Watch: Gozo's Victoria looks set to be European Capital of Culture in 2031

Updated 3.36pm with additional comments

Victoria in Gozo looks set to be the European Capital of Culture in 2031, alongside a yet unnamed city in Spain.

A bid from Vittoriosa (Birgu) failed to make it through.

An independent European Capital of Culture 2031 selection panel on Tuesday announced that Victoria, Gozo, had been shortlisted to hold the title in 2031.

It is the second time a Maltese city has taken the prestigious title since Valletta in 2018.

When the news was announced by panel member Suvi Innilä, half the room cheered, while the other half remained silent.

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.

Victoria will now have until September 2026, when a final decision is expected on whether it impressed the panel with its distinctive visions for culture-led regeneration, community engagement, and sustainable cultural development.

The European Capital of Culture award lasts a year and sees EU and government funds channelled to support events throughout a city’s term, while supporting economic and social development.

Victoria took the prestigious spot after Vittoriosa failed to make it through. Photo: Shutterstock.

The Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) received applications from both Victoria and Vittoriosa.

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.

Victoria still has work to do; it must develop cultural programmes while demonstrating their long-term strategies for social, cultural, and economic impact, and host visits from the panel of experts.

It has until Summer next year to finalise its application, with the selection panel meeting again in Valletta next year to recommend it for the title.

Suvi Innilä, a member of the independent panel of experts, announced Victoria was shortlisted. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

At the time of publication, 12 cities in Spain had applied for the prestigious title. Spanish bids close in December.

'Game changer'

Speaking to Times of Malta, Victoria mayor Brian Azzopardi described the result as a “game changer” for Victoria and Gozo.

“In Gozo, we are the periphery of the periphery. Many Gozitans see the EU as being distant. Now that the institution has picked us, this gives a message that everyone has a say,” he said.

Getting to Tuesday's stage in the competition was no easy feat, involving considerable amounts of work over the past three years, he said.

Azzopardi said that while the application had received funds of over €250,000 from the culture ministry and the regional and local councils, it was not enough for the work needed. 

“We still have a lot more work to do, but now that we’re alone, we have a good chance,” he said.

Looking forward, he said Victoria needed to learn from Valletta’s tenure: “We have to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes, such as ensuring that Victoria remains dedicated to the residents”.

'Strong cultural vision'

Congratulating Victoria in a post on X, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said its selection reflected the city's "strong cultural vision, creative ambition, and sustainable development through the arts".

Screengrab: X.

Screengrab: X.

"Well done to all involved. There is still a long, hard way to go, but I am confident that Victoria and all Gozo will rise to the occasion."

In a Facebook post, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said he was pleased to confirm Gozo's continuation in the process to be confirmed Capital of Culture 2031.

"We have no doubt that Gozo as a whole region has the credentials to be the European Capital City of Culture", he said.

"Our goal is above all that the success of Valletta 2018 also reaches Gozo", Camilleri said, while thanking the Gozitan team for their work on the project.

EU Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef said Victoria would have the opportunity to build on Valletta's 2018 legacy "while creating new opportunities for cultural cooperation and exchange across Europe".

"Malta and Gozo’s rich culture and traditions are stellar examples of Europe’s cultural diversity... I wish Victoria every success in the next phase of the process".

He said the title had a "strong impact on tourism, investment, social inclusion and international cooperation".

The Gozo Business Chamber also welcomed the announcement.

Family affair

Three of the figures among Victoria's bid for the capital of culture title are related, with the family known at Tal-Bedeq.

The Gozo minister is a cousin of the Victoria mayor and of Gozo Regional Council president Samuel Azzopardi. Brian and Samuel Azzopardi are brothers.