“I Take Responsibility For Reactions My Words Caused”, Says Culture Minister
Minister for Culture and the Arts Malcolm Paul Agius Galea has acknowledged that parts of his recent remarks about the arts sector "could have been expressed better", while committing to rebuild trust with artists following discussions with the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA).
Following what he described as a positive meeting with the association's president, Agius Galea said he takes "responsibility for the feelings and reactions" caused by his comments and pledged to demonstrate his commitment through action.
"I will work to regain your trust," he said, adding that his reference to his professional background "was intended solely to explain my own process of adaptation" and "was never meant to place one profession or field above another".
The minister stressed that he has "the utmost respect for the arts in all their forms", insisting that "art has the freedom to challenge, provoke and inspire discussion". He also clarified that when he previously spoke about norms, "it was never my intention to suggest limitations on creativity or artistic freedom of expression."
Agius Galea reaffirmed his support for public investment in culture, saying he believes in "fair funding that reaches both established artists and emerging talent" while creating more opportunities for Maltese artists both locally and abroad.
Looking ahead, the minister said a plan of action has already been prepared, including one-to-one meetings with artists, visits to their workplaces and discussions on the challenges facing the sector.
"My door has always been, and will always remain, open to artists. But I will not wait for them to come to me. I will go to them," he said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment "to create opportunities, not obstacles, and to strengthen the sector, not restrict it.
