Eno Henze, the artistic director behind the grand unveiling of the government’s Vision 2050 strategy has defended the large-scale launch at the entrance to Valletta, while speaking to Times of Malta, calling it the “perfect spot” for such a national event.Last Friday’s elaborate ceremony saw a massive stage set up at City Gate, with illuminated arches placed over the bridge leading into the capital. A pavilion hosting a 15-minute immersive experience was also built near the Triton Fountain, complete with lights, music and fireworks.The event drew mixed reactions, with some praising its ambition while others criticised it as excessive. ADPD described the launch as a “superficial spectacle”, while several social media users labelled it “money down the drain” and “cheap propaganda on the eve of an election”.Responding to the backlash, artistic director Eno Henze said the location was intentional and symbolic.“We were very happy that we could carry out the idea of placing the stage at such a central location in the city.“The launch was surrounded by the capital’s heritage and Malta’s iconography, while the bridge symbolised our connection to the future. It was the perfect spot.”He argued that a project of this scale required visibility and accessibility.“If you are shy about an idea, then you won’t succeed. You need to take that risk and, though you might have some people disagreeing with you, in the end, if you aim high, you will succeed.”Henze said he could not comment on the costs of the event.The German creative, who collaborated with Markgraph and is managing director of NSYNK, told Times of Malta oversaw the stage design, launch production and immersive film featured inside the pavilion.He explained that the illuminated rings framing Valletta’s bridge symbolised Malta’s “portals into the future”, with the four-ring stage design representing the strategy’s four pillars. The event took on a ceremonial tone, with participants standing before the portals to “promise and commit to a brighter 25 years”.The 15-minute film shown in the pavilion features Malta’s national bird, the blue rock thrush (Il-Merill), as narrator, guiding audiences through a vision of the country’s future. Each chapter is marked by a ring of light, symbolising a new “portal” aligned with the 2050 strategy themes.Henze said the production aimed to balance entertainment with education, while highlighting the government’s long-term goals, including improved healthcare, stronger financial services and more resilient institutions.The pavilion opened to the public on Saturday, is free of charge and is set to remain in place for three months.•