3. Cultural and creative sectors
Malta
Last update: October, 2026
Heritage features prominently in most of the strategic objectives of the National Cultural Policy 2021 (NCP 2021), namely governance, access, professional develop in relation to the cultural and creative sectors (CCS), and efforts towards the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, within a framework of sustainability. Malta’s heritage has long been central to Malta’s social and political agenda, partly in view of its impact on the tourism sector.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) is the regulator of cultural heritage as outlined in the Cultural Heritage Act of 2002. The Cultural Heritage Act was last amended in 2024, reinforcing the Superintendence's regulatory role and extending recognition to underwater heritage Its mission is to fulfil the duties of the State in its function as the statutory regulator of cultural heritage, by ensuring the protection and accessibility of Malta’s cultural heritage. Its duties include carrying out monitoring of ongoing restoration works; authorising and carrying out surveillance over archaeological investigations and monitoring on land and at sea; compiling a National Inventory of cultural objects, both immovable and movable as well as intangible heritage; carrying out surveillance of import/export and movement of cultural heritage; advising and coordinating with the national planning authority for urban and rural development when reviewing planning applications related to development which may affect cultural heritage.
It also advises government, the minister, government entities, NGOs and the public on all matters affecting cultural heritage, including restoration and conservation and underwater cultural heritage; promotes and conducts research in cultural heritage fields, including the National Research Agenda.
There are plans for the effectiveness and operational capacity of the of existing national frameworks for UNESCO matters to be carefully examined and reformed. The National UNESCO Commission and the UNESCO World Heritage Applications Steering Committee are to be reviewed and placed on a sounder operational footing to be effective and as inclusive as possible.
The Committee of Guarantee has been set up through the Cultural Heritage Act to ensure and facilitate the collaboration between the different agencies that have direct or indirect responsibility for the protection and management of the cultural heritage sector. It is also responsible for advising the government on the National Strategy for Cultural Heritage. NCP 2021 calls on the Committee of Guarantee to review areas of weakness in the current planning framework that have resulted in the loss of cultural heritage, and to make practical recommendations to address these systemic weaknesses.
NCP 2021 calls for planning laws and other forms of legislation that are known to impact heritage protection to be reviewed and if necessary amended. A Review Commission composed of cultural heritage and legal experts should be established to undertake a holistic review of existing laws.
NCP 2021 also calls for serious consideration of the establishment of specialised magistrates
and judges who are purposely trained to handle cases involving cultural heritage. Certain existing tribunal procedures are known to fail in the protection of cultural heritage assets and have fallen short of implementing the precautionary principle. A specialised judiciary has become critical in addressing Malta’s cultural heritage now facing unrelenting and unprecedented pressures.
Heritage Malta is the national government agency, set up in 2002 under the provisions of the Cultural Heritage Act, entrusted with the management of national museums and heritage sites and their related collections in Malta and Gozo, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is a serial inscription consisting of six sites.
Malta ratified the European Landscape Convention on 26 May 2025 (in force 1 September 2025), after a 25-year interval since signature, bringing landscape protection and public participation principles into the international framework that informs heritage and place-based policy. Over the coming years Heritage Malta aims to keep investing in research about individual sites, how they relate to their context as well as other contemporary sites in Malta and the Mediterranean; adopt a visitor-centred museology approach in all museums and cultural heritage sites; convert the traditional museum into a community space and cultural resource; promote the alternative use of heritage venues for exhibitions, events and other cultural activities in order to broaden visitor participation and strengthen the links between cultural heritage and the arts; establish the Collections Management System for the national collection of intangible and tangible artefacts; improve the physical and intellectual accessibility of collections, sites and museums; exhibit and support the digitisation resources to promote the collection of intangible cultural heritage in line with national requirements and international obligations; increase the intellectual accessibility to cultural material and encourage creative ideas on experiencing cultural heritage; increase the use of digital and online media for the enjoyment, use, promotion and marketing of Malta’s cultural heritage heritage to enhance cultural tourism; facilitate access to cultural heritage through alternate methods including mobile educational collections in venues such as schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other public spaces; create, promote and implement outreach programmes to enrich educational curricula with the aim to make museums an extension of the classroom; craft museums’ learning role around individual visitor needs.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has been publishing the major discoveries made during since its establishment in 2003. Publications present an overview of the most significant archaeological discoveries made in the Maltese Islands and span all the archaeological and historical periods from Prehistory to the British Period.
