Culture vultures flying into Malta may be eager to discover the island’s creative hubs – especially as this is Valletta’s year as European Capital of Culture. And, whether you’re in the mood for theatre, film or a thought-provoking exhibition, you would do well to head straight to the island’s centre for creativity, Spazju Kreattiv – which is located in gorgeous St James Cavalier.

SK has just launched its brand new programme, which is jam-packed with both local and international events for you to sink your teeth into. Here are a few of the ones coming up over the next few weeks.

European Art Cinema Day – 14 October

If you love film and happen to be on the island on the 14th, this one’s for you. Once you’ve made your way through beautiful St James to the dinky cinema on the upper floor, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the world of European cinema thanks to a collaboration by CICAE and Europa Cinemas, who have teamed up with over 600 art-house cinemas – including Spazju Kreattiv – to present a diverse programme packed with film screenings, guest speakers, events, exhibitions and more. This year’s screenings include Viaggio in Italia by Roberto Rossellini, the German film A Dysfunctional Cat, Ernest et Celestin for children, as well as films from the Rima Film Festival.

Agnès Varda Season – Until 3 November

And if that isn’t enough cinema for you, you can always return to celebrate Agnès Varda Season – a series of four films by this hugely-respected (and now 90-year-old!) Belgian-born director. SK is screening three important films from her canon (Cleo from 5 to 7, Vagabond, and One Sings, The Other Doesn’t) alongside her new work Faces, Places, which sees her collaborating with enigmatic French photographer, JR.

Transformer: In Limbus – Until 28 October

Questioning what life in Malta is like for migrants, this exhibition reflects upon the links between current migrant stories and the building industry. It forms part of a diverse two-year project – Transformer – presented by Blitz, in collaboration with Central Saint Martins, London.

Rima: to be [defined] – Until 4 November

Also on the topic of migration, this insightful showcase questions the socially-constructed definition of the migrant, and how those same representations affect the reality of the migrant subject on a daily basis. Curated by Virginia Monteforte, ‘to be [defined]’ also explores how the subjects – migrants in Malta – manage to reclaim their individual identity through a revolutionary struggle.

NISĠA: Storja Kontemporanja - Until 4 November

Sparking dialogue between different generations, NISĠA is a free exhibition that presents work by well-known artists including Carmelo Mangion, Darren Tanti, Pierre Portelli, Harry Alden, Anton Agius, Gabriel Caruana, Victor Agius, Austin Camilleri, George Preca, Alfred Chircop, Norbert Attard, Isabelle Borg, Vince Briffa, Raymond Pitrè, George Fenech and Ruth Bianco, and curated by Irene Biolchini and Sandro Debono. It provides an opportunity to engage with art through meaningful dialogue, in a project that explores what is constant and what instead stands out as a difference within the memory landscape. Highly recommended viewing.

Wiki Loves Monuments – 1 November-2 December

Taking us into December is an exhibition that calls out to all budding photographers. It will feature past and current submissions to the annual Wiki Loves Monuments competition – organised by Wikimedia – which provides a platform for sharing cultural knowledge through every photographer’s unique vision of the islands. Take a look online – you’re likely still in time to enter!

Like the look of what’s on offer at Spazju Kreattiv? There’s more! Visit www.kreattiv.org for an updated list of everything taking place her during your stay on the island.