The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli launched six regional cultural strategies, one for each region.
This is the first time that cultural strategies have been launched for the regions of our country. The regional cultural strategies were developed by the Regions and were managed by the Maltese Council for the Arts in collaboration with the Local Government Division and the Malta Local Councils Association.
Each strategy is dedicated to each region within the country, and focuses on the most important cultural themes and priorities for the region itself, from 2022 onwards.
Accordingly, there are six regional cultural strategies – Gozo, North, East, West, Port and South which all address their specific region. “The rich culture and art of our country are reflected in the regional cultural strategies, through which we are working to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors. With an initiative of this level, we are increasing accessibility in the sector, and strengthening the professionalization as well,” said Minister Bonnici during the launch.
Valletta Campus Theatre, Old University, Valletta
Dr. Bonnici said that, “The strategies were also developed with the local councils, with the non-governmental cultural organizations, with the public cultural organizations, with the cultural practitioners and with the residents of the localities. This is in order to maximize not only the potential of the regions, but also the cultural and creative sectors”.
“These six cultural strategies will be a guide to ensure that the cultural programs of each regional council are designed in such a way that the traditions, talents, characteristics and unique cultural elements are celebrated of each locality within each region”, explained Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
She praised the commitment of the Local Government Division, the Regional Councils and the Association of Local Councils for their contribution in designing cultural strategies; while wishing the regional culture managers good work in the implementation of these strategies.
The strategies are designed by 3 main transversal themes for culture across our country which are the development of talent, the involvement of the audience, and the innovation of the historical heritage. These themes are common to all regions, and introduce specific priorities for each region.
The Director for Funds and Strategy within the Maltese Council for the Arts Mary Ann Cauchi said that, “The strategies will lead to a sharing of experiences, knowledge and development of more opportunities and initiatives within the region and s -sector. Apart from that, the regional cultural strategies are also fulfilling the vision for Strategy 2025 of the Maltese Council for the Arts, that art will be at the heart of our future.”
The six regional cultural strategies can be found on the website of the Maltese Council for the Arts, and one can also obtain a copy of the strategy from the respective region from January 2023.
Photos (DOI/MHAL)
