Capital to teem with the arts in second Notte Bianca

Celebrating its first anniversary, Notte Bianca Lejl Imdawwal has already established itself on Malta's cultural calendar, with its second edition on October 6 seeking to build on the experience of mass activities held over the year.

Its "ambitious" programme, which was announced at Hastings Gardens in Valletta yesterday, promises to be an extensive night of the arts, kicking off at 6 p.m. and going on until the early hours of the following day, leaving not a single corner of the capital untouched.

Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech said the public was, once again, invited to rediscover the capital city through performances, exhibitions, shows, visual installations, parades, tours and re-enactments in an all-night-long celebration of arts and culture.

A complex logistical operation on which work started as soon as the first Notte Bianca went to bed, Dr Zammit Dimech described it as the "biggest celebration of art and culture".

It is estimated that the first edition attracted 70,000 visitors to the capital.

Speaking of the concept of the "creative industry", he said culture could also lead to economic regeneration.

For one sleepless night, museums, theatres, arts and cultural centres, libraries, churches and chapels, auberges, cinemas, streets, squares, gardens and unusual spaces, which are generally neither accessible nor associated with cultural activity, will be the venue for a variety of events, rendering the arts accessible to everyone.

The second edition of Notte Bianca - a showcase of Malta's growing artistic community and cultural gems - is focusing on a contemporary trend, while highlighting Valletta's heritage and culture, said artistic director Mary Ann Cauchi.

Among the highlights, Hastings Gardens, which was rehabilitated last year, is hosting a collection of dance genres, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens are the stage for a display of contemporary visual installations by various artists.

Last year's successful JaPoRoSeT - a fusion of pop, rock, jazz, soul and folk - is being held at St George's Square until the early hours of the next day, and Merchants Street is being transformed into a Maltese traditional festa, with roving folk singers and dancers, Maltese food and crafts.

A mediaeval market is being set up at Independence Square, while food, music and live entertainment with a philanthropic aim are being offered in the car park adjacent to Castille Place.

At different intervals of the night, Freedom Square is holding a unique contemporary theatre production and a spectacular aerial show, with a synergy of Maltese and foreign artists, Ms Cauchi listed.

Apart from a comprehensive programme, which is also catering for children, the Tourism and Culture Ministry is also ensuring the necessary facilities for visitors to Valletta, including information, first aid and emergency stations.

The main public transport routes would be running throughout the night, with sea transport services from Vittoriosa and Sliema to Valletta and back, as well as return trips from Mgarr on the usual schedule to Cirkewwa and extra trips to San Maison on the Gozo Channel ferry.

Notte Bianca is sponsored by the National Lotteries for Good Causes Fund of the Finance Ministry, the Malta Tourism Authority, HSBC Bank Malta plc, Vodafone Malta Ltd and DJS Trading, and supported by the Valletta local council.

Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier encouraged Valletta's residents and retail community to rise to the challenge and cater for the visitors, who, last year, thronged the capital, some remaining hungry as restaurants could not cope.

The Parliamentary Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Tonio Fenech, said the fact that the government could offer more funds for cultural activities was fruit of a flourishing economy. In 2007, it allocated Lm500,000 to cultural activities and Lm200,000 from the Good Causes Fund.

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