UĦM Director Resigns: A New Chapter Begins
UĦM’s New Chapter: Long-Serving Director Steps Down
In the heart of Valletta, at the historic UĦM headquarters on St. George’s Square, a significant change is afoot. After two decades at the helm, UĦM’s long-serving director, Dr. Victor Aquilina, has resigned. The news, which Malta’s cultural scene, has left many wondering: what’s next for the national folklore agency?
A Quarter Century of Service
Dr. Aquilina’s resignation, effective from the end of this month, marks the end of an era. He joined UĦM in 1996, serving as director since 2007. Under his leadership, UĦM has grown from a small agency to a strong institution, preserving and promoting Maltese folklore on both local and international stages.
His tenure saw the introduction of the Malta International Folklore Festival, now a staple in Malta’s cultural calendar. The annual event, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, has welcomed delegations from over 30 countries, fostering cultural exchange and tourism.
Navigating Change
Dr. Aquilina’s departure comes at a time when UĦM is grappling with new challenges. The agency is in the midst of a strategic planning process, aiming to adapt to the evolving cultural scene and digital age. His successor will inherit a complex task: maintaining UĦM’s traditional strengths while driving innovation.
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, José Herrera, acknowledged Dr. Aquilina’s service, stating, “His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on Malta’s cultural scene. We now look forward to a new chapter for UĦM.”
The search for Dr. Aquilina’s replacement is underway. UĦM’s board, chaired by Dr. Michael Farrugia, is expected to announce an interim director in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the agency’s 25 employees continue their work, preserving Malta’s cultural heritage one tradition at a time.
: UĦM’s Future
UĦM’s future lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. As Malta’s cultural scene diversifies, so too must UĦM. The agency’s new leadership will face challenges, but also opportunities – to engage new audiences, us digital platforms, and foster collaboration with other cultural institutions.
For now, UĦM’s community mourns the loss of a stalwart leader. But as one chapter closes, another opens. The stage is set for a new director to step into the spotlight, ready to write the next act in UĦM’s story.
