A comprehensive analysis of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme

Abstract

On the 27th September 2017, the Valletta 2018 Foundation launched its Cultural Programme for 2018 and presented the 140 projects and 400 events which will take place throughout the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) year. The programme will officially open with a celebration event taking place on the 20th January 2018. However, the Valletta ECoC journey started long before this date. Valletta was selected as an ECoC on the 12th October 2012. The Foundation, which spearheaded the application process, has been responsible for the organisation of the ECoC and the creation and implementation of the Cultural Programme. As has been identified in various ECoC evaluations (ECORYS 2012, 2013, 2014; Palmer/Rae 2014a, 2014b) the Cultural Programme, is continuously in development and changes are frequent. Valletta 2018 is no exception as changes within the Foundation and in the development of the programme have been ongoing. Changes in artistic direction and senior management posts throughout these five years were discussed widely and attracted significant media attention and debates within the artistic community. In July 2017 Catherine Tabone replaced Karsten Xuereb as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Joanne Attard Mallia, formerly Programming Officer within the Foundation, replaced Margerita Pulé as Programming Coordinator.