Arts Council Malta (ACM) offers support to the sector through generalist funding schemes. These funds aim to enhance local production capabilities and increase access to resources. The Malta Development Bank (MDB) provides the SME Guarantee Scheme for Culture and Creative Sectors (SGS-CC) to enhance access to bank finance for SMEs involved in cultural and creative activities. This scheme offers loans ranging from €10,000 to €1,000,000 with favourable terms. The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) advocates for fairness, equity, and accountability within Malta’s creative sectors. They push for better resource allocation, fair payment structures, and support for creative spaces. MEIA also emphasises the need for research and policy development to establish fair wage regulations, make creative spaces more accessible and affordable to unlock talent and foster innovation, and provide legal and financial advisory services to assist creative professionals in navigating regulatory challenges.
Higher education institutions in Malta play a significant role in supporting the development of design through various programmes and initiatives. The University of Malta offers a range of design-related courses through its Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences and the Faculty for the Built Environment. These programmes cover areas such as graphic design, digital arts, architecture, and urban design, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the design industry.
The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) provides specialised courses in creative arts, including graphic design, interactive media, and product design. Its Institute for the Creative Arts focuses on practical training and industry collaboration to ensure students are well-prepared for the job market. The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) offers programmes that integrate design principles into tourism and hospitality, such as interior design for hotels and restaurants. This helps students understand the importance of design in creating appealing and functional spaces.
Higher education institutions in Malta often collaborate with local and international design firms, providing students with opportunities for internships, projects, and real-world experience. This helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Universities and colleges in Malta are involved in research projects addressing design and innovation. These projects often receive funding from national and international bodies, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation.
The current debate on architectural failures in Malta revolves around several key issues:
- The Demolition of Modernist Buildings: One of the most contentious topics is the proposed demolition of modernist buildings designed by Richard England, such as the HSBC branch in St. Julian’s. Heritage activists argue that these buildings are architectural landmarks and should be preserved, while others, including England himself, have expressed no objection to their demolition.
- Evolving Built Identity: There is an ongoing discussion about whether Malta’s built environment is evolving or losing its identity. Architects and designers have debated the stark contrast between traditional village cores and the modern, towering apartment blocks that are becoming more common. This has led to concerns about preserving Malta’s heritage while accommodating modern development;
- Planning and Design Quality: The planning process in Malta has been criticised for focusing too much on short-term gains rather than long-term vision. There are calls for a more strategic approach to urban planning that involves local councils and NGOs from the outset. Additionally, there is a push for better design quality in public and private spaces to ensure they reflect Malta’s values and heritage;
- Public Space and Connectivity: There is a growing emphasis on reclaiming public spaces and making them more accessible and user-friendly. Projects like the Msida Park Project aim to address issues such as connectivity, pollution, and noise without disrupting current uses of spaces.
Comments are closed.