Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1060184
27 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2018 OPINION Francis Zammit Dimech Francis Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist MEP (EPP) Francis Zammit Dimech With culture having such a massive impact we need to invest more in culture, hence this is where the importance of the New European Agenda for Culture shines through The politicisation of Maltese culture makes Valletta 2018 a hollow victory PROJ ECT PROMOT ER (J Pe No ) Pr Pr Prepare the round for Economic ndependence. facilitate the project's overall communication and PR activities; Ei Or Fr De ĦM CULTURE is a 'soft power' that enables and empowers its citizens to be responsible leaders of society, having integrity, enthusiasm and empathy. But while culture is a soft power it is not a soft issue as it contributes directly to jobs, growth, and external trade, affects the livelihood of several Maltese and Gozitan artists, and about 8.4 million EU citizens are employed in the cultural and creative sec- tor. With culture having such a massive impact we need to invest more in culture, hence this is where the importance of the New European Agenda for Culture shines through. The agenda has three objec- tives; first to harness the power of culture and cultural diversity for social cohesion and wellbeing by promoting cultural participation, mobil- ity of artists and protection of heritage. Second, to support jobs and growth in the cul- tural and creative sectors, by promoting arts and culture in education, boosting relevant skills, and encouraging inno- vation in culture. Finally, it aims to strengthen international cultural rela- tions, by making the most of the potential of culture to foster sustainable develop- ment and peace. Due to the level of power in the culture sector and the degree of influence on it from the New European Agenda for Culture I involved myself, serving as the EPP Group rapporteur, on the report. My involvement came in the acts and positions I made prior to the report's adoption. Following wide consultation with Maltese stakeholders and experts in the field earlier on this year, I tabled several amendments to reflect their views. In particular I called for the New European Agenda on Culture to give due atten- tion to cultural areas that are endangered because of lack of funding or attention, for example poetry. I also called on the European Commis- sion to ensure that European festivals are supported as festivals are a uniting force that have a positive impact on society, citizenship, economy, cultural heritage and external development. This is one of the various lessons I personally learned from my time as former Minister of Culture when I introduced various festivals in Malta including the Isle of MTV and Notte Bianca. I also called for the Creative Europe Programme, which aims to support the European audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors, to be more accessible for smaller organi- sations which generally lack resources. I prompted the European Commission to encourage collaboration between culture professionals, educators, en- gaged citizens, and business professionals, to stimulate a renewed public interest in culture. Whilst welcoming the intention to increase mobility programs for artists I noted that particular action is needed to address the hin- drances and obstacles result- ing in excessive or double artist taxation. Outside my involvement on the New European Agenda for Culture and with regard to Valletta being declared the 2018 Capital City of Culture in Europe I believe that Malta can take advantage of its cur- rent unique position and fo- cus on long-term investment. For example, Liverpool in 2008 was found to have made £753.8m after being named Capital City of Culture. This is thus an opportunity not only to inject funds in the economy but also to increase exposure of our capital. This is a feat which was accomplished with signifi- cant investment in numer- ous projects launched by the Nationalist government through the years such as the restoration done to the capital's fortifications, resto- ration works on St John's Co- Cathedral, the launch of St James' Cavalier and the grand entrance to Valletta designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Unfortunately, Malta, despite all its efforts, now stands at a precipice of both gains and loss, as a result of our own mishaps. For if we cannot fix our reputation by dealing with the politicisa- tion of our culture and the root causes of our corruption scandals then this title will solely be a hallow victory. Our biggest ongoing chal- lenge lies in the fact that our government and officials are using culture and heritage as an excuse to denigrate and attempt to erase the memory of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia who was assassinated last year in a car bomb. Specifically tributes at the memorial have been repeat- edly torn down on the pretext that the monument and the surrounding area were being restored. Caruana Galizia's memorial stands at the Great Siege Monument, which is fit- ting for a person who fought for freedom of expression as the monument represents the fight for freedom and liberty. The damage suffered to our reputation as a re- sult of this situation is certainly unfortu- nate, but that reputa- tion can only be cor- rected by establishing who ruined it by bringing about this collapse – not by trying to deride those standing up for Malta, for the people, who deserve far better, and for the values which can only be safe- guarded by being defended relentlessly and with determi- nation. Culture is an important issue that should not be disre- garded and I am pleased with the work I have done on the New European Agenda for Culture and I will continue to look for ways to improve this sector and those it affects. New European Agenda for ting for a person who fought for freedom of expression as the monument represents the fight for freedom and liberty. The damage suffered to our reputation as a re- sult of this situation is certainly unfortu- nate, but that reputa- tion can only be cor- rected by establishing who ruined it by bringing about this collapse – not by trying to deride those standing up