‘Notte Bianca’ ups the ante for 2017 edition

Notte Bianca will return to Valletta in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 7 October with a carefully prepared programme, compiled by the Notte Bianca team together with the Arts Council Malta, that includes every aspect of the creative sphere. Festival goers can expect to experience the very best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literary events, as well as a continuation and expansion on last year’s move into the exciting emerging world of new and digital arts. Notte Bianca will also continue to use Valletta’s streets and public spaces in innovative, creative ways, thanks to a mix of roaming and site-specific projects.

Speaking at a press conference launching Notte Bianca, Justice, Culture and Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici explained how this annual event builds upon one of the government’s priorities – to make culture accessible to everyone, both through artistic exhibition and admission to historical sites. Above all, said the Minister, this event contributes financially, while giving life to our capital city which has been undergoing regeneration in recent years.

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista said this will be the final Notte Bianca before Valletta takes on the role of European Capital for Culture, a fact which the organisers have undoubtedly kept in mind when planning this popular event. For one evening, the public will have just a taste of what will be taking place all over Malta and Gozo next year. Above all, this year’s Notte Bianca programme also focuses on interactive art, which includes the audience and will be prominent during Valletta 18.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Communities Silvio Parnis said that Maltese towns – particularly the capital city as well as Vittoriosa and Mdina, have different characteristics compared with other cities. He also said that when it comes to financial aid for cultural activities, the Secretariat has always given importance to and helped these three cities. The Parliamentary Secretary added that these days local councils form an integral part of the public administration and manage public funds to fulfil their responsibilities. Therefore, whilst embarking on an extensive reform of local councils, the Secretariat chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary himself will be ensuring that local councils make good use of public funds.

Sean Buhagiar, Artistic Director of the festival since 2013, said: “Notte Bianca continues to grow into a bigger platform for quality projects which entertain our different audiences while always treating Valletta as an open city of culture.”

Festivals Director Annabelle Stivala spoke about the importance of having a great variety of entertainment on offer, saying: “All art forms take the spotlight during this annual popular major event. Notte Bianca is a unique programme that celebrates the performing arts and the city through free family activities and original discoveries in all corners of Valletta.”

With the 2018 Capital of Culture just around the corner, the Notte Bianca team – in collaboration with the Valletta 2018 Foundation – have sought inspiration from the European Capital of Culture ambitions to make Malta a global platform for artistic excellence and community projects. Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef said: “Valletta 2018 has always been deeply supportive of Notte Bianca and heavily involved in ensuring that it pushes the boundaries of creativity and collaboration further.”

Notte Bianca’s programme for this year varies to cater for all audiences, from electronic music to jazz, and from international music to Maltese music.

More information on the activities can be found on www.nottebianca.org.mt.