On the 29 October the Gozo Business Chamber and the San Lawrenz Local Council organised a business breakfast to discuss the broader influence of culture on Gozo’s society and economy. Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber introduced the event. In his intervention he highlighted how a vibrant cultural scene not only attracts tourists but enriches the lives of residents, offering a sense of pride and belonging that strengthens Gozo’s social fabric. His intervention was followed by that of the Chairman of the Gozo Action Group Foundation, Joe Cordina who highlighted the importance of these projects being financed under the Leader programme, to further strengthen Gozo’s cultural scene.
Through her keynote intervention Elyse Tonna, Curator and Architect, spoke about the importance and potential of the creative sector for Gozo focusing on the aspects of interdisciplinarity, collaboration, exchange, and sustainability. She highlighted Gozo’s cultural and creative identity, and the important role of volunteering in the cultural sector. She also emphasised the need for a localised approach where collaborative investments foster Gozo’s development as a distinctive cultural region.
A panel discussion on the importance of culture within the economic sector in Gozo, followed. Naomi Galea, Cultural Manager within the Gozo Region, highlighted the importance of internationalisation, and how this can benefit the local cultural sector. Michael Formosa, President of the Soċjeta’ Filarmonika La Stella, highlighted the economic impact of large-scale events such as the operas organised by the two theatres and remarked about the importance of acknowledging their impact within the local economy. Dr Michael Caruana, President of the Soċjeta Filarmonika Leone highlighted that the two theatres have provided a significant cultural and economic contribution towards Gozo. Nonetheless there is the need for Government to acknowledge their importance by assisting these organisations to invest in the revamp of both theatres. John Xuereb, Director Cultural Heritage, within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning highlighted the important role of Government in implementing certain initiatives which continue to valorise that part of our local cultural heritage which may not be so well known. He also highlighted how an innovative approach towards culture can continue to help towards its valorisation. Ronald Sultana, Director Tourism and Economic Development within the same Ministry commented that everything impacts tourism, and tourism impacts everything. Within this context culture plays an important role in valorising our tourism product. Finally, Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz highlighted how culture can be an important enabler in bringing people together within the community and help foreign people who come to live in Gozo to become an integral part of our communities, while at the same time contributing towards the local cultural scene.
In his concluding intervention the CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber Daniel Borg remarked how culture is the emblem of its people, and that the cultural initiatives undertaken are an affirmation of Gozo’s culture and its identity. He highlighted how culture is part of our journey to regain our identity as Gozitans, showing the way on how things can be done in other spheres of society.
The Project ‘Enhancing the Rural, Artistic Characteristics of San Lawrenz’
This initiative is part of the project entitled ‘Enhancing the Rural, Artistic Characteristics of San Lawrenz’ which seeks to harness the rich cultural heritage of San Lawrenz as a driver for economic growth. Through strategic collaborations with local artists, cultural practitioners, and stakeholders, the project aims to integrate visual and applied arts into the village’s tourism landscape. Major components of the project include the establishment of artist residency programs, the promotion of cultural events, and the enhancement of local cultural infrastructure. These efforts are designed to foster a sustainable, year-round tourism model that not only preserves Gozo’s unique identity but also bolsters economic resilience and supports the well-being of the local community. This project is financed under the Leader Programme which is supported through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The agenda of the event can be accessed here.
You can access the following interventions here:
