Government Pledges Continued Support for Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

During a consultation on Budget 2026 with the Malta Entertainment and Arts Association (MEIA) at Auberge de Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to prioritising the arts, culture, and entertainment sectors.

Speaking to MEIA representatives, Dr Abela highlighted recent initiatives that have strengthened these sectors and stressed the importance of building on this progress to improve both quality and reach.

Referencing the Malta Vision 2050, the Prime Minister said,“This is a vision that goes beyond political partisanship a long-term plan that clearly outlines where, as a country and as a people, we want to go.”

Dr Abela outlined several support schemes, including the Malta Investment in Cultural Organisations, the Arts Support Scheme, and the Access Support Scheme, which provide multi-year support and stability for artists and organisations. He also highlighted the Malta Book Fund, which assists publishers and authors with printing and marketing costs.

The Prime Minister pointed to the Government’s efforts in legal protection and fiscal support for artists, including the National Charter for the Status of the Artist and improved tax measures, which now see artists earning up to €50,000 paying only 7.5% in tax.

Existing facilities supporting the arts include the Valletta Design Cluster, Spazju Kreattiv, MICAS, and the Ta’ Qali concert area. Dr Abela also announced plans to develop a Culture Hub in Marsa, featuring theatres, cinemas, workshops, and other cultural facilities.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Owen Bonnici and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, and Mark Mallia, Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister.

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