Gozo’s Victoria Shortlisted For European Capital Of Culture 2031
An independent European Capital of Culture selection panel on Tuesday announced that Victoria, Gozo, has been shortlisted to hold the title in 2031 with Birgu ‘s bid failing to make it past this initial hurdle.
The announcement followed a two-day pre-selection meeting held at the Valletta Design Cluster, where an independent panel of experts appointed by the European Commission and national authorities reviewed bids submitted by the two Maltese cities.
The shortlisted city will now enter the final selection phase, during which they will further develop their cultural programmes, demonstrate their long-term strategies for social, cultural, and economic impact, and host visits from the panel of experts in preparation for the final decision expected in September 2026.
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The European Capital of Culture initiative, launched in 1985, celebrates the richness and diversity of cultures across Europe while promoting sustainable urban and regional development through culture.
Valletta held the title back in 2018. The capital city had been Malta’s first submission which ran uncontested.
The race for which Maltese (or Gozitan) city will next wear the European Capital of Culture crown first began last year.
Both Victoria, Gozo, and Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta, threw their hats in the ring earlier this year.
Speaking during a press conference Valletta Cultural Agency chairman Jason Micallef recalled the positive impact that the Capital of Culture title had on transforming Valletta back in 2018.
‘To the candidates: My only wish is do not imitate Valletta, I know it is very tempting’
Suvi Innilä, the chair of the selection panel said they had the privilege to learn about the characteristics, challenges, dreams of both cities, before announcing by that only Gozo’s Victoria had made it past this first hurdle.
Owen Bonnici, Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, extended his warm congratulations to Victoria and the team behind the bid, praising their “strong cultural vision, creative ambition and sustainable development through the arts”. He noted that while the road ahead remains challenging, he is confident that Victoria and all of Gozo will rise to the occasion.
From left: Samuel Azzopardi, president of Gozo Regional Council, Victoria Mayor Brian Azzopardi, Gozo’s bid’s artistic director Austin Camilleri.
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