The national cultural policy (NCP2021) acknowledges the achievements of recent years to improve arts and cultural education in Malta. Particular reference is made to the establishment of the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School (MVPA) in 2017 that offers secondary level students the opportunity to pursue the arts in their educational itinerary. The MVPA is a national school that offers five art forms as its primary focus of study. These are: art, dance, drama, media and music. The Gozo Visual & Performing Arts School (VPA) forms part of the Mikiel Anton Vassalli College (MAVC) and both schools are important stakeholders in arts education since they contribute to the development of professionals.
The quality of arts teaching and learning is linked to teachers’ confidence in teaching art. The importance of teachers’ confidence is especially true in early years and the primary sector, in which generalist teachers may include some aspects of the arts in their teaching. In their comparative study on primary teachers’ self-confidence in teaching arts and crafts in Malta and Finland, argue that prospective primary level teachers often Gatt and Karppinen (2014) enter universities with anxieties towards the teaching of arts and crafts as a result of poor experiences in the field. The research findings show that courses in the arts and crafts offered during teaching degrees as well as prior teaching experiences help prospective primary teachers develop more positive attitudes towards the arts. The importance of continuous professional development is therefore linked to the possibility of deepening the artistry of teachers.
Arts students who would like to further their studies in international institutions can also apply for a scholarship through the Malta Arts Scholarships Scheme within the Ministry for Education and Sports(MEYR). While supporting this scheme, NCP2021 notes that even more financial support is needed to address the capacity building of the cultural and creative sectors (CCS). It advocates for financial support to be offered to talented children, under the age of 16, who are accepted into prestigious schools abroad and whose needs cannot be met by local organisations or local tutorship.
One of the available providers in drama is the Malta School of Drama and Dance which supports students in their creative needs and abilities related to drama and dance. The school offers courses in various areas, including musical theatre, flamenco, ballet and freestyle dance.
Other forms of tuition in drama are available in different schools. The Malta Society of Arts in Valletta offers courses to 10-15 year olds. The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy offers drama classes to different ages, from very young children to adults. Private tuition, including that provided by private schools Masquerade, Stagecoach and Hoi Polloi use Trinity syllabi and examination methods. A number of other schools similarly cater for international syllabi.
Other events for children, schools and families contribute to the local cultural calendar. Stagecoach Theatre Arts School organises a Summer Short Play Festival while ŻiguŻajg, organised by Spazju Kreattiv, the national cultural hub, and a member of ASSITEJ International Association of Theatre for Children & Young People, organises an annual programme of international events aimed primarily at children.
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