Valletta Cultural Agency chairman Jason Micallef today launched a three-month Programme of Events for Strada Stretta in Valletta to give a sense of identity to the street as a cultural and artistic hub.

Micallef, together with Arts Council Malta Chairman Albert Marshall, also announced that Kevin Drake is the new Artistic Director for Strada Stretta. The programme of events will run between September and December of 2022.

Micallef said that the street will be given an innovative take with activities which will attract both Maltese and tourists alike.

He said that it is crucial for the agency to sustain the street’s economic value with activities by experienced and local artists in the capital city. The plan to revive Strada Stretta started from Valletta 2018 with the programme still going strong with a brand new identity.

Marshall added that, “the story, beauty, attraction, mystery and intrigue of Strada Stretta together with the energetic talent of Kevin Drake will surely result in success.” He reiterated that such zones in Valletta need cultural attention and to be celebrated uniquely with the creativity of several artists.

Drake said that the main rationale behind the programme is to align what is unusual with the accessible. He also reiterated that this programme will continue next year.

The Strada Stretta Programme kicks off with the Tnejn għat-Talkies series on 26 September where popular films will be shown every fortnight at the Embassy Cinemas, Valletta, Drake said.

He said that the programme also includes City Forever, a concert commemorating the memory of the father of jazz in Malta, Charles Gatt 'is-City'; Str8 2 the Blues, a spectacular production of Blues music, and Pusé, Piazzolla, Plus +, a showcase of the talent of local violinist George Curmi 'il-Pusé', with an emphasis on tango music and the legacy of Astor Piazzolla.

In December, a market for artists will be held named the Strada Stretta Artists' Market, where artists will be invited to showcase their works of art in Strada Stretta, he said.

The programme for this season comes to an end with ‘Bejn is-Sagru u l-Profan,’ a musical event with the participation of ‘The New Victorians,’ best known for their popular and contemporary music, Drake said.

Among the various ranges of musicians who will play unique music ranging from tango, swing, and blues, Drake said that next year there are plans for art and photography exhibitions, dance activities as well as theatre and plays.

Drake appealed for the public to attend the events of the programme.

For more information about the Strada Stretta programme and other events visit vca.gov.mt and the Valletta Cultural Agency Facebook page.