Government Showing It Doesn’t Believe In Artists, Says PN After Minister Comments

The Partit Nazzjonalista has criticised Arts, Culture and National Heritage Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea over comments suggesting that creativity should conform to certain "norms" and his remarks about artists' reliance on public support.

In a video statement, Shadow Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage Justin Schembri said art is a form of free expression that encourages discussion, challenges conventions and provokes thought.

He argued that the Minister's role should be to protect artistic freedom and create opportunities for artists to develop their talent, rather than restrict creative expression.

He said artists deserve a Minister who understands and values their contribution, as artists are giving much more to society than they are being given.

The Minister's comments, said Schembri, demonstrate a disconnect from the realities faced by artists and creative practitioners, while failing to recognise the importance of artistic expression in Maltese society.

The PN said public investment in the arts is an investment in the country's talent, culture and identity. It added that Maltese and Gozitan artists deserve respect, transparent funding and opportunities to continue creating work that preserves and develops Malta's cultural identity for future generations.

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