The Regional Cultural Strategies were developed from the regions and have been run by Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Local Government Division and the Malta Local Councils’ Association. Every strategy is dedicated for every region in our country and they focus on cultural themes and the areas which are most important for the regions themselves, as from 2022 onwards. There are six Regional Cultural Strategies – Gozo, North, East, West, Port, and South, all of which address their specific region.
“Our country’s rich culture and art are reflected in the regional cultural strategies, through which we will be working towards the strengthening of the cultural and creative sectors. With an initiative of this level, we are increasing accessibility in this sector as well as increasing professionalisation,” stated Minister Bonnici during the launch.
The strategies were developed with the Local Councils, cultural NGOs, Public Cultural Organisations, culture practitioners, as well as local residents so as to maximise the potential not only of the regions but also of 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.
In every strategy one finds knowledge about and a summary of the cultural assets in each region, as well as a framework regarding the role of culture therein. Thanks to these strategies, the shortcomings are being analysed and the building and strengthening of capacities to ensure that culture takes its central role in the development of the regions is being recommended. With these strategies, every region is being given the opportunity for collaboration as well as a point of reference with regions across Europe so as to enable the regions to serve as partners in development, driven by best cultural practices.
These strategies are in line with UNESCO’s affirmations in this regard and are also inspired by how the European Commission establishes “the essential role that culture has in local development, particularly in the reduction of opportunities between different areas in Europe”.
Three main transversal cultural themes have also been drafted across the country, which are talent development, audience involvement, and the innovation of historical heritage. These themes are common among all regions and introduce specific priorities for each region.
The Director for Funds and Strategy within Arts Council Malta, Mary Ann Cauchi, stated that these “strategies will lead to the sharing of experiences, knowledge, and the development of more opportunities and initiatives within this region and sector. Besides this, with these regional cultural strategies, the vision of Arts Council Malta’s Strategy2025 is also being implemented, that is, that art is at the core of our future.”
The strategies focus on a number of common priorities which are the bringing closer of rural communities and small villages, capacity building, the strengthening of partnerships and the diversification of investment, the European dimension and beyond, as well as evaluation and evidence.
The six Regional Cultural Strategies may be found here; one may obtain a copy of the strategy from the respective region from January 2023.
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