Figures published in the annual report for 2003-2004, show that after a general drop in audience attendance and number of events in 2001-2002, the trend shows that both have increased over the past two seasons.

The annual report presented to the media shows that between September last year and August this year, there were 26 art exhibitions, 98 film shows, 20 theatre productions, and 23 musical events.

Foundation for Creativity chairman Michael Fenech said: “Four years ago, there was the fear that this project would turn out to be a white elephant. Today, the biggest problem we have is that we cannot accept all the requests we receive to hold events.

“The Centre is going through a growth phase – it is attracting new audiences and building up a loyal one.”

Among the initiatives announced were a new website at www.sjcav.org.mt, which includes a calendar of events by date as well as by genre.

In the future, a virtual catalogue will be introduced on the website where Maltese artists can upload pictures of their paintings, which could create an e-market for these paintings.

Moreover, plans are also underway to enable on-line purchase of tickets At present one can reserve tickets via e-mail for three days only.

Moreover, the St James Cavalier Journalist Culture Card has started operating.

All these initiatives, Mr Fenech said, are intended to increase awareness about St James Cavalier.

However, this comes at a cost, because in the year ending 31 December 2003, the Centre had a deficit of Lm26,534 as against the Lm23,715 deficit registered the previous year.

General manager Chris Gatt then gave a preview of some of the forthcoming attractions for September through to December:

19 September

A multimedia solo

performance by Egyptian artist Nora Amin

8, 9, 10 October

Stand-up comedy by Matt Fraser

15, 16, 17 October

Dan Mhux Shakespeare by

Curtain Raiser Theatre

Troupe

5, 6, 7 November

Klandestini Mediterranean

Young Writers Festival

12-14, 19-21 November

Chekov’s Il-Gawwi

3-5, 10-12 December

Life X3 by

FM Productions

26, 27 December

Disney Tunes by Curtain Raisers Theatre Troupe

Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech then addressed the press saying time had proved him right. The Lm4,600,000 investment made by the government to convert the former government printing press into a centre for creativity, has launched new initatives to make art and culture more accessible to the general public.