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“Culture PIE: Promotion of Inclusion and Equality through Culture, the unique cultural exchange and collaborative project between Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria, Gozo. Join us in celebrating culture towards 2031: inclusion, equality, and the empowerment of Roma women and immigrants in Europe’s future.”

Bridging Cultures, Building Futures

Experience culinary delights with cooking classes and tasting events that highlight the unique flavors of Spain and Malta.

Gastronomy Exchange

Engage in interactive workshops showcasing traditional crafts and customs from both Jerez and Victoria, fostering deeper cultural understanding.

Creative young lady is busy painting picture working alone in modern studio with wooden furniture, easels and arts tools. Creating masterpiece and artworks concept.

Cultural Workshops

Discover the rich history of Jerez and Victoria through guided tours that highlight significant landmarks and stories.

Historical Heritage Tours

Inclusion Seminar in Jerez on October 5–6, 2025, focusing on the inclusion and equity of Roma and immigrant communities. Exploring new challenges: advancing towards a more inclusive Europe through culture.

Inclusion Seminar

Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria will host two twinning events: one in Gozo on November 14–15, 2025, and another in Jerez on February 24–25, 2026. As candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031 for Spain and Malta, these events will highlight inclusion and equality as core values in the cities’ journey toward selection

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Town Twinning events

Through a working group to be held in Gozo on May 25–26, 2026, practices will be analyzed to help Europe advance in equality.

Equality Workshop

Our cultural exchange to promote inclusion and equality

Culture PIE: Connecting Cultures, Building Futures Together

Share cultural activities between Jerez and Victoria, promoting inclusion and equality

Join us in this unique cultural exchange between Jerez and Victoria and explore the activities that foster inclusion, equality, and lasting connections.

Jerez & Victoria Twinning Journeys

Discover the vibrant cultural exchange between Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and Victoria, Gozo, Malta. This initiative, co-financed by the European Union, fosters community ties and celebrates shared heritage. Experience how Culture PIE connects two unique cities by promoting inclusion and equality through culture.

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CulturePie Connection

<h3>Cultural Twinning between Jerez de la Frontera and the Island Region of Gozo</h3>AbstractInclusion and equality, particularly in aspects such as gender, ethnicity, race, and the immigrant population, are areas that require improvement to advance toward a fairer society. Countries like Spain and Malta, with the Mediterranean Sea as a natural border of Europe, play a central role in addressing these issues and challenges. Culture is one of the key drivers for promoting equality among these groups. The fact that both countries are candidates for the European Capitals of Culture in 2031 - with the island of Gozo in Malta and the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Spain submitting their candidacies - and having significant immigrant populations (especially in Malta), Roma communities (particularly in Jerez de la Frontera), and facing social and labour discrimination against women supports the twinning of these two places. This twinning aims to ensure that inclusion and equality criteria become decisive factors when the selection committee chooses the European Capitals of Culture for this year. Through this project, two institutions of great impact, the 'Asociación Cultural Ateneo de Jerez' in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and the 'Gozo Regional Council' of Gozo (Malta), will work through culture to promote the inclusion of groups such as Roma women and the immigrant population. They will share their experiences and reflections by organizing two Cultural Inclusion Events, one in each country, which both associations will collaborate on and offer to the citizens of both communities. The general objective of the project is to promote cultural twinning between Gozo and Jerez de la Frontera as part of their bid for the European Capital of Culture 2031, with a focus on gender equality, the empowerment of immigrant and Roma women, and the social integration of immigrants through culture.&nbsp; Given that both places are candidates for the European Capital of Culture in 2031 for their respective countries, this project aims to advance the integration, through culture, of groups that suffer discrimination. The central focus of the project is to promote the inclusion of groups such as immigrants and Roma. Jerez de la Frontera can offer its experience related to the Roma community, specifically regarding women, primarily through the artistic expression of flamenco (but not only), where they play a significant role, while Gozo can contribute its experience with the immigrant population namely of Asian, African, Arab and Hispanic origins (NSO Statistics Office 2021), whose percentage has significantly increased in recent years.Why this project?The twinning between Jerez de la Frontera, in southern Spain, and Victoria, the capital of the island of Gozo, stems from a deep desire to strengthen cultural, social, and economic cooperation between two Mediterranean cities with unique identities and shared values.Jerez, the birthplace of flamenco and the wine that bears its name, is also a benchmark in the preservation and promotion of Roma culture, integrating its traditions and art into the daily rhythm of the city with a model of social integration unique in the world. Victoria, with its iconic Citadel and vibrant community life, is a place where history and modernity coexist, and where a growing migrant population brings new cultural and human expressions.This twinning is born out of the desire to promote joint projects that include festivals, workshops, educational exchanges, and inclusive actions, fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual respect. Both cities see culture not only as an artistic expression but as an essential tool for social cohesion, equality, and the inclusion of two communities that share historical and contemporary values and essence.The Ateneo of Jerez and Gozo Regional Council have developed a joint twinning project within the Town Twinning (CERV) call funded by the European Union, with the support of the City Council of Jerez de la Frontera, the City Council of Rabat Cittá -Victoria, and the Ministry of National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government of Malta.As a result of this alliance and its spirit of openness, considering that in 2031 Victoria and Jerez have applied as candidates for European Capitals of Culture for their respective countries, a title we hope they could share, this twinning of Jerez and Victoria represents fundamental support for these candidacies and is born with the ambition to project to the world a diverse, creative, and inclusive Europe.

