Goodbye 'capital of culture', hello 'region of culture'

A plan for localities to be annually declared Malta’s capital of culture has been revised after just one year. Marsa was declared the first local ‘capital of culture’ one year ago and given €200,000 in funding to carry out a variety of cultural activities throughout 2022, from fireworks displays to art exhibitions. But rather than pass on the capital of culture baton to another locality, it will remain frozen in history as the only town to ever hold that title. Going forward, the project will group localities together on a regional basis, the Culture Ministry said on Friday. Malta’s southern region is first in line, having been selected by lot. “After experiencing and evaluating this year’s outcome it has been decided that it is more effective and would be enjoyed by more people if the project is on a regional basis,” Culture Ministry permanent secretary Joyce Dimech said.   Despite the increase in scope, funds have not increased proportionally. €250,000 has been allocated to the project - an increase of just €50,000 from the funds allocated to Marsa last year.   The 12 southern region localities that will be declared Malta’s ‘region of culture’ for 2023 are Qormi, Żejtun,...