MEIA Budget Recommendations 2025
The creative sector in Malta is a critical driver of economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural identity. Since its founding in 2020, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) has been committed to fortifying and advocating for the sector’s fair and sustainable development. While the government has made notable progress in improving cultural infrastructure, particularly through investments in public cultural organisations (PCOs) and programming, the current resource and budget allocation to public projects and institutions versus the sector at large creates an imbalance that seriously limits the creative’s ecology full potential.
This misalignment has led to significant gaps in funding distribution and necessary operational foundations, leaving Malta’s private creative industries struggling to compete. Despite their capacity to be key drivers of sustainable economic growth, Malta’s creative industries remain undervalued, underfunded with a lack of a clear long term plan. Outdated perceptions about the sector’s role in the modern economy and the disappropriate focus continue to constrain its growth potential.
By ensuring an equitable distribution of resources and fostering a more supportive ecosystem for both public and private initiatives to co-exist and collaborate, these proposals seek to promote long-term sustainability and unlock economic and social potential of Malta’s creative sectors.
Our 2025 budget recommendations address five core areas:
- Increased Funding Distribution: MEIA calls for a €2 million increase in funding for Arts Council Malta to enhance critical programs like the Screen Support Fund and the Arts Support Scheme, ensuring better support for local talent and projects.
- Tax Revisions and Incentives: The association advocates for comprehensive tax reforms, including revision of the 7.5 % tax incentive, removing caps on tax-deductible contributions to cultural projects and expanding eligibility for tax benefits to a broader range of creative professionals.
- Research and Policy Development: MEIA emphasizes the need for research into wage regulations and a cohesive National Screen Policy to create a sustainable framework for local filmmakers.
- Operational Support: Recommendations include providing legal and financial advisory services to assist creative professionals in navigating complex regulatory environments.
- Accessibility to Creative Spaces: MEIA proposes tax incentives for property owners who lease to creative organizations and expanding rent subsidies to alleviate high rental costs that hinder many creatives, organisations, and businesses.
MEIA remains committed to continue working alongside Government stakeholders to create a healthier and stronger creative ecosystem that benefits all of its members, the community and Malta’s citizens, enhances its cultural reputation, and contributes to a diversified and innovative economy.