Culture Pie:  Promotion of Inclusion and Equality through Culture

The Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council foster cultural exchange between Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria, Gozo. Through EU-supported activities and events, this project promotes inclusion and equality through culture.

The Cultural Association Ateneo de Jerez is a non-profit cultural organization located in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The association was originally established in 1897 and was re-founded 19 years ago, in the context of a consolidated democracy following the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship, by a group of citizens from politics, trade unions, and cultural and social associations. Its aim is to promote the study of sciences, fine arts, and literature, and to improve the society in which we live through analysis and debate. The organization seeks to foster authentic values such as free thought, respect, freedom, participation, interest in culture, and the relationships among its members.The Ateneo de Jerez offers a wide range of activities through different sections, clubs, and workshops, which include: Nature and environment, Theatre, Historical and democratic memory, History, art and heritage, Poetry, Leisure and culture, Literature, Reading club, Exhibitions, Cinema, Health and well-being, Photography, Gastronomic culture, Economy and civic debate, Choir, Music, Virginia Woolf feminist classroom, and Flamenco, available to the entire population of Jerez, a city with around 250,000 inhabitants, as well as to its wider surrounding area. These sections organize activities both outdoors and indoors, such as workshops, lectures, debates, cultural visits, recitals, artistic presentations, cultural and poetry magazines, among others. The organization is composed of primary, secondary, and university educators, historians, law graduates, healthcare professionals, writers, social workers, and many other members with experience in various social fields. The Ateneo de Jerez is, in fact, one of the most important cultural associations in Jerez de la Frontera. It is part of the Confederation of Ateneos of Andalusia, the Spanish region where the city is located, and of the Association of Cultural Managers of Andalusia (GECA).The organization offers daily activities such as exhibitions, lectures, recitals, and workshops, as well as weekend activities, often held outdoors, including cultural and leisure visits and trips, aimed at promoting and enhancing culture and critical thinking. The Ateneo’s activities also include the promotion of inclusion through various initiatives that encourage interaction among its members and with the general public. It promotes cultural activities such as theatre, music, debates, poetry and music recitals, nature routes, and more, working to increase the participation of people with disabilities or special educational needs.Concrete examples of activities organized by the Ateneo de Jerez include poetry recitals and lectures with Sign Language interpretation to facilitate participation by the deaf community. In fact, the Ateneo has a collaboration agreement with the Association of Deaf People of Jerez de la Frontera, and also organizes activities that include audio description for blind participants. The theatre workshops are coordinated by a director with extensive experience in various theatre companies and working with people with special needs. Likewise, the association has a section dedicated to Flamenco, with active participation from the Roma community. The Theatre Department develops inclusive activities in collaboration with different NGOs that support the homeless or other vulnerable groups, organizing theatrical performances whose proceeds are donated to these organizations. The Choir Section collaborates with other institutions in its performances.

