Victoria in Gozo, is one of two applications received in response to a call for Expressions of Interest for towns and regions in Malta and Gozo to hold the European Capital of Culture title in 2031.
The Valletta Cultural Agency said that the Expression of Interest was launched in November last year, and closed on the 31st of March of this year, the other application is from Birgu for Regjun Xlokk. Victoria is representing the Gozo Region.
A mentoring process will be held over the coming weeks led by the Valletta Cultural Agency.
Meetings with the candidates will be held and a seminar with European experts on the subject will take place in September to prepare the candidates for the intense process required over the next two years and to start building their networks with other European Capitals of Culture.
Following Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture, a city in the Maltese islands will be named European Capital of Culture 2031, according to a schedule established by the European Commission.
It was explained that as per the Creative Europe’s European Capital of Culture Programme, the initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe; celebrate the cultural features Europeans share; increase European citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area and foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities.
The local process of submissions is being led by the Valletta Cultural Agency which was established as a legacy of the Valletta 2018 Foundation. Part of the Agency’s remit, as set out by LN 427 of 2018 is: “to coordinate the bidding process for the next European Capital of Culture title for the Maltese Islands.”
Photo: New street signs around Victoria – Photos Maggie Bajada