STATEMENT
ISSUED : 5/11/2025
The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) notes with concern that the Nationalist Party’s budget response failed to put forward any meaningful proposals addressing the needs and challenges of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. This omission comes despite MEIA’s extensive and detailed recommendations presented to both political parties ahead of the 2026 Budget proposals that outlined concrete, actionable measures to support artists, creative professionals, and cultural organisations.
The creative and cultural sectors continue to face structural challenges, from lack of sustainable funding and limited access to finance, to insufficient policy frameworks that address professionalisation, and long-term scalability and development. The absence of a clear vision from the Opposition not only overlooks the potential of the sector but also weakens the broader national conversation on creativity, innovation, and the role of cultural workers.
Instead of presenting constructive pathways for reform and sectoral growth, the Opposition’s approach has often been limited to criticism rather than the formulation of well-researched and forward-looking proposals. This stance risks undermining the sector’s progress and alienating the very communities that drive it.
While we acknowledge the recent inclusion of the “creative economy” within the Opposition’s shadow portfolio, such recognition must move beyond symbolic titles. What is required are coherent, evidence-based policy proposals and commitments that recognise culture as a driver of economic, social, educational and well being development.
MEIA strongly urges the Nationalist Party to take on board the real suggestions of representative associations and sectoral voices, ensuring that culture is integrated across broader policy discussions and ministries. From finance, education and tourism to innovation, social inclusion, and economic growth.
Constructive engagement, not one off commentary, is what the sector urgently needs. Malta’s creative and cultural communities are ready to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive national vision, one that places creativity and culture at the heart of Malta’s future development.
“It is time for culture to be recognised not as a peripheral issue, but as a central pillar of national policy,” MEIA said. “We call on the Opposition to engage proactively with the sector, to listen, and to transform words into meaningful action.”
MEIA remains committed to working collaboratively with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that reform translates into lasting resilience for the sector.