Launch of Cultural Heritage Website
Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar launches Cultural Malta a new website focusing on
Malta’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħajr has just launched a new web site www.culturalmalta.org, under the patronage of the Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco, Minister for Tourism, the Environment and Culture.
Cultural Malta has been created with the aim of raising awareness of Malta’s history, architecture and culture both locally amongst the general public, but also overseas in an effort to attract more cultural tourism to Malta.
In view of FAA’s work to research and write a full range of articles especially for students, its high standards and the wide range of topics covered, the website has been approved by the Department of Education as an official resource that will contribute towards the teaching of history and culture to secondary school students. It will also be one of the first non-Ministry of Education websites to be integrated into the Fronter e-Learning platform.
Culturalmalta.org has also been endorsed and is being supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, Heritage Malta, Air Malta and MIA with whom the site will be hosting reciprocal links, allowing visitors to any of the sites to seek more information about Malta and hopefully attract more cultural tourists to Malta.
From left: Corinne Xuereb, FAA, DDr. Petre Schneebauer, Austrian Ambassador, Dr Mario de Marco, Sir Martin Laing, Astrid Vella, FAA, Josef Formosa Gauci, CEO MTA and Michael Zammit Cutajar
“As a heritage NGO, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħajr has long felt that there was a shortage of high quality information on Malta’s cultural heritage and architecture”, said Ms Astrid Vella, FAA co-coordinator and spokesperson. “Our new site features both introductory and detailed articles as well as timelines and interactive features that are sure to be of interest to a very wide audience. Our intention is for the web site to continue to grow on a regular basis and we take this opportunity to appeal to the public who may wish to contribute articles or photos to contact us on [email protected].”
The website includes a gallery where, in addition to featuring historic old photographs, FAA is commissioning and uploading photos of Maltese furniture, art, traditional tools and transport. This FAA initiative aims to build up an archive of items held in public and private collections which will be available for viewing by the public, for interest or research. This ties in closely with the work of Patrimonju Fondazzjoni Malti, a partner in this website, which will also carry many of Patrimonju’s Treasures of Malta articles.
In addition to articles on history, architecture, art and culture, the Cultural Malta website will also feature heritage buildings that have been converted to commercial enterprises such as hotels, restaurants, galleries etc. In this way FAA hopes to support those who have invested in heritage buildings by directing more traffic their way. By highlighting such success stories, FAA aims to convey the message that converting old buildings rather than demolishing them makes good business sense.
In his speech the Hon Mario de Marco stated: “This impressive and innovative website really covers the three remits that I am responsible for as Minister for Tourism, Culture and the Environment. FAA’s efforts to attract cultural tourists to Malta is very much appreciated, as culturalmalta.org reflects the Malta Tourism Authority’s drive to boost tourism in the shoulder months, and will encourage tourists to explore the wealth of heritage that lies beyond Malta’s traditional tourist routes. More exposure to our priceless heritage is indeed commendable, and serves as a contribution towards the enhancement of our islands’ cultural tourism.”