A conference organised by the Arts Council Malta as part of the Ministry for Culture and together with the Ministry for Education brought together stakeholders, educators, and cultural practitioners from Malta and other European countries, with one of the topics discussed being the development of a National Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts.
The ministries said that the conference discussed the future of arts education, and had the aim of building a stronger and more uniform educational ecosystem which reflects the cultural aspirations and long-term vision of the country.
They stated that the conference was organised at MCAST in Paola, and included a programme consisting of speeches, the presentation of position papers from various institutions, and a panel of international practitioners and leaders in the field of education and culture. The ministries added that speakers and participants had the opportunity to look at the challenges, opportunities, and investments needed to build a sustainable and future-oriented framework for Malta’s creative and educational sectors.
Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said that it is crucial that a system is designed which offers strong artistic education so that a creative generation can be fostered which is capable of thinking critically and sustainably while contributing to society. He commented that with this aim, collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and the cultural sector is being strengthened.
Education Minister Clifton Grima spoke of the importance of arts education in the formation of a creative and holistic society. He said that the government is working to continue building an educational system that gives space to creativity and artistic expression as part of the personal development of every student. He continued that more opportunities will be created for young people to discover and develop their talent through collaborations such as the ones offered by this conference, as he remarked that this conference is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to continue investing in creative learning and the arts.
Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Luke Dalli said that this collective initiative reflects the council’s strategic commitment towards the professionalisation of the cultural and creative sectors. “We are working to build structures that empower artists and practitioners in this sector to develop sustainable careers, while ensuring that the arts remain open, inclusive and relevant to all communities,” he said. He added that this conference is a significant step towards shaping a long-term vision for cultural education that reflects the social and creative realities of Malta.
The ministries concluded that this conference forms part of the ongoing research and consultation process on the proposal for the establishment of a National Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts, which they stated is a strategic initiative contained in the National Education Strategy 2024-2030.
