Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1496720
11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 APRIL 2023 own strong heritage landscape, often characterised by historic buildings, feasts, band clubs or traditional approaches to music, crafts, agriculture and cuisine, and often linked to specific places – villages, towns, even neighbourhoods. "Each region has a fascinating and, in some cases, dynamic contemporary cul- tural landscape – through the talent base of the people, the energy of the communi- ties and through the fresh perspectives an increasingly diverse population brings," Cauchi says. "The opportunity now is to recognise and celebrate these cultural assets, to be frank and open about gaps and challenges, and to develop a strategic process where culture can play a starring role in the social, economic and environ- mental futures of the regions of the Mal- tese Islands." Even regional and local councils will be obliged to address their cultural func- tions as outlined in the Local Govern- ment Act, by creating and maintaining cultural centres, local libraries, safeguard local identity and historical and cultural heritage, traditions and folklore, as well as extending assistance to artists within their locality to help them develop their talents. Shared priorities for six regions Connecting rural communities and smaller towns to build stronger cultural links and bring the countryside to the city and the city to the countryside. "It is vital that communities are both internally and externally connected, with opportunities for the members of the communities to participate in a range of cultural activities and to exchange and co-create new cultures which enhance well-being and facilitate a stronger sense of place." Building capacity in cultural infrastructure with a commitment to supporting emergent cultural organisations. "This also means the development of good governance practice in the selection of events, the utilisation of available resources, the methods of community engagement and the documentation and analysis of outcomes." Invigorating partnership and diversifying investment, with the need to reframe the approach to investment in culture, "also placing it at the heart of education, planning, health and well-being. This will require synergy between the various strategic stakeholders to develop a common cultural plan." The formation of a Regional Cultural Committee – local councils, NGOs and creative practitioners – will facilitate more participatory decision- making. European dimension to counteract a growing tendency towards insularity. "The region can be better connected to the rest of the world and would benefit from cultural exchange and partnerships with international partners." Evaluation and evidence. The outcomes of the cultural strategy must be measured to assist partners to identify ways to improve delivery and ensure that the vision and themes of the strategy are impactful over the long term. "This would help the implementers of the strategy to gain a better understanding of the assets of each locality within the region and gain valuable regional data about underutilised venues and how to better engage resident artists and NGOs based in the area."