PRESS RELEASE

16TH JUNE 2025

The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) expresses deep concern over the current state of senior roles at Arts Council Malta (ACM), following the recent departure of two high-level officials, which raises questions about the absence of a clear succession plan for these roles.

The recent exits of two senior figures, both widely respected within the sector for their sectoral knowledge, experience, and dedication, have left a significant leadership gap within the council. These changes come at a time when stability, vision, and accountability are more crucial than ever. MEIA understands that these individuals have moved on after being offered new professional opportunities, and we fully respect their decisions. We thank them for their valuable contributions, ongoing collaboration with MEIA and long standing commitment to the sector.

In light of this, MEIA urgently calls on ACM and the relevant authorities to:

• Implement and make public, a clear and transparent succession plan for all leadership roles;
• Ensure all appointments are subject to open calls, guided by principles of merit, independence, and sectoral expertise;
• Strengthen governance policies, to prevent conflicts of interest and preserve credibility in cultural leadership.

These developments follow MEIA’s recent statement regarding the political appointment of the current Executive Chairman of ACM, where we raised serious concerns about political appointments, the absence of a transparent selection process, and the damage this does to trust in the governance of our cultural institutions. Since then, these concerns have been strongly echoed by our members and others across the sector, who have actively reached out to express their serious concern about the direction of cultural leadership in Malta.

In this context, it is legitimate to ask whether the individuals who recently left, both with proven track records, strategic acumen, and earned respect within the community, were ever seriously considered for the Executive Chair role. If not, overlooking such internal expertise and commitment further undermines confidence in a system that appears to prioritise political alignment over professional merit and experience.

The cultural and creative sectors cannot soundly operate, let alone thrive, under a system where trust is eroded by opaque decision-making and politically motivated appointments. Public cultural bodies must serve the entire community, not partisan agendas to control narratives. 

MEIA remains committed to working constructively with all stakeholders and continues to insist on the urgent need for structural reform to uphold the values of good governance, transparency, and meritocracy.