A comprehensive analysis of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme

Abstract

The research study sets out to investigate the strategies and practices currently in place to develop the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme. The aim is to understand how the Valletta 2018 Foundation and various project leaders transfer their visions into objectives and how they work to create a balanced cultural offer, place the citizen at the centre and strive towards a European dimension. The study observes a clear progress in the consolidation of the Cultural Programme with a range of projects across different disciplines included and confirmed for 2018. In particular, the information gathered shows an intensified drive towards contemporary projects, establishing international links and exploiting the Euro-Mediterranean dimension. The interviews and focus groups shed light on the different strategies in place and also the challenges encountered by the programme contributors. The interpretation of audience participation and engagement varies, ranging from grass-roots community projects to the large-scale events. However, the study also indicates that interviewees share a common vision of striving towards widening participation and with this a common concern that this requires ongoing efforts and the need to share best practices. The implementation of projects at such a scale is largely unprecedented and capacity building, development, competences and skills are identified by respondents as necessary for the successful delivery of ECoC objectives. In particular, the study highlights the need for project leaders to understand the overarching objectives of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme beyond the aims of their individual project.