New ideas and innovations, new designs, new ways of working and thinking are the fuel for the 21^st century. The current climate suggests a very broad definition of culture that encompasses and seeks to build bridges among the non-profit arts, commercial creative industries, formal institutions, informal cultural activity, history, heritage and other sectors.

St. James Cavalier in collaboration with the Malta EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) organised a set of interactive and hands-on workshops held over two days and aimed at Local Councils, non-governmental organisations within the sphere of culture and local artists. The objective of these workshops was to instil social innovation as a tool for cultural sustainability for which the targeted beneficiaries came together to brainstorm on existing resources and brought forth creative and original ideas that will in turn bring about cultural innovation.

At the heart of this effort was recognition of the vital role that art and culture form part of an integral system that can enhance both social and economic development. Art and culture can create a sense of identity and innovative cultural projects create a unique town, a destination, a landmark, a meeting place and most importantly a focal point for activity. The real opportunity is for the cultural community, itself, to claim leadership. One of the most important themes of the new thinking about creative cities is authenticity. It is deemed apparent that successful cities/towns, large and small, have become so by identifying and strengthening the very characteristics that distinguish them from other places and therefore each community must finds its own unique path to vibrancy and success. Hence, this activity aimed for Local Councils, ngo’s and local artists to exploit the vital linkages between art, culture, the local town and the community. In addition to this, the workshops also served to develop funding strategies for project-based creative works.

This was a unique networking opportunity for Local Councils to engage with arts practitioners who are committed to develop artistic projects in various communities. In addition, the workshops enabled all participants to establish new projects with the assistance of experts in the fields of cultural management, heritage and funding. The final aim of the training programme was to enable participants from local government and the arts community to develop collaborative projects with a clear vision, set objectives and feasible budgets that could be pursued further with the assistance of MEUSAC.

The event was held on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st July at Dar l-Ewropa in Valletta.