collaboration and legacy. The research needs to assess how this is translated into programming strategies and content over the next years leading up to the final 2018 cultural programme.