Valletta Cultural Agency launches 2021 Programme

The Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) continues to build on the work carried out over the past year-and-a-half to provide another comprehensive programme for the upcoming three months, enriching the Maltese cultural scene in the face of continued challenges being faced by the arts and culture industry due to COVID-19.

Despite a challenging 2020, VCA implemented various projects including discussions and masterclasses with international performers and professors, visual art exhibitions, films, outdoor music performances and family events.

The agency has also collaborated with several public and private entities in order to organise various activities including the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, ŻfinMalta, Teatru Manoel, Ċinerabilja, Muża, is-Suq tal-Belt, the Malta Tourism Authority, Festivals Malta and several artistic organisations, and individuals.

In his address, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrerasaid: “The Government believes that the Valletta Cultural Agency is intrinsic to the work of artists and its role is important now more than ever.

“In line with all measures issued by the Department of Public Health, VCA is continuing its Cultural Programme with an emphasis on paving the way for the future. Our traumatised world needs the healing powers of the arts to find solace and regain hope.” 

VCA Chairman Jason Micallef said, “The Valletta Cultural Agency reiterates that culture is no luxury but a necessity. This ambitious and exciting programme is a testament to our commitment to the arts and culture. With great optimism, we look forward to the year that has just started”.

VCA CEO Catherine Tabone highlighted that, “Over the past year, the relevance of the arts has become ever more apparent.  For 2021, the Valletta Cultural Agency is reinforcing its work with artists and the community to present a strong programme that features local and internationally-renowned performers engaging together in a variety of productions that provide a much-needed dose of creativity in these challenging times”.

Over the coming weeks VCA will present a concert of artistic songs by international soprano Tatiana Lisnic and MPO principal harpist Britt Arend, as well as another performance by Brian Schembri in the series Beethoven at Home. The photography project TNAX continues, while a number of calls will be issued for artists hailing from various artistic disciplines to join the VCA programme.

In February, the VCA is once again launching its innovAIR call for artists in residence which is part of VCA’s commitment to continuously work with artists. In March, George Benjamin’s composition Written on Skin, winner of several prestigious awards, will be performed by the MPO together with five international soloists under the direction of Lawrence Renes.

Strada Stretta Concept, under the artistic direction of Prof. Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, continues and we expect an evening of jazz music by the Sammy Murgo Quartet and a representation of Le Pauvre Matelot by the French theatre group Arcal Lyrique. Towards the end of March and the beginning of April, the play Vari, based on a novel by Trevor Zahra, will be held.