Valletta can soon become European Capital of Culture in 2018, but will we win the bid? In the first of a two-part interview, Adam Brimmer speaks to three of the seven artistic programme directors about the implications of securing the title.

For such a small city, Valletta boasts plenty of personality. Ministerial and parliamentarian institutions are encased in beautiful, Baroque architecture. Illustrious chapels and churches stand beside museums of learning and art and a centuries-old theatre.

Presently Valletta is a dead city... people visit for a variety of reasons but they do not really engage with [it]

Now, this personality can be sung to high acclaim across Europe. Valletta is a candidate for the European Capital of Culture for 2018 – the official announcement about the fate of the candidacy is expected towards mid-October.

If awarded the title, the city will see an inspiring, exciting and innovative programme of events that challenges conceits about art and culture and bolsters creativity. A panel of artistic programme directors, headed by acclaimed musician Wayne Marshall, are spearheading the way to help secure that bid and here, three of them share their thoughts.

This week we speak with trained London theatre practitioner Marc Cabourdin, award-winning writer and producer Jean Pierre Magro and media and theatre professional Coryse Borg. Next week, we pick the brains of the remaining four.

What does V.18 mean to you?

Coryse Borg: The Maltese have tons of potential, but we need to harness it better. We can do anything as well as the next country; and sometimes, even better. Now is our time to showcase this.

Jean Pierre Magro: As a Maltese national working in an international market I am frequently met with puzzled looks when explaining my background and roots. Malta is historically rich, but creatively, it is stuck in a rut. This is an opportunity to fufill our potential.

Marc Cabourdin: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enable Malta to have its voice heard.

What are you personally bringing to the collective?

Coryse Borg: I hope to use my background in the performing arts to ensure that all the events and happenings are of the best quality possible. My experience with children will be invaluable. It’s definitely a cliche, but the children are the future, and getting them to appreciate the arts from an early age is vital.

Jean Pierre Magro: I am committed to giving back to society through various projects. These projects are being developed in line with the vision we set out with – to create an environment of exchange.

Marc Cabourdin: The V.18 artistic team is as diverse artistically as Europe is multi-culturally alive. Our work is to induce a holistic, creative and dynamic approach to the local artistic and cultural scene with dedication and lots of enthusiasm. I would like to think that we are here to nurture and cultivate what Malta has to give.

What are the biggest hurdles we must overcome?

Coryse Borg: Apathy. The mentality that a career in the arts is a waste of time or the idea that anything to do with culture is a waste of money. The mindset that “if it’sforeign, then it must be better”.

Jean Pierre Magro: I agree with Coryse that we have developed an inherent sense of apathy towards many things; politics, current affairs and even cultural affairs. As regards the latter, I think most of us fail to grasp what culture is. It is not just food, costumes and churches. Our culture is linked to us as a people. It is linked to society and the creativity that flows through it. We need to break down the negativity and show that we can build something from the ground up.

Marc Cabourdin: Dialogue. Communion between artists, and the community and the artist. We must let go of our insular protectionist mindset.

What opportunities can we expect to occur?

Coryse Borg: The bid’s legacy will live on in the new infrastructures which will be built, the new festivals and events which will be created. Hopefully there will be a nationwide change in mentality into a we-can-do-it attitude.

Jean Pierre Magro: The creative industry is set to make a leap. There will be a professional training programme for those already working or involved in the cultural sphere. This will provide an exchange and co-operation opportunities with other like-minded individuals from all over Europe.

Marc Cabourdin: A truly European and global Malta. No one owes us anything, but we owe it to ourselves to make the most of what we have got to give.

Assuming the bid is won, what new developments will we see in Valletta itself towards 2018?

Coryse Borg: I expect to see changes in the culture scene pretty much from the next day. Let’s just say that the phrase: “Nothing interesting ever happens in Malta” will never be uttered again!

Jean Pierre Magro: Presently Valletta is a dead city. People visit for a variety of reasons but they do not really engage with the city. Yes, the richness of our heritage is present in the monuments, churches and museums; however these attractions need to be updated.

Marc Cabourdin: Physical changes have been happening for some time already and much more is yet to come. However, equally important are the changes that will seem unseen. Infrastructural change is important, but what will change is the people’s perception of art and culture. And that can only happen through education.

What is the one thing you hope will come out of the event?

Coryse Borg: More appreciation of the arts from the youngest child to the oldest citizen. I would like everyone to agree on one thing – culture is not only important but also essential to the well-being, to the very essence of a people.

Jean Pierre Magro: The perception of the Maltese populace as regards the creative industry. I believe this aspect of the Maltese economy could be exploited to a much higher degree.

Marc Cabourdin: A thousand- year legacy that will enable Malta to lend its voice in a global forum. Malta yearns for its voice to be heard, and I hope we can finally do so .