Internationally renowned conductor Wayne Marshall has been appointed Artistic Director for Valletta’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture. The announcement was made by the Valletta 2018 Foundation.
Foundation chairman David Felice said “Wayne Marshall’s extraordinary achievements on a global level give Valletta’s application for the title that cutting edge necessary for the delivery and implementation of a programme for this annual European event that can transform Valletta’s and the country’s cultural landscape from both a local and international perspective.. His international career and passion for culture and the arts, make him an ideal candidate for this important role which requires the setting and adherence to the highest artistic standards.”
The appointment follows a successful open call for interest which was advertised locally as well as internationally. The European Commission’s decision on the Capital of Culture process recommends that a successful Capital will be one embarks, in good time, on a sound preparatory phase. Therefore, the appointment of the Artistic Director at this stage of Valletta’s journey towards achieving the title is crucial, particularly in view of his role in directing the preparation and the formulation of the Cultural Programme around which the bid will be centred.
The criteria governing the Artistic Director’s appointment were the basis of his extensive international experience and demonstration of excellence in culture and the arts; having the international connections required to develop the artistic content and profile of the event; knowledge of the local cultural scene; having the willingness to collaborate with the local cultural community and to assist in providing it with the new opportunities that this process will bring; and being capable of providing strong Artistic Direction for the effective delivery of the cultural programmefor the year, within a context of artistic excellence.
The Artistic Director’s duties will include leading the design, planning, implementation of artistic projects and programme, many of which have been proposed by a large number of individuals and organisations over the past months, especially during the Imagine 18 event held recently. The Artistic Director must also ensure the development of the cultural programme in a coherent manner, based on a clear vision. He must also encourage artistic debate and allow for local capacity building through cultural and artistic development as an integral part of the project and its legacy after 2018.
The Artistic Director shall also be collaborating closely with a group of Artistic Programme Directors - who are currently in the process of being appointed. Valletta’s final bid will be submitted to an international panel of evaluators later in October this year.