MEIA Launches Action Plan To Ensure Fair Pay For Performing Artists In Malta

The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) has unveiled a new position paper, “Towards Fair Pay for Performing Artists in Malta”, setting out a phased, consultative approach to tackling longstanding challenges in the sector. The launch took place today at Mspace with support from Culture Venture.

Research revealed systemic issues including inconsistent pay, informal or absent contracts (22.6% of artists not always paid, 3.1% never paid), low use of written agreements (only 35.9% regularly sign contracts), and structural imbalances between public and private cultural organisations. The findings emphasise the need to recognise artistic labour fully, from preparation and rehearsal to performance, before setting binding payment rates.

The paper proposes a four-point action plan are, adopt Fair Payment Principles guaranteeing fair pay, written contracts, and safeguarding artists’ rights, standardise Payment Models introducing transparent, consistent frameworks, pilot a Sectoral Rate Card starting with theatre, setting benchmarks for minimum payments and working conditions and strengthen Advocacy  promoting campaigns and collective agreements to embed fair pay as a sectoral standard.

Maria Galea, MEIA President, said, “This research shows the issue is bigger than rates alone. Recognising all aspects of artistic labour is essential to addressing market imbalances and building a fairer, professionalised sector.”

Photo Credit: Elisa Von Brockdorff

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