Cultural Association Ateneo de Jerez

The Regional Councils of Malta, formerly known as Regional Committees, were established in 2011. They represent a level of local government between the Local Councils (municipalities) and the central national institutions (state government). Therefore, this regional level of government is relatively new in Malta and Gozo. As of 2022, Malta is divided into six regions, one of which is Gozo, with a population of just over 42,000 people.&nbsp;The Gozo Regional Council is one of these six Regional Councils representing all regions of Malta and Gozo. It is composed of all the Local Councils of Gozo, and its administration is therefore entrusted to all the member representatives, the mayors, who represent each locality within the Gozo Region. The Local Council is the authority closest to the residents. The Gozo Regional Council promotes a sense of belonging not only to the locality to which one belongs but also to the island of Gozo as a whole. Regional identity, consequently, is based on the concept of solidarity, understanding, and collaboration among the different Local Councils of the island of Gozo as a defined geographical area. The capital of all these Local Councils is Rabat Città Victoria. The Gozo Regional Council brings together Gozo’s 14 Local Councils with their respective diverse communities and contributes to the direct coordination of the entire territory and its cultural promotion, not only as a singular and historic entity, but also as part of a plural and diverse Europe.Each region of the Maltese Islands, including Gozo, has a distinctive and diverse base of social and cultural assets, a rich heritage often conceptualized in terms of historic buildings, festivals, music bands, and traditional approaches to music, crafts, agriculture, dialects, and gastronomy, among other local values. These elements are usually linked to specific places: towns, cities, and even neighbourhoods. Gozo, exceptionally, has a fascinating and dynamic contemporary social and cultural landscape, driven by the talent of its people, the energy of its communities, and the new perspectives brought by an increasingly diverse population. Numerous cultural and social associations operate in Gozo, including: Wirt Għawdex (Gozo Heritage), Gozo Creative Theatre Club, Community of Gozo Artists, Circolo Gozitano, Gozo University Group, Voice for Inclusion Gozo, Caritas Gozo, The Jam Project (focused on inclusion and creativity), and the Gozo NGOs Association, among many others.The Gozo Regional Council recognizes and celebrates these diverse assets, openly addresses shortcomings and challenges, and develops a process in which social sustainability, inclusion, culture, and diversity, including the new populations residing on the island, play a central role in shaping the social, economic, environmental, and innovative future of the island of Gozo, and thus of the entire Maltese archipelago.

Gozo Regional Council - Regjun Ghawdex

Activity 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inclusion SeminarDuring this seminar, strategies will be analyzed to promote inclusion and equality in cultural activities and events, taking as a reference the Roma population in the city of Jerez and the migrant population on the island of Gozo.Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)Date: 5-6 October 2025 (Please, see below the program)Activity 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cultural Event - Twinning ceremony in GozoDuring this cultural event, various cultural activities will take place in Gozo, including the twinning ceremony with the municipality of Jerez de la Frontera.Location: Gozo (Malta)Date: 14–15 November 2025Activity 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cultural Event - Twinning ceremony in Jerez de la FronteraDuring this cultural event, various cultural activities will take place in Jerez de la Frontera, including the twinning ceremony with the municipality of Victoria, the capital of Gozo.Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)Date: 23–24 February 2026Activity 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Equality WorkshopDuring this workshop, strategies will be developed to analyse how to promote equality through culture, drawing on the experience gained throughout the development of this twinning project and proposals will be defined to continue future work between both cities.Location: Gozo (Malta)Date: 25–26 May 2026

