The Ministry for Education and Sports plays a significant role in arts and cultural education. It is responsible for various initiatives and programmes that support the development of skills and talents in the arts. It is responsible for the learning of arts-related subjects, including practice and appreciation, throughout compulsory education. It oversees the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School (MVPA), a specialised institution that offers secondary school students an opportunity to focus on various art forms while continuing their academic education.
The school provides education in five primary art forms: visual arts, dance, drama, media, and music. Students can choose one primary art form but also receive rotating lessons in the other four throughout the year. MVPA follows a dual pathway approach, balancing artistic education with core academic subjects. This allows students to develop their artistic talents without compromising their academic proficiency. The school has a yearly intake of 48 students from across Malta, selected through referrals and auditions. In visual arts, students explore various practices including craft, design, and digital art. In drama, they engage in creating, rehearsing, and performing. Media arts involve using technologies creatively, while music focuses on listening, composing, and performing. Dance includes practical experiences in ballet, contemporary dance, Latin, and other genres. The MVPA aims to nurture young artists by providing a comprehensive education that integrates both artistic and academic learning.
The Malta Arts Scholarships Scheme provides opportunities for individuals to further their studies in fields such as fine arts, design, photography, fashion, architecture, dance, music, theatre, film, and creative writing.
The University of Malta plays a significant role in arts and cultural education through its various faculties and departments. The Faculty of Arts offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as theatre, music at the School of Performing Arts, literature, history, philosophy, and languages. It also supports research and creative activities in the arts. The Department of Arts, Open Communities & Adult Education focuses on engaging different sectors of society through cultural, political, and artistic education. It promotes local and international research and offers programs that connect visual, theatrical, and musical practices with broader social contexts. The Master of Arts in Social Practice Arts and Critical Education is designed for professional artists, theatre practitioners, and arts educators who want to integrate their creative work with critical educational theories and community settings.
The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) provides vocational education and training in Malta, including arts and cultural education. The Institute for the Creative Arts offers a variety of programmes at different levels, from introductory certificates to master’s degrees. Courses include art and design, media, performing arts, fashion and photography. Advanced diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees are available in areas such as cultural heritage skills, digital design, and performing arts. Bachelor’s degrees are available in fields like animation, creative media production, fine art, graphic design, and interactive digital media. Master’s programmes exist in conservation, creative media and enterprise, and product design.
Thehttps://culture.gov.mt/ Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage oversees various programmes and initiatives related to the cultural sector, providing resources for artists and cultural organisations. The Culture Directorate ensures the governance role of the ministry responsible for culture. It provides policy direction and advice on arts, heritage, and audiovisual matters, and manages programmes like the Culture Pass scheme supporting the arts in schools.
The recent discussion in Malta about setting up an arts conservatory, managed by Arts Research & Consultancy (ARC) and Arts Council Malta (ACM), revolves around the formation of the Academy of the Performing and Visual Arts. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure and support for arts education and practice in Malta. Key points of the discussion include:
- Sector Mapping: ACM has been conducting a sector mapping exercise to identify gaps and opportunities within the arts and cultural education landscape in line with Strategy 2030. This helps in understanding the needs and potential areas for development;
- Strategic Goals: The initiative aligns with the strategic goals outlined in ACM’s Strategy 2025 (concluded 2025; succeeded by Strategy 2030), which focused on increasing accessibility to cultural and creative activities, fostering international collaborations, and enhancing the professional development of artists — priorities carried forward under Strategy 2030;
- Public Consultation: There has been extensive public consultation to gather insights and feedback from various stakeholders, including artists, educators, and cultural organisations. This collaborative approach ensures that any developments will address the real needs of the community;
- Funding and Sustainability: Discussions also cover funding mechanisms and long-term sustainability of the conservatory. This includes exploring various funding sources and ensuring that the conservatory can operate effectively and continue to support the arts sector in Malta.
Focus has shifted towards greater attention being given to professionalisation in the arts and contributing to a sustainable cultural and creative industries (CCIs) to which education and training may be linked successfully. While self-improvement and appreciation of the arts remain important and the main reason why the education system maintains its commitment, there has been more attention paid to economic and employment aims. This shift aligns with broader economic and employment goals, ensuring that education and training in the arts are not only about personal enrichment and appreciation but also about preparing individuals for successful careers in the CCIs.
Research and discussions highlight that arts education now increasingly aims to equip students with skills that are valuable in the workforce, such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. This approach helps to foster a more robust and economically viable creative sector, linking education and training directly to employment opportunities and economic growth. While the intrinsic value of the arts and the importance of self-improvement remain central, the added focus on economic and employment outcomes reflects a more holistic understanding of the role of arts education in society.
The Training and Development Support Scheme is one such initiative aimed at fostering professional growth and promoting an entrepreneurial culture among creative professionals. Additionally, the National Education Strategy 2024-2030 emphasises the role of education in supporting Malta’s socio-economic progress and preparing individuals for the modern economy.
Arts Council Malta runs the Training and Development Support Scheme to strengthen skills and professional growth within the cultural and creative sectors through short-term training opportunities. It is divided into two strands: Strand 1 (18+), which supports continuous professional development for artists, cultural operators, and students, and Strand 2 (ages 8–17), which focuses on nurturing young creative talent through training, international exposure, and participation in platforms such as festivals or workshops. Overall, the scheme aims to enhance artistic excellence, build capacity, and foster a more sustainable and professional creative sector in Malta.
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