From its 16th-century construction until present day, the remarkable St James Cavalier in Castile Square, Valletta, has proven time and again its steadfast ability to evolve – from a military building (one of the first to be built following the Great Siege of 1565) occupied by various rulers, to the Government printing press and, for the past 25 years, a national Centre for Creativity.
Despite its 450-year legacy, however, St James Cavalier is much more than a site of historical significance. Rupert Cefai, Fondazzjoni Kreattività Executive Chairperson, describes it as a “living, breathing” creative hub for Malta and beyond, which has fundamentally shaped and developed the country’s artistic and cultural sector for a quarter of a century.
“When people think of Valletta, they often think of its bastions, cathedrals, and theatres, but nestled among these landmarks is a space that has given new meaning to cultural heritage,” says Rupert.
“Today, the significance of St James Cavalier lies in its ability to marry its layered past with the contemporary needs of artists and audiences. It is a symbol of resilience for how an old fortress can be transformed into a beacon of cultural exchange, dialogue, and innovation.”
Its architectural transformation, led by eminent architect Richard England at the turn of the 21st century was a groundbreaking one, giving rise to the creation of Fondazzjoni Kreattività, with its two cultural programmes: Spazju Kreattiv and ŻiguŻajg, the arts festival for children and youths.
“Under the guidance of Fondazzjoni Kreattività, this evolution has been steady yet bold. Our approach has been to remain rooted in the vision of accessibility, inclusivity, and artistic innovation. Over the years, we have adapted to changing artistic practices, shifting social realities, and the needs of emerging creators,” says Rupert.
“We’ve broadened our horizons from the traditional disciplines of theatre, cinema, and exhibitions, to include digital media, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and participatory projects. The essence of our stewardship lies in allowing the building to breathe with the times, preserving its stone walls while opening its doors to fresh, daring, and often challenging ideas.”
A celebration of the past and future
Throughout 2025, the foundation has hosted several exhibitions and performances that reflect on creativity as a force of transformation, with one highlight being how audiences have been welcomed in to witness the process behind the art.
Further collaborations with cultural institutions and international artists are also to come. “These projects are designed to reaffirm our place as both a local hub and a global participant in the arts,” says Rubert. “The anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but an invitation to imagine the future together.”
With merely three months till the end of the year, the upcoming 2025-2026 season promises to carry forward the spirit and energy of not only this milestone anniversary, but of the countless movers and shakers that have shaped Spazju Kreattiv into the centre of local culture that it’s known to be.
“We will present more cross-disciplinary projects that bring together visual arts, performing arts, multidisciplinary projects, artists in residency alongside works that address urgent global themes such as climate change, migration, and cultural identity,” says Rupert.
“Furthermore, our cinema, still the island’s only art house cinema, will continue to champion independent film, world cinema, and documentaries that spark meaningful dialogue.”
‘We must remain agile’
Each year, the team has its ear to the ground to devise an innovative cultural programme that asks timely questions (as artists, citizens and society) and addresses relevant conversations. It ensures that the programme remains accessible and inclusive, providing a platform for the youngest voices while also honouring established practitioners.
“We also commit to risk-taking, to push artistic boundaries and invite audiences to engage with perspectives they might not encounter otherwise. The programme is not simply a calendar of events, it is a carefully curated dialogue between past, present, and future.”
In the coming years, the Executive Chairperson envisages the foundation expanding as an incubator for emerging talent, a convener of international dialogue, and a custodian of cultural heritage that is alive, not static.
“We must remain agile, ready to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of art and technology, but also steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. My dream is that in 25 years’ time, future generations will look back at this period not only as a continuation of a legacy but as the moment when Spazju Kreattiv firmly established itself as a global voice from Malta,” says Rupert.
“St James Cavalier will always be a space where people gather to create, reflect, and connect. The stone walls may be centuries old, but the spirit within them is ever new, and that is the vision we carry into the future.”
Photography: Spazju Kreattiv archive