Flag of the European Union in front of the EU-Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

Twinning Activities between Jerez and Gozo: Celebrating Culture and Cooperation

6th october 2025<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.portaldecadiz.com/provinciacadiz/140932-jerez-y-la-ciudad-maltesa-de-victoria-formalizan-su-hermanamiento-con-vistas-a-la-capital-europea-de-la-cultura-2031">https://www.portaldecadiz.com/provinciacadiz/140932-jerez-y-la-ciudad-maltesa-de-victoria-formalizan-su-hermanamiento-con-vistas-a-la-capital-europea-de-la-cultura-2031</a>5th october 2025<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/jerez-local/jerez-formaliza-hermanamiento-ciudad-maltesa-victoria/202510051357063147886.html">https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/jerez-local/jerez-formaliza-hermanamiento-ciudad-maltesa-victoria/202510051357063147886.html</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.diariodejerez.es/jerez/nuevo-paso-hermanamiento-jerez-ciudad_0_2004954580.html">https://www.diariodejerez.es/jerez/nuevo-paso-hermanamiento-jerez-ciudad_0_2004954580.html</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jerez2031.com/jerez-y-victoria-avanzan-en-su-hermanamiento-como-ciudades-candidatas-a-capitales-europeas-de-la-cultura-en-2031/">https://jerez2031.com/jerez-y-victoria-avanzan-en-su-hermanamiento-como-ciudades-candidatas-a-capitales-europeas-de-la-cultura-en-2031/</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lavozdelsur.es/ediciones/jerez/jerez-ya-es-hermana-ciudad-maltesa-tambien-quiere-ser-capital-europea-cultura-en-2031_343311_102.html">https://www.lavozdelsur.es/ediciones/jerez/jerez-ya-es-hermana-ciudad-maltesa-tambien-quiere-ser-capital-europea-cultura-en-2031_343311_102.html</a>3rd october 2025&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" 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Twinning News: Jerez & Gozo

St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta, October 4, 2022

The Palazzo del Municipio, built adjacent to the Cathedral in the 18th century in a Baroque style, is located at the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, adjacent to the Cathedral of Monreale.

Four Shades of Vine.  

More photos to buy: http://bit.ly/2mfsD15

Strengthen the relationship between Gozo (Malta) and Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) through artistic and cultural exchanges, with a special focus on local traditions and artistic expressions. This includes analysing common cultural aspects that support the European Capital of Culture candidacies for 2031, which both places share in their respective countries. Inclusion and equality should be determining factors when selecting a city as the European Capital of Culture.

Promote gender equality through workshops involving women leaders in both communities, empower Roma women through activities that highlight their culture, and encourage their active participation in society.


Facilitate the social integration of immigrants in both cities, using culture as a means of inclusion and participation.

Share experiences and best cultural practices that enhance inclusion based on gender, ethnicity, and immigration.

Objectives

Patricio Pérez-Pacheco

General Project Coordinator (Ateneo de Jerez)

Gustavo A. Cordero-Bueso

President and Legal Representative (Ateneo de Jerez)

Sandra Campoy Rodríguez

Coordinator Team Member and Cultural Manager (Ateneo de Jerez)

Fabian Galea

Coordinator of the Partner Association (Gozo Regional Council)

 Rita Mifsud Attard

Executive Secretary and Legal Representative (Gozo Regional Council)

Naomi Galea

Coordinator Team Member and Cultural Manager (Gozo Regional Council)

