MEIA DEMANDS FAIRNESS, EQUITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR MALTA’S CREATIVE SECTOR IN 2025
PRESS RELEASE
PUBLISHED: 31st January 2024
As we enter 2025, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) remains firm in its commitment to keep working towards the progression of Malta’s creative sectors. Building on the work and successes of 2024, MEIA remains focused on driving reforms, advocating for fair practices, by fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Despite significant progress, Malta’s creative sector is still hindered by fragile systems, bureaucratic obstacles, and inconsistent leadership accountability. These challenges have grown more pronounced in an era of increased artistic output and escalating production costs. Moreover, Malta’s ongoing reliance on vanity projects and politically driven spending deepens the divide between public and independent creative sectors. The surge in creative output has also heightened demands for public funding, yet available resources have failed to match this rise. These challenges have pushed fair funding distribution and improved accountability to the forefront of MEIA’s advocacy for 2025.
“Our priority is to ensure that the systems governing the sector are transparent, inclusive, and genuinely supportive. 2025 must be the turning point where fairness and accountability are non-negotiable.” – Maria Galea, President of MEIA
While the sector has faced its challenges, in 2024, Malta’s creative sector has also achieved significant milestones, such as the opening of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS).The announcement of an increased domestic screen fund and the establishment of sectoral working groups by Arts Council Malta—set for implementation in 2025— also align to our continuous advocacy efforts. Lastly, the strategic shift of the Malta Film Commission under the Ministry for Local Government, Culture, and National Heritage enhances cultural policy integration. Moreover, the private sector has set record-breaking productions and international successes, underscoring their vital role in advancing Malta’s creative ecology.
As 2025 unfolds, MEIA aims to prioritise advocacy efforts that ensure equity, accountability, and sustainability within the creative sector, all the while strengthening its organisation. Key advocacy goals include:
1. Ensuring Accountability
Advocate for improved governance in the Malta Film Commission,emphasising transparency, financial responsibility, and respect for the local creative community.
2. Fighting Nepotism and Political Appointments
Push for depoliticised governance and merit-based leadership across all cultural institutions.
3. Fair Payment Structures
Demand equity in payment systems and reduced bureaucratic hurdles fordisbursing funds from public institutions.
4.Creative Space Accessibility Continue to address the urgent need for affordable and accessible creative spaces to unlock talent and foster innovation.
5. Keep pushing for a National Screen Policy
Implementation for fair and sustainable practices in Malta’s film industry.
6. Transparency and proper consultations
Campaign for equitable and clear guidelines on how funds are distributedby the Malta Tourism Authority and intensify our lobbying for the implementation of these measures and for better dialogue with the Association.
Despite the challenges, MEIA is optimistic for the year ahead. Transformation in the creative sector cannot rest on the shoulders of one association. Real progress requires collective effort from artists, institutions, public entities, and private stakeholders alike. MEIA will continue to act as the bridge that advocates for the sector, connects voices, fosters dialogue, and champions equity.
In tandem with its advocacy efforts, MEIA is dedicated to fortifying its organisational capacity through:
- Hosting the First MEIA Conference: Bringing local and international collaborators together to address creative industry challenges.
Publishing Performing Arts Rate Cards: Establishing standardised remuneration guidelines for the sector.
Launching Youth Advocacy Programs: Educating and empowering younger generations in the creative fields.
Forging MOUs with Cultural Institutions: Enhancing collaborative consultation frameworks to strengthen ties within Malta’s creative ecosystem.
Building Global Partnerships: Developing alliances with international networks to foster global dialogue, collaboration, and elevate Malta’s cultural presence.
Introducing Member Support Programs: Providing legal and financial advisory services to empower Malta’s creative professionals.
We invite all stakeholders to join this mission and contribute to realising the aspirations for 2025. Through collaboration and shared commitment, Malta’s creative communities can achieve an inclusive, sustainable future that uplifts and empowers all.
We take this opportunity to wish all our members, collaborators and stakeholders a happy and prosperous New Year.