Malta and Utrecht continue cooperation despite end of 2018 candidacy

End of November Utrecht got the news that the city was not shortlisted and is no longer candidate for European Capital of Culture 2018. Of course this jury decision was a big disappointment. Being a sportive loser the city of course congratulated the Dutch cities on the shortlist (Leeuwarden, Eindhoven and Maastricht) and wish them luck for their second round. Utrecht looks back at an interesting process that provided the city with new cultural alliances and close contacts with Malta. Being candidate was an inspiration.

Support from the rock

After this news Utrecht received heartwarming messages from Malta. Indeed, through the years Malta and Utrecht have been developing good cooperation projects in a friendly atmosphere. The support we experienced through all the mails was just what we needed. It was good to hear that not only Utrecht is happy with the ongoing cooperation. From both sides there is the wish to continue this.

Some quotes: 'You must be really disappointed and heart broken after all your work. Disappointment is an understatement. That is seriously bad news. I am very, very, disappointed.'

'While expressing our shared disappointment at this news, rest assured that I am very much still interested in collaborating with Utrecht's cultural programme and look forward to meet you again soon to discuss this! For us this does not change anything at all. We are keen to foster continued good relations with Utrecht in spite of this setback. It has been a delight co-operating with you and I look forward to co-operating further in future.'

New music, digital arts and games, cultural education, museum themes, restoration of the fortresses: in a broad scale of themes cultural organisations, artists and knowledge institutes continue to work on exchanges and projects.

Yet again: to be continued!