Team

Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria, the capital of Gozo, share the Mediterranean spirit that unites cultures through history, art, and hospitality. Both cities preserve a valuable historical and architectural heritage, integrating fortresses, temples, and public spaces where community life thrives. Music and festive traditions are central elements of their identity, as is their connection to unique artisanal and gastronomic activities. Furthermore, Jerez and Victoria value culture as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion, projecting their identity to the world with a creative and open vision that connects past and present in a shared rhythm.<h3>Jerez</h3>Jerez de la Frontera, located in the southwest of Spain, in the province of Cádiz, near the Strait of Gibraltar, is a city that embodies the most authentic essence of Andalusia. Internationally recognized as the birthplace of flamenco, its music and dance have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In its peñas, tabancos, and theatres, flamenco is experienced as a vital expression, passed down from generation to generation. The city is also famous for its wines, the sherry, which has become a worldwide symbol of quality and winemaking tradition.The architectural heritage of Jerez is extraordinary. In addition to its 15th-century Carthusian Monastery of “Santa María de la Defensión”, the city’s historic quarter, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is home to treasures such as the imposing Cathedral of San Salvador an eclectic blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles or the Alcázar, an 11th-century Almohad fortress that still preserves its walls, Arab baths, and beautiful gardens. Strolling through the streets of Jerez means discovering lively squares, stately palaces, and centuries-old churches and convents that narrate the city’s long history.Equestrian art is another hallmark of the city. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art offers performances that combine classical and cowboy dressage with traditional music and attire, a cultural expression unique in the world. Moreover, the city’s festive calendar, with events such as the Horse Fair, where men and women parade through the fairgrounds dressed in Andalusian attire and riding on horseback, attracts thousands of visitors each year in search of authentic experiences of music, dance, and gastronomy. Holy Week in Jerez, beyond being a religious manifestation, holds an unparalleled artistic value, reflected in the richness of its sculptures, the majesty of its processional floats, and the deep musical tradition, with bands from many of the religious brotherhoods accompanying each of these processions, making it a living cultural heritage that transcends borders.Jerez not only preserves its past but also projects it into the future through museums, cultural centers, and a vibrant artistic and cultural life in which institutions such as the Ateneo de Jerez play a fundamental role. The Municipal Archaeological Museum, the Equestrian Carriage Museum, the Clock Museum, and the museum dedicated to flamenco artist Lola Flores, among many others, make up a cultural offering deeply rooted in the city’s heritage. Jerez’s candidacy to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031 on behalf of Spain represents the city’s great commitment to social and cultural growth in the decades to come. Its fusion of history, art, and hospitality makes Jerez an essential destination for those wishing to discover the cultural richness of southern Europe.&nbsp;<h3>Victoria</h3>Malta is a small country in the heart of the Mediterranean, just 90 km south of Sicily and 290 km from Tunisia. Victoria, also known by its traditional name Rabat (Rabat Cittá Victoria), is the capital of Gozo, the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago. Located in the center of Gozo, Victoria is not only an administrative and commercial hub but also the cultural and historical heart of the island. Its urban skyline is dominated by the majestic Citadel, an ancient fortress that has protected the island’s inhabitants for centuries. The Citadel has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and has served as an administrative center since Phoenician and Roman times. Carefully restored, it now houses a collection of museums, a Baroque cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, and viewpoints offering unparalleled panoramas of Gozo’s landscape, with rolling hills, cultivated fields, and the sea on the horizon.Victoria’s urban fabric combines narrow, shaded streets, lively squares, and architecture reflecting Arab, medieval, and Baroque influences. Among its heritage treasures are the Basilica of St. George, with an interior richly decorated in marble and frescoes, and the former Franciscan convent, which preserves highly valuable works of art. The city also hosts several museums, such as the Archaeology Museum and the Folklore Museum, which tell the story of Gozo from prehistory to the present day. It is no coincidence that the oldest self-supporting megalithic monuments on the planet are found in Gozo: the Ġgantija temples (“giant” in Maltese).The Gozo Regional Council, one of the Regional Councils representing each region of the country, promotes a stronger sense of belonging among residents, not only towards their local community but also to the island of Gozo itself.The island of Gozo has a very rich folklore, shaped by its rural character and strong religious and community traditions, which even set it apart from Malta, the largest island of the archipelago. The traditional Maltese singing style, Għana, is present in Gozo with local variations, improvising verses in a challenging or narrative style. The music of local bands is closely linked to patron saint festivals, called “festas”, so each town usually has its own band that accompanies the processions of their patron saints or those held during Holy Week, known for offering processions with unique artistic expressions.Victoria is also a hub of cultural life. Its theatres and cultural centres host concerts, plays, exhibitions, and festivals that celebrate both tradition and contemporary creativity. Folk dances associated with agricultural and religious celebrations, though less common today, have been revived in festivals and cultural events.Despite its small size, Victoria preserves a rich tangible and intangible heritage that reflects Gozo’s unique identity. Its balance of living history, art, religiosity, and hospitality in a country with one of the highest percentages of migrant population in Europe, makes it a must-visit city for those wishing to explore the richness of the Mediterranean and the crossroads of European cultures. These are the reasons behind Victoria’s candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2031 on behalf of Malta.

