Joanne Attard Mallia is an archaeologist, cultural manager and Head of the Valletta Design Cluster, a community hub in Malta that combines design, social innovation, community and maker-culture. She has spent over two decades working at the intersection of cultural production, heritage, and community engagement. In her previous roles she led the programming and production of cultural and artistic projects for Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture and the Valletta Cultural Agency and served as Curator of World Heritage Sites at Heritage Malta.
Today, Joanne develops workshops, public engagement initiatives, and international collaborations at the VDC, exploring how creativity, strategic partnerships, and maker practices can contribute to more resilient and vibrant urban environments. Her current work focuses on the relationship between hands-on making, collaborative learning, and the participatory practices that shape community life.