€1.3m Programme Support scheme aimed at restarting the local arts sector

The Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Dr José Herrera announced that Arts Council Malta has launched a special support scheme as part of a €6m direct investment in the local cultural and creative sectors. The creation of this scheme derives from the additional €1m special investment by government announced during the last budget, further strengthening government’s commitment towards a robust recovery of the sector while adhering to the necessary mitigation measures.

It was explained that the Programme Support scheme, which forms part of the Restart schemes by Arts Council Malta, is aimed at bolstering the local culture sector following the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also aimed at addressing the recovery and resilience of the cultural and creative sectors. This scheme will enable the provision of broader accessibility towards financial support and

investment for all the creative and cultural sectors.

Arts Council Malta Executive chair Albert Marshall outlined the thorough process of consultation through which this scheme, along with others which will be announced during the coming weeks, have been designed. Marshall said: “During the planning process for this funding period, Arts Council Malta has actively collaborated with the newlyformed Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) and other key stakeholders to make sure the needs of the local cultural and creative sectors are duly represented.”