Discover Jerez and Victoria

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Marsaxlokk Malta old fisherman village and important tourist attraction on the island

Schedule of Activities

Right after this photo was taken, a storm broke loose over Barcelona. We were caught in the rain getting back to our Airbnb. It did give me the opportunity to get a different photo of this beautiful city. Instead of a nice and sunny sky, it turned into a very alarming one. I love this picture.

<h3>Coordination of Preparatory Activities for Cultural Events</h3>First Event: 14–15 November 2025, Gozo1. IntroductionFollowing the Inclusion Seminar, held on 5–6 October 2025 at the Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez, the Steering Committee and the Executive Committees of the participating organizations met to define the planning and development of the upcoming Cultural Events of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-financed by the European Union through the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T program.&nbsp;These meetings allowed for the joint coordination of logistics, cultural activities, and evaluation mechanisms, ensuring that the objectives of inclusion, equity, and interculturality identified during the seminar are fully integrated into the events. The first event will take place on 14–15 November 2025 in Gozo.2. Functions of the Steering CommitteeThe Steering Committee, composed of three representatives from each organization, is responsible for the overall coordination of the project and for ensuring the quality of activities. Its functions, defined following the meeting in Jerez and aligned with the project plan, are:&nbsp;a) Promote collaborative work between both institutions, fostering future professional relationships among them and with the spaces and activities they represent.b) Coordinate the project through effective and timely communication, including agendas, materials, and all information necessary for the Cultural Events.&nbsp;c) Supervise seminars, workshops, and cultural events, ensuring that each activity meets the inclusion and equity objectives of the project.d) Define agendas and infrastructure, with the host organization responsible for logistical aspects according to location (schedules, meeting rooms, attendance control, accommodation, meals, transport, etc.).e) Design and implement evaluation surveys to measure the impact and satisfaction of participants.f) Prepare a conclusions/guidelines document, based on the information provided by the Executive Committees, aimed at European cultural organizations to promote the inclusion of vulnerable populations (migrants, Roma community, women, etc.) and its dissemination.g) Coordinate the cultural twinning ceremony at the conclusion of each Cultural Event, inviting representatives from the municipalities of Jerez de la Frontera and Rabat Cittá Victoria, capital of Gozo.Decisions: Decisions will be made through a collaborative process within the Steering Committee, in coordination with the Executive Committees, following the objectives and activities of the project.3. Functions of the Executive CommitteesFollowing the meeting in Jerez, each Executive Committee defined concrete actions for implementing cultural activities in their organization. Their functions are:a) Design inclusive cultural activities, in collaboration with local associations and social groups, ensuring that they promote equality and inclusion in both planning and execution.b) Carry out cultural activities, meeting the project’s objectives, especially during Cultural Events in their location.c) Evaluate participation surveys completed by attendees.d) Contribute to the draft conclusions/guidelines document, providing information and results from the activities carried out.4. Coordination with Institutional EntitiesThe Municipalities of Jerez de la Frontera and Rabat Cittá Victoria will act as advisors and provide institutional support for the dissemination of the project and its activities, implemented by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council.This institutional support will help consolidate future cultural exchanges between both cities, candidates for European Capital of Culture 2031, reinforcing inclusion, equity, and cultural cooperation.Official twinning ceremonies will be organized by the municipalities of both cities, with the support of the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council.5. Relation to Seminar Conclusions and the Culture PIE ProjectFollowing the meeting in Jerez, the committees committed to ensuring that:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All cultural activities and events are developed in line with the principles of inclusion, equity, and interculturality identified in the Inclusion Seminar.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A participatory, gender-sensitive, and socially inclusive approach is implemented, integrating diversity as a positive value.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seminar conclusions are used to design cultural strategies and document results that serve as guidance for future European initiatives.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cooperation between institutions, researchers, civil society, and local associations is promoted to generate a sustainable impact on social and cultural cohesion.6. First Cultural Event: 14–15 November 2025, GozoFor this first event, the committees will:&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Define the complete agenda and logistics, including schedules, transport, accommodation, and activity spaces.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coordinate the participation of local associations and the delegation from Jerez de la Frontera.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Organize the twinning ceremony following the protocols established by the municipalities of Victoria and Jerez, with the support of the Steering Committee.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prepare a conclusions report, which will feed into the final guidelines document of the Culture PIE project.&nbsp;7. Conclusion&nbsp;The meeting of the Steering Committee and the Executive Committees in Jerez allowed for the joint and effective planning of the project’s Cultural Events and the twinning activities between the two cities, both in Victoria and Jerez, ensuring the integration of inclusion, equity, and interculturality principles.This reinforces the collaboration between both cities and contributes to Victoria and Jerez’s candidacy as European Capitals of Culture 2031, strengthening the social and cultural impact of the Culture PIE project, especially in highlighting culture as a tool to promote inclusion and social equity.Jerez, 6 October 2025

