Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1356256
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 MARCH 2021 5 CULTURE The Valletta Design Cluster is now open An exciting new space for design and creativity, at the heart of our community THE lower part of Valletta is experiencing a breath of fresh air as the Old Abattoir has been transformed into the Valletta Design Cluster, a new creative and cultural space dedicated to design in the capital, under the Valletta Cultural Agency's helm. This space will now serve as a home to all creatives and or- ganisations working on making a positive social impact on our community. The Valletta Design Cluster was officially inaugurated to- day by the Hon. Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Hon. José Herrera, Minis- ter for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Govern- ment, the Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Parliamentary Sec- retary for European Funds, Ja- son Micallef, the Valletta Cul- tural Agency's Chairperson, and Catherine Tabone, the Agency's CEO. The Valletta Design Cluster opens up new opportunities for creatives working in the field of design to take their projects to the next level. Users can access tools, equipment and spaces to learn, share their knowledge, and take their organisations forward. Whether still a stu- dent or an established practi- tioner, these new facilities are available to assist design-relat- ed organisations to fulfil their aspirations. Over and above the creation of a new concept for Malta, this project led to the regeneration of yet another zone in Valletta for the local community. The Old Abattoir had been left in a state of neglect for over 50 years. It has now been restored through an investment of 10.4 million Euro, thanks in part to the European Regional Devel- opment Funds. Spread over 3,212 square me- tres, the Cluster offers 15 stu- dios; tools and machines for prototyping; two international project labs; a conference hall; and a food space, including a nine-station training kitchen, among other areas. One al- so finds an original functional oven dating back to when the building served the Diu Balli community, one of the remain- ing two ovens from the original eight. The Old Abattoir today serves as a bridge between Valletta's 450-year-old history and its fu- ture. The Cluster prioritises en- trepreneurship, social impact projects, and user-focused de- sign, enabling innovation and a positive impact on everyday life. The facility is accessible to everyone wishing to share their knowledge, residents and workers in the Old Abattoir ar- ea, designers and artists, entre- preneurs and students. The Cluster addresses a lacu- na identified within the Crea- tive Economy Strategy, name- ly, the sharing of resources and aid to emerging and developing companies and creatives. The Valletta Design Cluster also introduces a first of its kind public garden in the cap- ital through its roof garden. Designed by the Japanese com- pany Tetsuo Kondo Architects, this roof garden includes a meeting room, two multi-func- tional spaces, a space for small groups, and various trees and plants, most of which are en- demic. The Valletta Design Cluster will be the place where people – and ideas – meet. As a Val- letta 2018 European Capital of Culture legacy project, it builds on the commitment to lessen the divide between the upper and lower areas of Valletta, to transform it into a centre of ex- cellence. The opening of this unique space for artists and creatives in Malta is particularly signif- icant in such a difficult time for the sector and society as a whole, and demonstrates Gov- ernment's commitment to- wards the arts and culture. The Valletta Design Cluster is now open daily from 8am to 6pm. The Membership Scheme is also open. Interested persons, entities, and organisations are invited to visit vca.gov.mt for more information.