New Valletta 2018 Foundation premises inaugurated

The Valletta 2018 Foundation’s new premises were officially inaugurated this afternoon by Justice and Culture minister Owen Bonnici, V18 parliamentary secretary Deo Debattista, and Jason Micallef, the foundation’s chairman.

The foundation relocated its headquarters in order to better accommodate the team managing the project, which has grown significantly over the years, said the ministry, adding that the new office space would allow the various departments to work better.

Bonnici said the prestigious event will take the country one step closer to placing its cultural heritage on the map, “as it rightfully deserves”.

“Our investment in this Foundation is part of a strategic investment exercise to achieve the three pillars in the cultural sector. These pillars are bringing culture to the people, increasing employment within the cultural sector, and having this sector actively contributing to our GDP,” he said.

Debattista on his part stressed that the foundation’s work would not cease with the end of the V18 festivities, with the government “determined to strengthen” the legacy from having hosted the European Capital of Culture.

“We will not only continue to emphasise the importance of having a highly ambitious programme for 2018 in terms of various strands the foundation is working on, but also leaving behind a legacy to continue working on, thereby ensuring that the work done by the foundation will continue to flourish,” said the newly-appointed parliamentary secretary.

Finally, Micallef stressed that the new premises would allow the team to work with an increased level of efficiency, adding that 2018 would be a “great year” for the foundation.

“It is going to be our year to showcase what our beautiful capital has to offer, what Malta has to offer and what the team has to offer,” he said, while insisting the new offices would also  “provide better accessibility and more proximity to the general public”.