The Victoria Local Council has today officially launched the Rabat, Città Victoria Cultural Strategy 2026-2035, a long-term framework for the sustainable development of the city’s cultural and creative sectors.

The Council explained that the Strategy sets out a shared vision for Victoria’s cultural future, recognising the city’s longstanding role as the cultural, social and civic heart of Gozo. Rooted in Victoria’s streets, squares, theatres, churches, voluntary organisations, feasts, operatic traditions, exhibitions, festivals and everyday community life, the Strategy acknowledges culture as an essential part of the city’s identity, wellbeing and social cohesion.

Commissioned by the Victoria Local Council, the Strategy positions the Council as an enabling actor within the wider cultural ecosystem. Its role is to support cultural coordination and stewardship by facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, encouraging collaboration, advocating for investment, and helping to create the conditions in which culture can continue to thrive.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Brian Azzopardi said, “Victoria has always stood at the centre of Gozo’s cultural life. This Strategy recognises the work of the many people and organisations who have sustained that cultural life over generations. As a Local Council, our role is to listen, to enable, to connect and to advocate.”

He added that ”this Strategy gives us a clearer framework to support Victoria’s cultural development in a structured and long-term way, while respecting and strengthening the people, organisations and communities who already make our city’s cultural life so rich.”

The Strategy was developed through a structured process of research, consultation and dialogue. This included a review of existing local, regional, national and European policy and governance frameworks, public consultation sessions, questionnaire-based research, and targeted interviews with residents, cultural organisations, professional practitioners, voluntary groups, educators, venue operators, funding bodies, public authorities and other stakeholders.

The findings were consolidated into four interlinked strategic themes:

Coordination, Capacity & Cultural Governance

Strengthening coordination between local, regional and national bodies, improving cultural data and planning, supporting more transparent and responsive funding structures, and reducing administrative burdens on cultural organisations.

Audiences, Participation & Cultural Development

Broadening participation in cultural life, improving visibility and accessibility, strengthening communication with residents and visitors, and creating new pathways for young people, families, newcomers, underrepresented communities and emerging practitioners.

Cultural Capacity, Infrastructure & Sector Sustainability

Supporting fair and sustainable cultural work, investing in skills and human capital, strengthening existing cultural venues, enabling adaptive use of spaces, and embedding culture within urban planning, public space, mobility and accessibility.

Heritage & Cultural Connectivity

Supporting Victoria’s cultural heritage as a living resource, encouraging creative and contemporary engagement with heritage, and strengthening national and international cultural relationships through residencies, exchanges, partnerships and co-productions.

Victoria Local Council said that The Strategy is closely aligned with the wider ambitions of Victoria2031Ghawdex and the city’s candidature for European Capital of Culture 2031. The ECoC process has helped bring into focus both the strengths of Victoria’s cultural ecosystem and the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in relation to long-term planning, cultural participation, audience development, social impact, international connection and sectoral growth.

It added that The Strategy will remain a living framework up to 2035. ”It foresees regular reporting and a formal review every three years, allowing priorities to be assessed, updated and recalibrated in response to Victoria’s evolving cultural, social and economic context.”

The Victoria Local Council expressed its appreciation to all those who contributed to the Strategy, including residents, cultural organisations, practitioners, institutions, public authorities and community representatives who shared their experiences, concerns, ideas and aspirations throughout the consultation process.

The Strategy was developed with the contribution of ARC Research & Consultancy, including Dr Samuel Mallia as Lead Researcher, Elena Cardona, Davinia Galea, Elaine Falzon, Caldon Mercieca and Mireille Camilleri, together with international consultant Cristina Farinha.

”The launch of the Rabat, Città Victoria Cultural Strategy marks an important step in moving from vision to action. It affirms a long-term commitment to Victoria’s people, places, traditions, creativity and future, ensuring that the city continues to serve as a vibrant cultural centre for Gozo, Malta and Europe,” the Victoria Local Council said.

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