Today marked the launch of the 2018 cultural programme, a 224 page booklet for Valletta 2018, and over a million people are expected to attend events throughout next year.

A collection of 140 projects and 400 events are taking place throughout the European Capital of Culture year across the country. 200 of these events will be in Valletta.

14-21 January will be opening week for v18, and the official opening ceremony and celebrations will take place on 20 January. 20 January will see a series of events in and around Valletta.

The cultural programme, covering 2018, consists of projects from different disciplines including music, the visual arts, dance and performance. The programme sees the involvement of some 1,000 local and international artists, curators, artist collectives, performers, writers, designers, choirs etc. While a number of international artists are collaborating with locals during the 2018 programme, Maltese artists are travelling to Malta’s twin Capital of Culture Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, as well as other cities in Cyprus, Japan and Greece.

The 2018 programme is based on a €10 million direct investment in the cultural sector. “An investment in the cultural sector which is without precedent,” V18 Chairman Jason Micallef (above) said.

“Over the past months, the V18 team grew from a group of five to 45 individuals working on a full-time, part-time and freelance basis.”

Jason Micallef said that ”we have worked tirelessly to design a programme providing equal opportunities for everyone, ensuring that culture is not elitist and that inclusivity becomes not only a priority, but a necessity.”

The background of the programme is an island wide feast, he said.

He said that over the past three years, V18 Foundation has been advertising V18 in different countries, to attract tourism. He mentioned continued investment in the creative sector, which has around 11,000 workers. He mentioned that 500 volunteers helped out with V18, coming from all walks of life and from all ages, and they will help facilitate logistics during the activities.

“We wanted 2018 to be a feast across the islands,” he said.

Micallef mentioned that V18 will also mark the 1 ^st opera season in Malta, and mentioned a Maltese original piece based on immigration, that will take place at the Floriana Granaries next Summer.

Turning to capital projects, he said that their aim is to regenerate life in Valletta. “We wanted to give the private sector more zones where they can place tables and chairs. I know there are some who overdo it and there are discussions for everyone to find a balance so that the standards of Valletta are kept. We want areas which have been deteriorating to be regenerated and rehabilitated. One project I love is the V18 design cluster, in the old slaughterhouse.” He said the project will occur in a scheduled building.

Triton square will serve, eventually, to host a number of activities he said. The Mediterranean garden will conclude next year, he said. He mentioned that restoration works have occurred on Palazzo Ferreria, and a number of other restoration projects. “Our legacy means that we would not let the success of 2018 end, but programmes like the Valletta Green Festival, Malta Fashion week etc. will not stop just because the foundation will end. Continuity would mean that Valletta will have its first cultural agency. Discussions are ongoing on this,” he said, mentioning that it was a PL electoral pledge. He is proposing that once every three years Malta would have a local capital of culture.

V18 Artistic Director for Special Events Mario Philip Azzopardi said that on 20 January, the city will turn into a venue for “spectacular international performances and street entertainment featuring local artists, musicians, singers and dancers.”

He said that his work began three years ago, when he came back from Canada.

The opening will be called the four squares, and will take place on foure squares for a cultural spectacular every hour on the hour, starting at 7 pm ending at 11 pm. Each square will have a 20 minute programme. In between, the people can walk to the other squares to view the spectacular taking place there. Republic street will, for example, be one way to direct foot traffic, he explained, given that over 60,000 people are expected to be present. Aside from the squares, there will be activities in the roads leading to the squares.

Castille Square will see an animation as well as a show. A choir and 3D animation will be seen at St John’s Square. St George’s Square will focus on dance. Triton Square, will have an international collaboration with La Fura dels Baus.

After the final showings at 11 pm, an event will take place at St George’s square till 2am.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici (top) said he is confident that the work done is being felt by the people.

He said that to be an artist today, is no longer something one would do after work, but is now a career. He spoke of how art and culture strengthens a people.

He described the cultural programme as excellent, and focussed his speech on the work by the ministry and agencies, “so that finally we can give what artist have wanted for so long.” He mentioned the MUZA project, and the contemporary Arts museum.

“He thanked the agencies that his ministry is responsible for, including Heritage Malta, the V18 Foundation and the Restoration Directorate. He mentioned that so much restoration works are ongoing that the private sector is saying that they struggle to find workers to work on their buildings.

He spoke of the need to manage the success of V18. “I am a Valletta resident, and I was able to see, week on week, the development of the city. The city has changed over the past five years. I remember Strait Street in total darkness. Today there are restaurants, boutique hotels around Valletta etc. Culture matters and V18 will be an extraordinary event which will leave a brilliant legacy.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista described V18 as the largest event with an international dimension in Malta. “An event which promises a strong local and foreign audience.”

It is estimated that over 1 million people will attend V18 events in 2018, he said adding that around 60,000 people are expected to turn up for the opening ceremony, he added.

Thousands of people will also view the opening of V18 from around the globe online and on TV, Debattista explained. He added that a 10% tourism increase is forecast due to this unique situation, of Valletta holding the European Capital of Culture.

He noted that the previous government had made the bid, and that this government honoured the investment pledged, and went further, as the €48 million does not include capital projects.

 Preparations for the events have been ongoing, and Debattista explained that around through works done, he said government has kept its promise, and remains committed, to bringing culture and Maltese history closer to the people.

“While there is no doubt that V18 will be a success, I pledge that government will not stop there and will keep working hand-in-hand with the culture and arts sectors so that every artist will keep finding opportunities in Malta.”

Valletta 2018 Programme Coordinator Joanne Attard Mallia said that 2018 will be a unique year. “We are looking at a 12-month programme focused on exploring and pushing our understanding of culture and art: combining traditions, art forms and concepts in innovative, even unusual ways.”

He said that 2018 is a year for all Maltese.