Community inclusion and accessibility in Valletta 2018

Abstract

This research project was commissioned by the Valletta 2018 Foundation to assess the social involvement of the local population and the accessibility of the Valletta 2018 Programme. This report presents the findings of this project spanning a period from 2015 to 2018. The importance of citizen participation is confirmed by previous research on European Capitals of Culture, such as the Palmer report of 2004 which cited local involvement and the importance of the historical, cultural, social and economic context of the city as two factors that commonly promote success (Palmer-Rae Associates, 2004, p. 152). Likewise, the 2013 report by Garcia and Cox notes that not only is “the engagement of local communities and the city’s public” considered important at the bidding stage, but engagement from both stakeholders and the public is an “indicator of potential success in delivery”, and “reflects the concept of ECoC as a catalyst for change beyond the delivery of cultural activity” (Garcia & Cox, 2013, pp. 63-64).