European Capital of Culture 2031 process launched

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said: “Satisfied and proud of our experience in 2018, the Valletta Cultural Agency has all the necessary experience to lead this process and see that it reaches the European Commission successfully”.

Valletta Cultural Agency CEO Catherine Tabone said: “The ECOC initiative is a European initiative aimed at highlighting the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe, as well as promoting greater mutual understanding among Europe’s citizens. As evidenced by Valletta 2018, it is an excellent opportunity for regenerating cities, while boosting tourism and providing high-level opportunities for artists and creatives.”

Following Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture, a city in the Maltese islands will be named European Capital of Culture 2031, according to a schedule established by the European Commission. The initial phase of the project invites towns to prepare and submit their initial proposal by means of a local Expression of Interest between January and March 2021.

As per the Creative Europe’s European Capital of Culture Programme, the initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe; celebrate the cultural features Europeans share; increase European citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area and foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities.

The process of initial submissions is being led by the Valletta Cultural Agency which was established as a legacy of the Valletta 2018 Foundation. Part of the Agency’s remit, as set out by LN 427 of 2018 is: “to coordinate the bidding process for the next European Capital of Culture title for the Maltese Islands”.

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. Several

European cities have used the Capital of Culture year to transform completely their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally.