This summer, Malta will once again offer a rich array of cultural activities for all ages, including the engaging Heritage Malta Student Summer Program for kids and youths and a series of dynamic festivals. 

 The Heritage Malta Student Summer Program is an opportunity for the upcoming generations to join us in celebrating our heritage and creativity through unique and fun events that foster learning, enjoyment, and a deep appreciation for our island's culture.

Running from July through September, this year’s summer program features 19 activities centered on the theme of the sea. In line with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Heritage Malta aims to use this annual event to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of protecting our oceans and seas.

Activities range from an exciting treasure hunt in the Citadel Museums of Gozo and a journey into the world of pirates from the perspective of a real Maltese boy who became a pirate himself, to a magical saltwater distillation experiment at Fort St. Angelo, an exploration of the origins of mermaids, unicorns, and other legendary creatures at the National Museum of Natural History, and the preparation of historic ice cream at the Inquisitor’s Palace. We confidently ensure that adventure is already on the horizon.

I encourage every child in our country to seize this golden opportunity to learn more about the history of their people and land while having fun. This is the best way to foster love and appreciation for our heritage in future generations.

Each activity will be conducted in a safe and controlled environment, adhering to all health and safety guidelines. The program is open to those with the Heritage Malta Student Passport, which can be obtained for free from all schools in Malta and Gozo. Space for each activity is limited, so parents are encouraged to act early to secure a spot for their children.

Pageant of the Seas

I must also mention the success of the Valletta Pageant of the Seas - a spectacular event held in the Grand Harbour, organized every two years by the Valletta Cultural Agency. 

Heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman of the Agency, Jason Micallef, Chief Executive Catherine Tabone, and the entire VCA team for their professional work. Once again, they transformed our beautiful harbour into a theatre on the sea.

We also look forward to the upcoming editions of Opera in the Capital on August 30th and Strait to the Blues on September 20th.

Summer festivals

Additionally, this summer we have seen and will see the return of four festivals as part of Festivals Malta’s diverse portfolio. 

This included the second edition of the Ritmu Roots Festival held last May, the Malta International Arts Festival in June, the ongoing Malta Jazz Festival, and the third edition of Dance Festival Malta in July.

The summer calendar began with the Ritmu Roots Festival from May 17th to 25th. This festival engaged the community through various workshops at The Splendid and offered contemporary performances of traditional music aimed at inspiring and connecting people through art in Argotti. 

Ritmu also emphasized Maltese folk singing, għana, as a cultural practice, with key events including ‘Għana Għand tal-Iżgej’, ‘Il-Qagħda tal-Mument’, ‘Duo Ruut’, and ‘Ethnographic Film Screenings’.

In June, the Malta International Arts Festival returned with a 10-day program of multidisciplinary events, including dance, music, theatre, and visual art exhibitions. 

A unique element of this festival was the inclusion of various historic sites as unique backdrops for some of the best local and international artists. Key events included ‘Harbour Odyssey’, ‘Underground Valletta’ with clarinettist Simon Reitmaer and Glass Harmonica musician Thomas Bloch, a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music by Beethoven and Shostakovich, and a theatrical performance with characters from Maltese folklore and legends, among others.

July is characterized by the return of two popular festivals: the Malta Jazz Festival, which began on July 8th and will end on July 13th, and Dance Festival Malta, which will be held from July 25th to 28th. 

As always, the Malta Jazz Festival includes an eclectic program of events with a diverse lineup of musicians such as Monica Salmaso, Thom Ollendorff Trio, Something Else – A Soul Jazz Revue, Trio Grande, and Chief Anjuah, among others. Following it, is the Dance Festival, which will again welcome local and international artists with artistic performances and political themes. 

The festival’s highlights include various workshops and masterclasses, the Youth Dance Platform inviting young dancers to present choreographies with dance enthusiasts and other students in a non-competitive environment, among other events.

Commitment to Art and Education

This summer, we also launched a new campaign, ArtWorks, aimed at increasing awareness of art education and career opportunities in the arts and creativity sector.

ArtWorks is targeted at raising awareness of educational and career opportunities in the arts and creative sectors in Malta. The campaign will prioritize advancing the role of art in the educational system. This campaign includes a mix of digital and traditional advertising strategies, as well as educational events, thus cultivating a deeper appreciation for the arts and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive arts community in Malta.

The Government has always emphasized the importance of cultural and creative industries in creating new and sustainable jobs. Through this investment in the campaign, we will be advocating for the full potential of art when creatively combined with entrepreneurship and innovation.

The ArtWorks campaign brings together various strategic areas that are part of the Malta Arts Council’s Strategy, including education and development, public investment, diversity and communities, as well as creative entrepreneurship. We will continue working to open new opportunities through stronger collaborations between educational institutions and cultural organizations and practitioners. 

We already made significant progress in implementing the strategy, with the creative and arts industry in Malta experiencing significant growth in recent years, leading to increased employment opportunities.

The ArtWorks campaign will address existing educational gaps in the arts sector while encouraging more individuals to explore and pursue a career in the arts.

This summer showcases the richness of our cultural and artistic landscape. With a diverse array of festivals, educational programs, and new initiatives like ArtWorks, we are committed to fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts while providing unique and enriching experiences for both locals and visitors. 

I invite everyone to participate in these cultural events and programs, as together, we continue to celebrate and cultivate the vibrant heritage and creativity that make Malta truly special.