The Voice Your Message initiative with Imagine 2018 has kicked off to gauge opinions in the run-up to the final selection meeting to conclude Valletta’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2018.

A contraption comprising a buzzer and camcorder was set up at the University campus. Passers-by were invited to stand behind the podium and voice their opinion on the way they envision Malta to be in six years’ time and the changes they would like to see effected.

“We’d like to encourage people to interact directly with the foundation,” Valletta 2018 Foundation communications director Edward Bonello said.

“Our European Capital of Culture year is an opportunity to think creatively about overcoming barriers, whether in one’s community, education or social life.

“We want to engage with people and give them the opportunity to express their thoughts, complaints and ideas and be involved in shaping projects.”

Mr Bonello pointed out that the ECoC should not be viewed as an end in itself but rather as the beginning of a long journey that will hopefully see the Maltese embrace permanent change and fulfil the latent potential of the cultural sector.

Two cities hold the ECoC title each year. In 2018 the cities will be in Malta and the Netherlands. Valletta’s final bid to be the ECoC 2018 was presented last September. An international panel of cultural experts will decide whether Valletta will be awarded the ECoC distinction during the final selection meeting to be held on Thursday.