Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1360420
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 APRIL 2021 4 CULTURE THE Valletta Cultural Agency has received two applications in response to a call for Expres- sions of Interest for towns and regions in Malta and Gozo to hold the European Capital of Culture title in 2031. The Expression of Inter- est was launched in Novem- ber 2020 and closed on the 31st March of this year, by which deadline two submis- sions were received; one from Birgu for Reġjun Xlokk and one from Victoria for the re- gion of Gozo. The Valletta Cultural Agen- cy will be leading a mentor- ing process over the coming weeks. Meetings with the can- didates will be held and a sem- inar with European experts on the subject will take place in September to prepare the candidates for the intense pro- cess 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 Europe- an Capital of Culture 2031, according to a schedule estab- lished by the European Com- mission. The first local phase of the project invited towns to prepare and submit their initial proposal by means of a local Expression of Interest between January and March 2021. As per the Creative Europe's European Capital of Culture Programme, the initiative is designed to highlight the rich- ness and diversity of cultures in Europe; celebrate the cul- tural features Europeans share; increase European citizens' sense of belonging to a com- mon cultural area and foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities. The local process of submis- sions is being led by the Vallet- ta 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. European Capital of Culture 2031 candidates Victoria will be representing the region of Gozo and Birgu representing the Xlokk region Birgu Victoria