Toni Attard, a theatre director, arts producer, and creative industries specialist, will be leading the artistic direction of EuroPride Valletta 2023, which promises to be Malta’s biggest ever LGBTIQ+ event.

He is also the founder and CEO of Culture Venture, an international advisory and production company for the cultural and creative sectors.

Taking to LinkedIn to celebrate his appointment, Mr Attard said he was “excited” to announce his role.

“Looking forward to co-create a programme that celebrate artistic diversity from [and] with our community and that serves as an open and creative space for the issues that threaten LGBTIQ equality in Europe.”

“See you in Malta in 2023!”

In a post on the ARC website dating to 26th July, the licence holders for EuroPride 2023 said Mr Attard would be responsible for the arts and culture programme during the 10-day international event, where a series of initiatives, activities and events will be held with the LGBTIQ+ community taking centre stage.

“Malta has become a success story when it comes to reforming laws & policies that protect and empower all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and sex characteristics,” it said.

“With this in mind, EuroPride Valletta 2023 has adopted the theme ‘Equality from the Heart’.

“Allied Rainbow Communities is privileged to work alongside Toni in putting forward a programme that is multi-faceted, eye-opening and engaging.”

Mr Attard recently directed Il-Pożittivi, a play in Maltese inspired by stories of people living with HIV in Malta.

Other productions include Robin Hood u Marian (ŻiguŻajg 2019, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra), an adaptation of Francis Ebejer’s Boulevard (Żfin Malta, Teatru Malta, Teatru Manoel) and the critically acclaimed production of Tender Napalm by Philip Ridley (Unifaun Theatre).

He has been described by the British Council as “Malta’s foremost cultural advocate”, and has been actively involved in a voluntary capacity as vice-President of the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association, co-founder and board member of 'Opening Doors', an arts organisation for adults with intellectual disabilities, and co-founder and board member of the Cultural Policy Designers Network.

He served as artistic director for four editions of ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for children and young people, guest director of the Malta International Arts Festival, and co-programmer for the cultural programme of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017.

In October, ARC saw off competition from Belfast Pride and Rotterdam Pride to win the right to host the “massive” LGBTIQ+ event in Malta for the first time ever in 2023.

“We are deeply grateful and humbled by the show of support. We will work tirelessly with all stakeholders to deliver an experience of love & growth for our LGBTIQ+ community & Allies in Malta and beyond our shores like no other,” said the organisation upon winning the bid.