The activities range from music and dance to films, modern theatre and even masterclasses in expressive theatre and workshops in lighting design.

Organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, the series will run until September with events being held in several places around Malta and Gozo.

Presenting the sponsorship cheque to the tune of Lm5,000, HSBC chief operating officer Martin Wilkins said HSBC was proud to be associated with local cultural events and in the development of Maltese culture.

“As the world’s local bank, HSBC believes in promoting culture in every country where it operates. This cultural endeavour promises to be an enriching programme of a wide variety of artistic experiences. Sponsoring the Cultural Activities Series 2004 is a further demonstration of our support for the community in which we operate,” he said.

He added that over the years, HSBC has sponsored several other cultural events and projects.

On his part, Culture and Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech spoke about how culture and tourism were synergised by making them part of one ministry.

He said it was important that Malta is not promoted as just the island of the sun, sand and sea but as a country where tourists come for a different and unique

experience.