FACT’s Founder Jesmond Pace Retires: A Chapter Closes, A Legacy Endures

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, the signboard of FACT, one of Malta’s most iconic cultural hubs, will soon bear a new name. After 30 years at the helm, founder Jesmond Pace has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the local arts scene.

From Humble Beginnings to Cultural Beacon

Jesmond Pace started FACT in 1992, a time when Malta’s cultural scene was vastly different. Housed in a modest space on Old Bakery Street, the centre began as a small, passionate project dedicated to promoting contemporary art. Today, FACT stands as a testament to Pace’s vision, having grown into a vibrant arts hub that has nurtured and showcased the works of countless local and international artists.

Over the years, FACT has evolved, expanding its reach to include not just visual arts, but also film, literature, and music. It has become a meeting point for creatives, a platform for expression, and a symbol of Malta’s cultural evolution. Pace’s leadership has been instrumental in placing Malta on the global arts map, a feat he modestly attributes to the collective effort of the local arts community.

A Retirement Well-Deserved

Pace’s decision to retire comes after three decades of dedicated service. Under his stewardship, FACT has weathered storms, navigated changes in government policies, and adapted to the digital age. His retirement, therefore, is not just a personal decision, but a significant moment in Malta’s cultural history.

Pace, however, is quick to assure that FACT’s legacy will continue. “FACT is bigger than any one person,” he says, “It’s a collective effort, a community. I’m confident that the team will carry on the work we’ve started, taking FACT into the future.”

: FACT’s Next Chapter

FACT’s board has announced that the centre will continue operating under new leadership. While the details are yet to be finalized, the board has assured that the centre’s mission and vision will remain unchanged. Pace will continue to be involved in an advisory capacity, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the continuity of FACT’s work.

For Pace, retirement means a chance to step back and reflect on his journey. It also means more time for his personal art practice, something he hasn’t had the luxury of in recent years. “I’m looking forward to creating again,” he says, “To exploring new ideas and pushing my own boundaries.”

As FACT embarks on its next chapter, Malta’s arts community looks on with anticipation. Pace’s retirement may signal the end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of a new one. And as Pace himself would say, that’s the beauty of art – it’s always evolving, always changing, always moving forward.