Catherine Tabone has been appointed executive director of the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

Joanna Attard Mallia has become cultural programmes coordinator, while controversy continues over the departures of their predecessors. 

The foundation said Ms Tabone (right) is a graduate of the University of Malta and Cambridge, having specialised in cultural history.

Over the past 13 years she occupied various public sector posts including curator of the Inquisitors' Palace and later, Director of Culture. 

Her predecessor, Karsten Xuereb, is to move to the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, 'by mutual agreement' the foundation said. 

The foundation also said that Margerita Pulè, who used to be its cultural programmes coordinator, was also given another 'important post'.  

Ms Joanna Attard Mallia, who was an assistant coordinator, has been appointed coordinator. 

Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici told Times of Malta that two people would be moving for the good of the organisation.

"The move will also be good for them: they will be given new opportunities in the cultural sector and new, very good, people will be taking over their roles." (See video above)

The foundation denied reports that it had dismissed anyone, including any foreign artists currently involved in the preparation of the major exhibitions due to be held in Valletta.  

It said that its chairman, Jason Micallef, kept the foundation's Board of Governors up to date before, during and after decisions were taken, and there was unanimous agreement.  

Times of Malta reported earlier today how The European Commission panel monitoring Valletta 2018 has demanded clarification over recent high-profile dismissals which it said appeared to be politically motivated and “compromise seriously” the V18 project. 

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