Tucked within the historic walls of Valletta’s St James Cavalier, Spazju Kreattiv is Malta’s National Centre for Creativity, a vibrant cultural hub where heritage meets contemporary arts expression.
Since 2000, this 16th-century fort has been reimagined as the island’s beating heart of artistic expression. Just steps away from Castille Square and its sweeping views, including the Auberge de Castille, the New Parliament Buildings, Pjazza Teatru Rjal, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Spazju Kreattiv is both a landmark and a living space for the arts.
Step inside and you’ll discover a dynamic programme of visual art exhibitions, captivating theatre performances, children’s activities, artists’ residencies, and film screenings at Malta’s only arthouse cinema, all under one roof pulsing with creativity.
Guided by the ethos Il-Qalba tal-Kreattività (The Heart of Creativity), Spazju Kreattiv champions artistic excellence, community engagement, and international collaboration. Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or simply curious, there’s always something here to ignite your imagination.
Come explore. Get inspired. Be one with art.
St James Cavalier is one of only two fortresses completed out of the nine originally planned for Valletta.
Designed by the renowned architect Francesco Laparelli and completed by his successor Girolamo (Ġlormu) Cassar, the masterminds behind much of Valletta’s iconic architecture, it was conceived as a key defensive stronghold.
Strategically perched on high ground overlooking Floriana, this “cavalier” was built to defend the city from land-based attacks. Despite its thick, imposing walls suggesting a vast interior, much of the structure was packed with earth, leaving only a few utility rooms and a steep ramp leading to the rooftop cannon platform.
Originally built for military defence, St James Cavalier has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries. Once a fortified stronghold, it was later adapted for use as a water reservoir, then a NAAFI facility, and eventually housed the Government Printing Press. In 2000, it was reimagined as part of Malta’s national millennium project and transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Today, it stands as a bastion of creativity, home to Spazju Kreattiv, Malta’s National Centre for Creativity.
The Spazju Kreattiv Artist-in-Residence Programme invites international artists to research and develop their practice within Malta’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Over the years, the residency has become a cornerstone of Spazju Kreattiv’s season, fostering creative experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and meaningful public engagement across a range of artistic media. It reflects our ongoing commitment to artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and building lasting connections with diverse communities.
Young audiences hold a special place at the heart of what we do.
ŻiguŻajg is Malta’s leading arts programme for children and families, brimming with colour, curiosity, and creativity. From joyful artistic encounters to hands-on educational workshops, ŻiguŻajg ignites young imaginations and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Launched in 2011, the ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People has become a beloved fixture in Malta’s cultural calendar. Running alongside it, the ŻiguŻajg Season is another cornerstone of the Spazju Kreattiv programme, aimed at fostering initiatives for children and families throughout the year. Together, they reflect a continued commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality arts experiences for young generations.