The Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) has reiterated its commitment to Malta’s arts, culture, and national heritage during a recent dialogue event held at the Masquerade Malta studios (M Space) in Msida.

The event, which brought together a wide spectrum of professionals and practitioners from the cultural sector, was led by PN Leader Bernard Grech and forms part of the party’s ongoing outreach to different segments of society.

In his address, Grech presented a number of policy proposals the PN would implement if elected to government.

Among these are the inclusion of art and culture in the Constitution to guarantee state protection, a reduced 5% tax rate on the first €80,000 of income for registered artists, and overhauls to the VAT system and public funding mechanisms.

The party also pledged to broaden access to cultural activities through community-based initiatives, reinforce arts education from an early age, and better support freelancers and up-and-coming creatives.

Grech was critical of what he characterised as repeated, unfulfilled pledges by successive administrations, particularly in relation to independent theatres, visual and performing arts, and Carnival.

He pointed to the long-promised but repeatedly altered Carnival Village project as a key example, vowing that a PN-led government would ensure fairer and more transparent cultural investment.

Participants at the event, representing diverse sectors within the arts and heritage landscape, voiced a range of concerns.

These included difficulties faced by the private sector in competing with state-backed events, limited funding for conservation and restoration, and a lack of accessible venues and financial support.

Stakeholders also stressed the importance of a holistic strategy for the sector—one that includes stronger arts education, youth involvement in traditional band clubs, and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage such as village festas and historical re-enactments.

Julie Zahra, PN Shadow Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, who is also an artist, echoed these concerns, emphasising the need for sustained investment and greater recognition of the sector’s role in Maltese life.

The event was moderated by broadcaster John Bundy and cultural presenter Mariella Pisani Bencini, and featured live artistic contributions from sculptor Antoine Farrugia and artist Mark Schembri.

The PN confirmed that insights from this discussion will inform its cultural policies and future electoral programme.

#MaltaDaily