Steering Committee and Executive Committees Report of the Culture PIE Project

<h3>Town Twinning Project Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) – Victoria, Gozo (Malta)</h3>Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of JerezOctober 5–6, 2025Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)1. IntroductionThe Inclusion Seminar held on October 5–6, 2025, at the Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez is part of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-financed by the European Union through the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T program, and promoted by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council. This meeting is part of the twinning process between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (capital of Gozo, Malta), both candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031, and it is designed to make inclusion and equity central elements in the selection of these cities.The seminar brought together institutional representatives, academics, and members of civil society from both regions, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding, promote social inclusion, and develop shared cultural strategies that reflect the values of equality, diversity, and European cooperation. Approximately 120 participants from both cities attended the seminar.2. Objectives&nbsp;The seminar was designed with the following main objectives:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the communities of Jerez and Gozo regarding Roma inclusion and migrant populations.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To create a space for reflection and co-creation of future joint initiatives on inclusion and diversity under EU and frameworks.3. Seminar DevelopmentThe program was carried out over two days, combining academic presentations, institutional testimonies, and practical experiences, along with cultural activities aimed at fostering interaction between the delegations from both countries.3.1 First Day – Sunday, October 5The opening session was presided over by:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; María José García Pelayo, Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brian Azzopardi, Mayor of Victoria-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gustavo Cordero Bueso, President of the Ateneo de Jerez-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fabian Galea, Head of European and Local Funds at the Gozo Regional CouncilFollowing this, Patricio Pérez Pacheco, General Coordinator of the project, presented the Culture PIE Project, highlighting the importance of culture as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion, principles considered essential in selecting cities as European Capitals of Culture.Subsequent presentations by Javier J. Jiménez Royo (PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Seville, currently faculty at the University of Valladolid) and Francisco Agarrado (President of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano de Jerez) provided a theoretical and practical framework on the situation of the Roma community in Jerez, identifying progress in awareness, education, and social integration, as well as the need to continue strengthening equal opportunities, especially for Roma women.The day concluded with a debate and cultural exchange activities between the delegations from Jerez and Gozo.3.2 Second Day – Monday, October 6The second day focused on migrant populations, their achievements, challenges, and integration experiences.A joint presentation by Marcela Iglesias Onofre (Sociology Professor and Vice-Rector of Internationalization) and Siham Zebda (Professor of Public International Law and Coordinator of the Master's in Culture of Peace, Conflicts, Education, and Human Rights), both faculty at the University of Cádiz, analysed migration from a multi-level and multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting three main work areas:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Multi-level governance (European Union, State, Autonomous Communities, and municipalities)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bidirectionality and involvement of the