The intention behind this Cultural Annual is that of starting to form a research library that triggers a conversation about Maltese culture.
Culture is identity. In a globalised world, where through information technology, but also through commerce and global economic work necessities, different peoples mix more than ever before, the question of identity has become an even more crucial question than in the past. First of all, there is the recognition of the fluidity of this identity—the fact that we live in times of great and rapid change, more than any other period in the history of humankind. Secondly, the recognition of more interdependence and direct influences means less isolation, and so more assimilation of cultural elements and facets which shape the way in which we define ourselves as that which we are. This obviously brings with it a lot of resistance from certain quarters, while simultaneously leading to the germination of isolationist ideologies and narratives which presuppose a static identity—almost a still life—and most likely one which is nostalgic, pining for a golden age that never was. The consequence of this is that all that which does not conform with this fictitious formula ends up being excluded, if not also considered alien and so deemed as being worthy of being altogether ignored or outright cancelled.
The aim of the Cultural Annual, therefore, is that of continuing to highlight Maltese culture as a continually developing process, one that takes on different guises, goes along with the times, and adapts itself to the world of which the Maltese Islands form part: a world of geopolitics, economy, culture, and communication. The aim is that this is done in a scientific manner, through research in different fields which abut on culture, and for this research to be recognised through a peer-reviewing system; one that, moreover, offers a guarantee to those who read or quote this research that the highest academic levels have been ensured, both in the research methodology as well as its interpretation. This does not mean that this research is the last word on that which is being researched; if anything, it is the aim of this publication to be the beginning of a conversation that, at the end of the day, sheds light on the Maltese identity and how it has been evolving over the years.
The Culture Directorate has launched this initiative with the desire that, bit by bit, we will build a library of research concerning Maltese culture, and that over time we will continue to encourage more researchers to research this field which is so vital to the Maltese people’s existence. I would like to thank, in particular, the editorial board, led by the most able Nikki Petroni, together with the help of Karl Fiorini, as well as all the contributors—be they researchers who are putting forward their research before the readers, or peer reviewers who have done all this work voluntarily. I would also like to pay homage to Professor John P. Portelli with whom we had originally launched this project, and whose academic experience was of great help throughout all this process until this book found itself in the hands of its readers.