A critical debate of the cultural and social effects of Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture

Excessive commercialisation during Valletta's tenure as European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in 2018 undermined its potential to elevate Malta’s cultural scene and raised concerns about urban liveability. Despite a varied, innovative programme that positively impacted the cultural sector, politicisation hindered governance, preventing the expected cultural transformation. While ECoC contributed to Valletta's regeneration alongside other recent initiatives, its commercial focus may have diminished community benefit.

Ebejer, J., Xuereb, K., & Avellino, M. (2020). A critical debate of the cultural and social effects of Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 19(1), 97–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2020.1849240