host society-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Importance of civil society organizations in effective integrationThe Immigrant Reception Center (CEAIN) was represented by Gema Lozano Prieto (Head of International Protection) and Macarena García Martínez (Head of Social Intervention), who shared over three decades of experience providing comprehensive support to migrants and vulnerable populations in Jerez. Their work includes programs for reception, employment, housing, education, training, legal assistance, and awareness, achieving significant results in labor and social integration.The seminar ended with the reading of conclusions by Patricio Pérez Pacheco and a joint final declaration reaffirming the commitment of both cities to inclusion, equity, and cultural cooperation.4. Main ConclusionsFrom the presentations, debates, and contributions, the following conclusions were drawn:4.1 Institutional CommitmentLocal administrations of Jerez and Gozo have demonstrated their willingness to work together on social and cultural inclusion projects.There is a highlighted need for multi-level coordination between the EU, States, regions, and municipalities to avoid fragmented integration policies. Cultural policies should be conceived as tools for social transformation, not merely recreational activities.4.2 Role of Civil SocietyCivil society organizations and NGOs play a fundamental role in implementing inclusive policies, acting as a bridge between administration and citizens.The work of organizations such as CEAIN and the Fundación Secretariado Gitano is recognized for complementing public action and creating community support networks, alongside numerous participating associations from Spain and Malta (Ateneo, cultural associations, theater groups, scouts, sports clubs, dance and folk groups, etc.).4.3 Intercultural Perspective and Gender EqualityInterculturality is considered the most effective model for integration, based on bidirectionality, mutual respect, and positive interaction between cultures. Gender inclusion is essential, especially in vulnerable communities such as Roma and migrants.It is necessary to strengthen the participation of women in cultural and social decision-making spaces.4.4 Identified ChallengesLack of financial and human resources at the local level to implement effective inclusive policies.Need to evaluate and update existing strategies to ensure measurable results. Strengthening intercultural education, access to housing, and decent employment as pillars of inclusion4.5 Culture as a Driver of InclusionCulture should be understood as a driver of cohesion and community empowerment, facilitating dialogue between different identities and backgrounds.Town twinning cultural activities between Jerez and Gozo should be designed with an inclusive, participatory, and gender-sensitive approach, integrating diversity as a positive value.5. Expected Results and Next StepsJoint design of inclusive cultural activities between the twinned cities, based on seminar learnings.Creation of a Steering Committee and an Executive Committee to coordinate preparatory actions for cultural eventsPublication of event descriptions and this conclusions document on the project’s websiteConsolidation of a permanent cooperation space between the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council on inclusion and culture6. Final ConclusionThe Jerez–Gozo Inclusion Seminar allowed for a deep and constructive dialogue among institutions, researchers, and civil society. It reaffirmed that culture, understood through interculturality, equity, and citizen participation, is an essential tool to build fairer and more cohesive communities. It also emphasized that inclusion and equity principles must be central in selecting European Capital of Culture cities.The Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council committed to continuing collaboration on joint projects that promote social inclusion and cultural diversity within the European framework, reinforcing the importance of promoting inclusion and equity through culture and supporting Jerez and Victoria’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031.Jerez de la Frontera, October 6, 2025