Malta’s Epicentre: Eastern Area Designated As Islands’ Cultural Region For 2024
The Eastern Region has been designated as the Cultural Region for 2024. In light of this, the Eastern Regional Council in collaboration with its Local Councils is expected to organise various cultural activities throughout the coming year.
The Local Government Division has allocated a quarter of a million euros to the Eastern Region for this purpose. This was announced by the Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasised that this is not just an investment in more cultural activities across various towns and villages, but ultimately in the artists and creatives themselves, who are immensely talented.
He recalled that the Eastern Region will be the second region to benefit from a cultural calendar, following the Northern Region which had launched a cultural calendar for the current year. So far, 14 cultural activities have been unveiled this year, with an additional 9 planned for the remaining months in the Northern Region of the country. Dr. Bonnici stressed that this initiative would certainly leave a significant legacy, enriching the cultural fabric.
Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli highlighted the success that this scheme has brought to localities within the Northern Region and explained that the organised cultural activities and initiatives would contribute to a greater appreciation of Maltese culture and its preservation for future generations.
She expressed, “I have no doubt that the Eastern Region will unveil an impressive cultural calendar. The Cultural Regions scheme has continually enhanced and strengthened the promotion of Maltese culture and unique cultural heritage in various localities of the country.”
Permanent Secretary Joyce Dimech explained that through the Cultural Region of the year, we have the opportunity to implement significant parts of the cultural strategies of the six regions that will be launched later this year. “This demonstrates the positive results of strong collaboration between various entities and sectors. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project,” Ms. Dimech commented.
Localities falling within the Eastern Regional Council, and which will be part of the Cultural Region, include Birkirkara, Pembroke, Swieqi, Pieta’, Għargħur, Ħal Lija, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, San Ġiljan, Sliema, Iklin and Gżira.
What do you think of this announcement?