How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

In close association with the Valetta Municipality, the Malta Urban Forum has been the driving force behind the international event Urban Dialogues on Civic Engagement – Thematic Meeting which triggered deliberations for a truly interdisciplinary dialogue taking place in the island from 01 July to 08 July, 2016. During this period, individuals and organizations had a chance to exchange views on particular issues and ideas with a theme of the civic engagement. Interactive workshops addressed two main questions: I/ How can cities support and sustain thriving and meaningful civic engagement? II: What can be the role of collaborative mechanisms and smart technologies in promoting smart civic engagement? My sending organisation contributed with the set up of a solution-centred platform for exchange of ideas and practices while engaging in intercultural collaboration addressing urbanisation and tackling everyday city life challenges. In separate sessions, the project City of Errors (Athens) was presentedand was discussed in its prospects of replicability with representatives of the Valetta Municipality, with the specific aims to: • Facilitate dialogue and on-site projects that connect the citizens and the local community • Train the citizens to enhance their creative thinking and hands-on skills by offering a programme which integrates social, economic, environmental, technological and artistic elements • Create models and software prototypes for the local community which enhance the community’s unique character in the process of urbanisation (e.g. mobile applications, websites, business plans, open source codes, etc.) • Produce an e-publication and multimedia online-databank which include best practises, recommendations and the deliverables

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

The event was successful at developing knowledge products and increasing the awareness of the transnational dimension of urban dialogues. The challenges facing the municipality of Valetta can be compared to those affecting Athens and, the project can further expand with the following aims : Facilitate dialogue and on-site projects that connect the citizens and the local community • Train the citizens to enhance their creative thinking and hands-on skills by offering a programme which integrates social, economic, environmental, technological and artistic elements • Create models and software prototypes for the local community which enhance the community’s unique character in the process of urbanisation (e.g. mobile applications, websites, business plans, open source codes, etc.) • Produce an e-publication and multimedia online-databank which include best practises, recommendations and the deliverables