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Victoria 2031: The journey towards Malta's next European Capital of Culture By Malcolm Paul Agius Galea Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage VICTORIA, Gozo, reached an im- portant milestone this week after being recommended as Malta's European Capital of Culture for 2031, setting in motion the next phase of a cultural journey that will develop over the coming five years. The recommendation was an- nounced on 23 September at the Valletta Design Cluster following the final selection process and a presentation of the Victoria 2031 Għawdex bid to the European panel of independent experts. The announcement means that, following Valletta in 2018, Victoria is set to become the second Maltese city to hold the European Capital of Culture title. The decision follows a process that began with a call for appli- cations in October 2024. Victoria and Birgu submitted bids, with Victoria progressing from the pre-selection stage in November 2025 and subsequently develop- ing its final proposal for consider- ation by the European panel. The recommendation made this week is an important step in that process. The formal designa- tion is carried out by the Member State on the basis of the panel's recommendation. A European programme rooted in Gozo The European Capital of Cul- ture programme in 2031 will place Victoria at the centre of a year-long programme of cultural activity, bringing together artists, cultural organisations, commu- nities and partners from Malta and across Europe. Victoria's bid is built around the theme "An Island of Islands", which explores Gozo's island character as a source of connec- tion rather than isolation. The concept looks at relation- ships between people, commu- nities, places and Europe, with the values of slowness, care and courage forming part of its ap- proach to developing more con- nected and collaborative futures. This European dimension is central to the European Capital of Culture initiative, which was established in 1985. Over the past four decades, cities holding the title have used culture to de- velop European partnerships, in- crease cultural participation and contribute to longer-term social, economic and urban develop- ment. For Victoria and Gozo, the years leading to 2031 will therefore involve considerably more than preparations for a programme of events. They will provide a period in which cultural partnerships can be developed, artists and cul- tural practitioners can establish new collaborations, communi- ties can become involved in the programme and connections between Gozo, Malta and Euro- pean cultural networks can be strengthened. Building on Valletta 2018 Malta approaches its second European Capital of Culture with the experience of Valletta 2018 behind it. That experience demonstrated how the title year can form part of a wider cultural development process rather than being treat- ed as a stand-alone programme. The Valletta Design Cluster, where this week's announce- ment was made, is itself associ- ated with the legacy of Valletta's European Capital of Culture jour- ney and today serves as a space supporting cultural and creative activity. Victoria 2031 will now develop within a different context. Gozo has its own cultural landscape, characterised by long-established traditions and community activity alongside contemporary artistic practice. The programme provides an opportunity to bring these el- ements into a wider European context while developing pro- jects and partnerships specifical- ly connected to the realities of Victoria and the island. The title also provides a plat- form for Maltese and Gozitan art- ists and cultural professionals to work with international counter- parts, develop new projects and reach audiences beyond Malta. From recommendation to 2031 The recommendation is fol- lowed by a substantial period of development and monitoring before the title year. Under the European Capital of Culture framework, the years be- tween designation and the title are used to develop the cultural programme, strengthen the Eu- ropean dimension, engage citi- zens and communities, establish the necessary partnerships and ensure that the structures re- quired to deliver the programme are in place. The European panel also con- tinues to monitor preparations during this period. Community participation will form an important part of that process. The European Capital of Culture initiative is designed not only to showcase cultural activity but al- so to widen participation in cul- ture. This creates opportunities for local communities, voluntary organisations, young people, artists and cultural practitioners to become involved in the devel- opment of Victoria 2031 during the years ahead. The programme can conse- quently create opportunities beyond those directly associat- ed with the events taking place in 2031, including professional development, new cultural net- works, international collabora- tions and greater participation in cultural life. Looking beyond the title year The long-term impact of Victo- ria 2031 will also form an impor- tant part of preparations. Following this week's an- nouncement, the Government confirmed its commitment to supporting the process towards 2031, with an emphasis on in- vestment in people, artists, com- munities and the country's cul- tural development. The aim is for the programme to contribute to stronger oppor- tunities within the cultural sec- tor, increased participation and a more visible Maltese and Gozitan presence within European cul- tural networks. This reflects the wider objec- tives of the European Capital of Culture initiative, where the title year is intended to contribute to the long-term development of the city and its communities rather than end when the pro- gramme concludes. For Victoria, this means that the period between now and 2031 will be as significant as the title year itself. Projects will be developed, Eu- ropean partnerships established, artists engaged and communi- ties involved as the programme moves from the successful bid towards implementation. This week's recommendation has established the direction for that next phase. Five years from now, Victoria will be at the centre of a Europe- an cultural programme with an opportunity to present the cre- ativity, traditions, communities and contemporary cultural life of Gozo to audiences from Malta and across Europe. The work between now and then will determine not only the programme presented in 2031, but also the cultural legacy that Victoria 2031 leaves for the years that follow. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION