The Valletta Cultural Agency has announced its cultural programme for January - June 2022.

The programme includes new productions and collaborations, with the involvement of several artists, that mark the essence of Valletta's cultural, artistic and social fabric.

"The programme features collaborations with the prestigious Italian chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Teatru Malta, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cappella Sancta Catherinae Choir, the Public Broadcasting Services, the Malta Film Commission and several individual artists, government entities and the business community," a statement read.

"Valletta streets and piazzas will be transformed in cascades of colour, gardens will take a new life and the Grand Harbour will be celebrated as part of the VCA programme. The first half of 2022 includes DRAGO - a VCA and Teatru Malta collaboration inspired by the life of the Valletta born and bred legendary professional snooker and pool player Tony Drago. April brings about a production of Mozart's Requiem - a masterpiece that will be performed with the participation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the 40-strong choir of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, established since the 1500s in Rome."

Holy Week will see Seba' Visti - a televised  choral performance by Cappella Sancta Catherinae to be aired on local television stations.

May brings about  the Valletta Green Festival; a weekend dedicated to environmental concerns in the city, action against pollution and the promotion of biodiversity.

The community-curated open-air film screening series Cinema City takes place at Laparelli Gardens in June. Finally, the Valletta Pageant of the Seas welcomes summer while  celebrating the Grand Harbour and its role in the lives of Valletta residents. This year's spectacle will be dedicated to the 80-year anniversary of the arrival of the Santa Maria Convoy.

The Stada Stretta Concept's programme continues with, amongst others, a literary evening dedicated to Oliver Frigieri's works.

The Valletta Design Cluster will also be running various programmes including the EIT Urban Mobility Hub, the international photographic contest Wiki Loves Folklore, Wikimedia CEE Spring, the Valletta Design Cluster Membership Drive, Design Talks and Greenhouse Course.

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera who officially launched this programme, said that "during these months, we shall be seeing several cultural activities with a mix of visual arts, performing arts and much more. Every element will help to further strengthen culture, which is very important and loved by the Maltese and Gozitan people."

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that as the world is facing numerous challenges, old and new, it is crucial that now more than ever the need for arts to take centre stage.

Valletta Cultural Agency CEO Catherine Tabone said the Agency is thrilled to be once again hosting events, both large and small, to heal the collective trauma we have all experienced.

The Chamber of SMEs CEO Abigail Mamo and the Teatru Malta Artistic Director Sean Buhagiar were also present and addressed this launch.