As salient a milestone as 1566

Eighteenth century Valletta was a place of vibrant cosmopolitan realities. European nobles, Mediterranean merchants, Maltese craftsmen, artists, slaves and seamen all inhabited the urban spaces of our capital city and of the other towns that surround the Grand Harbour.

This eclectic mix continued to inject an architectural and artistic legacy into the city that had started with the laying of its foundation stone in 1566. Its splendour was admired by travellers who called at Malta in the 19th century as part of the Grand Tour or simply stopping en route to India via the Suez Canal.

World War II brought urban and demographic decline related to war damage and an exodus of numerous residents. The creation and evolution of new arts and recreational venues elsewhere has tilted the cultural axis away from Valletta.

Regardless of the presence of a spectacular theatre, museums and numerous suitable sites, Valletta remains in need of a cultur-al boost.

Over two decades of power, the Nationalist Party has conducted a number of initiatives, some less successful than others, that have been somewhat disjointed and lacking in long-term vision. Important national and historical assets, such as Fort St Elmo, degenerated rather than regenerated. Likewise, other significant resources, such as carnival, have been gradually eroded and weakened over time.

But that was then and this is now. Thanks to a bold initiative and contributions from some outstanding individuals, Valletta has, at least in theory, much to look forward to. This through the creation of the Valletta 2018 Foundation with the specific aim of submitting, obtaining and managing the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in six years’ time. In its own words, a fundamental part of the foundation’s vision is to “challenge both the local and international perception of Valletta as largely a city of heritage and a monument of the past, by giving the citizens of Valletta, as well as the whole of Malta, an exciting opportunity to experience their cultural identity afresh within new contexts and environments for exchange; ones that allow for ideas, dialogue and creativity to flow freely”.

There is much substance in this vision. Although recognising the value of Valletta as a centre of unique heritage, the foundation does not adopt a static view of the city as one large museum simply to be visited by hordes of tourists as is the case with Mdina, for example.

Customs and traditions are often referred to as intangible heritage, an aspect that is assigned equal importance by Unesco as it does to physical monuments.

The bottom up approach sees the inclusion of Valletta’s residents. It is hoped that all segments of the city’s population, regardless of social background, will be given a platform to express their identity through a variety of ways including, but not limited to, football, carnival, religious festivities, band clubs, the regatta rowing team and recreational use of urban spaces.

The identity of Valletta’s residents is very much a product of past generations that have lived through decades of change and evolution. Without doubt, these collective memories should be shared today and recorded to be enjoyed by future generations.

Given that Malta has only one candidate city, the Valletta 2018 Foundation has emphasised that its vision includes all of Malta and Gozo. This bold and inclusive decision has been commendably backed by the Local Councils Association.

Valletta, together with various other localities of our islands, presents a formidable opportunity through which people can share ideas and activities. I genuinely look forward to events that will place not just Valletta but also other Maltese towns and villages on the European cultural radar. Importantly, economic benefits that will hopefully be reaped through Valletta being European Capital of Culture will also be enjoyed throughout the island.

A future Labour government will ensure that the Valletta 2018 Foundation will continue to receive the backing it needs to continue building on the solid foundations it has already laid.

Avenues for inter-departmental dialogue, public-private partnerships and budgetary support will be made as lean as possible in order to facilitate the foundation’s work.

The Valletta 2018 Foundation, its vision and its ultimate goal are a celebration of Maltese cultural prowess which, if combined with the social fabric of the island, will ensure that 2018 will prove to be as important a milestone in Valletta’s history as that day when it was founded in 1566.

I wish the foundation and its team the best of luck with the bid and its work.

owen@owenbonnici.com

Dr Bonnici is the opposition’s spokesman for higher education, the University, research and culture and a member of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee in Parliament.