The Maltese music scene is thriving, and new opportunities are always on the horizon for artists and organizers. The "Rock'N Malta" fund is a testament to this vibrant environment, fostering the growth and development of rock music and its subgenres in Malta. We are excited to announce that applications for the "Rock'N Malta" 2025 fund are now open, with a total of €300,000 available to support and elevate our local music scene.

The Rock'N Malta scheme, part of the extensive portfolio of Festivals Malta, aims to offer financial assistance and organizational guidelines to artists, organizers, and promoters of rock music events. This initiative is designed to enhance the cultural and musical environment of our country, providing invaluable support to those dedicated to the rock genre.

 The Rock'N Malta scheme has been instrumental in strengthening Malta's cultural and musical landscape over the years. The allocated funds provide critical support to those working in rock music, and we are pleased to see the program grow stronger each year. Our commitment to supporting artists and organizers is unwavering, as we strive to improve the quality of cultural events in Malta.

 This scheme has benefited a variety of local events such as Rock the South, Dark Malta, Earth Garden, Għaxaq Music Festival, and more. Additionally, it has supported concerts by renowned artists like Lordi, Anastasia, Dream Theatre, Steve Hackett, and others.

Through Rock'N Malta, we offer  opportunities to local artists, organizers, and promoters to continue investing in the rock music genre. The quality of events has been rising annually, and we are immensely satisfied that funds like these are helping to elevate our cultural scene. We encourage anyone interested to approach Festivals Malta and take advantage of this fund.

 The Rock'N Malta fund is a vital component of Festivals Malta's portfolio, allowing us to reach a wider audience than our festivals alone. This fund represents Festivals Malta's commitment to the rock genre, and we will continue to prioritize this popular musical sector in our country.

 A rebranding of Rock'N Malta was also revealed. We felt it was important to give the initiative a more vibrant identity, not only to make the brand more appealing but to better represent the rock genre.

Applications for the Rock'N Malta 2025 funds close on September 20, 2024. Interested parties should visit www.festivals.mt for more information.

 

Palestine

In Żejtun, I met with 15 students from Birzeit University in Palestine who are visiting Malta as part of an initiative by the Chamber of Architects, in collaboration with the Association of Palestinian Architects. This workshop aims to strengthen cultural collaboration and architectural innovation among Mediterranean countries.

During the workshop, the Palestinian students shared their ideas and knowledge with the local community on a theoretical redesign of Misraħ Santa Marija in Żejtun. This collaboration is also a result of the twinning between Żejtun and Birzeit.

This initiative is an excellent example of how architecture can serve as a means of fostering collaboration and understanding between cultures. The Palestinian students are doing exceptional work alongside the local community, which not only enhances their learning but also helps build strong relationships between our peoples.

I was accompanied by the President of the Chamber of Architects, Perit Andre Pizzuto; the International Secretary and Communications Officer of the Chamber of Architects, Perit Joeaby Vassallo; members of the Żejtun Local Council; the Palestinian Ambassador to Malta, Fadi Hanania; and representatives from the Palestinian Embassy.

 

Valletta Management Committee

 A new committee has been established to improve the maintenance and management of Valletta, known as the Valletta Management Committee. This initiative brings together key stakeholders and is part of the ongoing work under the Valletta Management Plan.

The primary aim of this committee is to enhance the upkeep, order, security, and accessibility of the capital city. By increasing maintenance efforts, the committee seeks to ensure that Valletta remains a well-maintained, orderly, and accessible.

The committee comprises various stakeholders, including the Valletta Local Council, the Valletta Cultural Agency, the Police Corps, the Cleaning and Maintenance Division, GHRC, the Malta Tourism Authority.The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Tourism and Public Cleanliness.

While the committee's work is still in its early stages, significant progress has already been made. One of the initial initiatives was the creation of the Valletta Stewards and a dedicated Cleansing Team for Valletta.

The Valletta Stewards were established to act as a deterrent to vandalism and illegal activities, maintain order, assist locals and tourists, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Their presence in the city has been amplified by the provision of uniforms. Their working hours have been scheduled to reflect the economic activity and tourist influx in Valletta, including weekend shifts extending into the early morning hours.

The cleaning team has been expanded, adding to those already dedicated to Valletta. They will also be deployed during weekends and early morning hours. Investment in new machinery will enhance the efficiency of public cleanliness efforts in the capital.

Valletta is not only the capital city of Malta but also a UNESCO World Heritage site in its entirety. The government has drafted a management plan for Valletta, which was put to public consultation last December and received very positive feedback.

One of the proposals was the establishment of a working committee bringing together key stakeholders related to Valletta. The government recognized the need for such a committee to better safeguard the elements that make Valletta a world heritage site.

In everything we do, balance must prevail. In recent years, Valletta has evolved in every aspect, becoming a capital city more open to various demands. This progress has brought challenges, and it is essential to ensure that the city remains organized, balancing commercial, tourist, and cultural activities with the general interests of residents and visitors alike.

 The committee's work has already gained momentum with the introduction of various initiatives. Now that the committee has been officially launched, efforts will intensify to make Valletta an exemplary vibrant, economically active city that is also orderly and clean.

 In the coming weeks and months, more initiatives will be announced, including the installation of new signage and environmental improvements. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life in Valletta for all who visit and ensure the city's public spaces reflect its heritage and modern needs.

 We will continue working hard to foster a better cultural, artistic, and sustainable future for Valletta, ensuring it remains a world-class heritage site and a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.