Launch Of The 2025 Arts Awards

Dec 12 2024

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici officially launched the 2025 Arts Awards during an event that included participation from past winners and other distinguished guests.

The biennial Arts Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in Malta’s cultural and creative sectors, aiming to recognise excellence while fostering diversity and professionalism.

Recent editions of the awards have introduced notable structural updates to better reflect the evolving arts landscape.

In his address, Minister Bonnici highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as “a prestigious platform that honours Malta’s cultural and creative industries and underscores the vital role of artistic expression in contemporary life.”

He emphasised the transformative nature of the awards’ new structure, which builds on prior successes while aligning more closely with cultural rights principles.

He added, “These awards reaffirm our commitment to delivering on our electoral promises by creating opportunities to celebrate Malta’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthen the sector through tangible actions.”

Albert Marshall, Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta, reiterated the awards’ importance, stating, “The Arts Awards provide a vital opportunity for artists, organisations, and cultural practitioners to gain national recognition for their outstanding contributions.

This initiative aligns with our 2025 Strategy to elevate the status of those in the creative field and to inspire new ideas in a dynamic cultural landscape.”

The 2025 edition features 14 competitive categories honouring accomplishments in areas such as theatre, dance, visual arts, artistic programming, and multidisciplinary projects. Five finalists will be chosen per category.

Certain categories—including Best Work for Young Audiences, Best Community Project, Best International Achievements, and Best Creative and Innovative Enterprise—will include a public voting component, which will contribute 25% to the final score. Each individual can cast one vote using their ID card number.

Additionally, the event will present four non-competitive honours: the Lifetime Achievement Award, Cultural Promoters Award, Artistic Heritage Award, and the prestigious Arts Ambassador Award, presented every four years.

Projects completed between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2025, are eligible for nomination. Submissions must be made online at premju.mt by noon on September 19, 2025.

For further details on the awards and nomination process, visit artscouncil.mt or premju.mt

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There Are 440,163 Registered Vehicles In Malta As Of June

Dec 12 2024

According to data tabled in parliament by Minister Chris Bonett, there are currently 440,163 vehicles registered in Malta.

The information was tabled upon request by PN MP Graziella Attard Previ, with the data specifying according to which categories the vehicles were categorised.

The largest by far were private passenger cars at 310,822.

There were also 54,414 mercantile vehicles, 2,788 agricultural vehicles and 1,545 private minibuses.

1,414 vehicles were rented QZ, as well as 356 e-kick scooters. The data concerns the time period up until June 2024.

What do you make of this?

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Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas from Starbucks

Dec 12 2024

The season of giving is here, and if you’re in need of last-minute gift ideas, Starbucks has you covered! Known for more than just coffee, Starbucks offers a delightful range of gift options that are perfect for anyone on your list.

For coffee enthusiasts, Starbucks has an impressive selection of whole bean coffees to suit every taste profile, from rich dark roasts to smooth blends. Pair them with one of their adorable mugs or reusable cups for an extra thoughtful touch. Need something even smaller? Check out their syrups to add that café flair to anyone’s home beverage station.

If you’re looking for fun and festive items, their collection of pin sets and keychains are a charming surprise. These extra-cute accessories make ideal stocking stuffers or spontaneous tokens of appreciation.

Starbucks’ wide variety of affordable and stylish gifts are perfect for Secret Santa exchanges, quick surprises for friends, or thoughtful gestures for colleagues. Many of these items are available in stores or online, making it easier than ever to pick something up at the last minute.

So, don’t stress about running out of time—stop by Starbucks and spread the joy this holiday season!

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Malta Airport Reaches 8 Millionth Passenger In November 2024

Dec 12 2024

Malta International Airport welcomed over 8.3 million passengers between January and November 2024, achieving a historic milestone by surpassing 8 million passengers on November 12.

This marks a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2023, solidifying 2024 as the airport’s best-performing year to date.

In November alone, 630,637 passengers passed through the airport, reflecting a significant growth of 19.2% over November 2023.

The month’s busiest day was Saturday, November 2, with 26,936 passenger movements recorded. This growth was accompanied by a 19.8% rise in aircraft movements and an 18.3% increase in seat capacity compared to the previous year.

Seat load factor (SLF) also improved, reaching 85.6%, up by 0.7 percentage points.

Italy was November’s largest market, contributing 20% of total traffic and growing by 9.6% compared to 2023. The United Kingdom followed, with an increase of 16.7%.

However, the most notable growth was observed in the Polish market, which surged by 56%, overtaking Germany and Spain to claim third place on the airport’s market leaderboard.

Poland last held this position in January 2024, reflecting the dynamic shifts in Malta International Airport’s passenger demographics and route preferences.

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