Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544465
GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 17 APRIL 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 These will be considered for inclusion in the final Bid Book that will determine whether the Gozitan capital is crowned European Capital of Culture in a selection process set for later this year. The European Capital of Cul- ture title is an annual EU initi- ative that aims to highlight the richness and diversity of cul- tures across the continent while fostering sustainable cultural development, international co- operation, and citizen engage- ment. Victoria's candidature is be- ing coordinated by the Victoria 2031 Foundation, working in collaboration with all fourteen localities of Gozo. In November 2025, Victoria was announced as the sole Mal- tese candidate to advance to the final selection phase for the Eu- ropean Capital of Culture title. The final selection phase, scheduled for the end of Sep- tember 2026, will determine whether Victoria is designated European Capital of Culture for Malta in 2031. "An Island of Islands" Victoria2031Għawdex's vision, outlined in its first Bid Book, is a living frame- work guiding the pro- gramme and inviting people to experiment and respond to local and European chal- lenges through arts and cul- ture. It sees Victoria as an in- terconnected "holobiont" shaped by care and inter- dependence, and imagines an "Island of Islands" woven from people, places, memo- ries and more-than-human voices—alongside islands of ideas that transcend bounda- ries. For more information, reach out to the foundation via ar- tistic@victoria31.eu or info@ victoria2031.eu for general in- formation. CONCERNS have been raised over the recent repainting of the entrance canopy and columns of the Victoria Lyceum in Gozo, with calls for the structure to be restored to its original white finish. The Coalition for Gozo said the red repainting of the canti- levered canopy and supporting pilotis undermines the build- ing's architectural integrity, arguing that the structure was originally designed as a unified white composition. The building, designed by Maltese architect Joseph G. Huntingford, has consistently appeared in white in photo- graphic records dating back to the 1960s. The group said this continuity suggests that white was an essential element of the design rather than a later addi- tion. While traces of red paint were reportedly found beneath later layers during recent works, it was argued that this does not necessarily indicate an intended final finish, and could instead reflect preparatory coatings. The coalition said the Lyceum forms part of a broader body of Huntingford's work across Gozo, including several prima- ry schools, all of which follow a similar modernist style charac- terised by white surfaces. It warned that the introduc- tion of red is inconsistent with this architectural language and risks altering the original design concept. The issue was described as one of conservation rather than preference, with empha- sis placed on the need to base restoration decisions on docu- mented evidence. A return to the original white finish was proposed as a straightforward measure to restore the building's design clarity, particularly ahead of its opening as a museum. Architect Richard England al- so raised concerns, noting that white was central to Hunting- ford's approach, enhancing form, light and shadow in line with modernist architectural principles. Concerns raised over red repainting of Victoria Lyceum entrance Victoria Lyceum entrance painted red (Photo: The Coalition of Gozo) Victoria2031Ghawdex is inviting partners in Malta and internationally to help shape its cultural programme In November 2025, Victoria was announced as the sole Maltese candidate to advance to the final selection phase for the European Capital of Culture title (Photo: James BIanchi/MaltaToday)