Reference is made to two articles by the Malta Independent both published on the 16 and 24 August.

As the Chairperson of the VRC, I was surprised to read that Ray Bondin presented a situation that he seems to know on the present workings of the VRP. He contends that the concept for a Modern Museum is not being analysed and that there is no political backing to such a proposal. On the contrary, the present leadership took over what was carried out by VRP, under Ray Bondin himself, and presently is studying the best location for a Modern Art Musuem. One must not forget that a use is justified if placed in the right context. In this light, the VRP, had to await the outcome of various major projects being carried out in Valletta, such as Renzo Piano’s City Gate and Opera House proposals as well as government’s proposed use of the Grandmaster’s Palace. In the same light, rehabilitating the Biccerija building on its own, whilst not carrying out an urban revitalization will not prove to be very successful. A professional approach would be to locate the best venue in a broader context of a master plan. In fact the present leadership is very close to finalizing this much needed plan.

Another interesting building mentioned by Ray Bondin, and which, on a personal level, I feel has a great potential for an art museum is the Market Building in Merchant Street. Unfortunately, the whole concept remained precisely as stated by Ray Bondin himself , ‘an idea’ , as no requests made to the Government could be traced. As regards St Elmo, which was also mentioned as an alternative location, the VRC’s Executive Coordinator is a representative on the St Elmo Steering Committee with a number of other representatives from various Authorities and Departments. For the past months since the inception of this Committee in February 2009, the Committee members have been rigorously working on the best proposals for the use of St Elmo. Some of the representative officials include Din l-Art Helwa, MEPA, Heritage Malta, the Superintendent of Fortifications, the MTA and others. The working group discusses and studies possible uses based on the documented knowledge of the spaces available, condition and sustainability of the proposals. The synergies between the various uses play an important role on the success of such proposals. The Steering Committee is proposing that part of the St Elmo Fort will cater for Culture activities. The concept of utilizing some of the space for the use of a Modern Museum is also being discussed and one of the main recommendations.

Arch. M’Louise Musumec

Chairperson Rehabilitation Committees