National projects which are located along the coast or underwater in Maltese territorial waters require guidance from the Superintendence to ensure cultural heritage is not negatively impacted. With increasing tourism, the search for alternative energy resources, and the need for the refurbishment of coastal areas for safety reasons, coastal site management becomes critical and the threat to underwater cultural heritage must be mitigated. Climate change, increased sea water levels and temperature rises also affect the coastal and underwater cultural heritage. The SCH has been engaging the public on adaptive strategies and presenting at conferences to highlight sites which are at considerable risk.
The Underwater Heritage Team at the SCH visits underwater areas of archaeological sensitivity and coastal areas to assess any potential concerns. It collaborates with other entities to address strategies for the future. Location of Works and Terms of Reference (TORs) are issued for all planning permit applications including those for national projects which take place in areas underwater where potential archaeological or historical features, sites, or artefacts may be impacted. These TORs provide developers with the guidance required to ensure potential archaeology in the sediment on the seabed is not impacted; furthermore, conditions and restrictions are officially issued to ensure cultural heritage preservation. Several articles in the Cultural Heritage Act 2002 (as amended, Cap 445), namely Articles 44 to 48, outline legislation that pertain to underwater cultural heritage to conserve historical and archaeological underwater heritage.
To further protect cultural assets and share data, the SCH regularly updates the National Inventory’s structure through a re-categorisation of all existing entries finalises and standardises operating procedures. This process facilitates data capture and analysis for both SCH the public. In 2023 the first batch of immovable property was published in the National Inventory after 9 years’ work. The entity’s work on the National Inventory had the following goals: revise the attributes collected and published on each property in the Inventory; standardise and consolidate terminology, tying in with the Movable Inventory; go through the entire Inventory of 2,552 existing properties; translate the data on every property into the revised format whilst checking the validity and accuracy of the data; continue with the data capture exercises; outline new thematic exercises to be undertaken; study and analyse collected data to compile the results; and propose for inclusion in the National Inventory those assets which are worth protecting.
In 2021 and 2022 the SCH signed agreements with Esri to focus on the development of spatial data for use as a platform on which to make readily available cultural heritage data and streamline workflows and work processes. In 2023 the focus was directed towards the streamlining of work process through a GIS platform. The SCH and associated national entities have gained access to technical support and training programmes.
The Catholic Cultural Heritage Commission (CCHC) was set up by a Decree issued in 2002, in line with article 69 of the Cultural Heritage Act, Chapter 445 of the Laws of Malta. It aims to helps the Episcopal Conference with its advice and its activity in safeguarding and promoting the cultural patrimony of the Catholic Church in Malta. The Commission fulfils the functions and exercises the competencies established by the Laws of Malta. The CCHC works in collaboration with other State entities in the sector, primarily the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
Considering a longer perspective, most heritage issues addressed in the late 1990s were already related to the difficulties encountered in the conservation and protection of Malta's vast number of sites and other historically valuable buildings, particularly from acts of vandalism. The introduction of low-cost airlines in 2006 heightened the debate about mass tourists and whether Malta should diversify its tourism market to cater for niche and cultural tourists.
The protection of Malta's heritage grew in importance leading to the Heritage Act of 2001 that split the state-run Museums Department into two structures dealing with regulation on the one hand and operations on the other. As noted, the SCH assumes responsibility for regulation while Heritage Malta operates state-owned cultural sites.
Heritage Malta has concentrated on structural projects co-financed by the EU. Foremost among these was the ERDF archaeological conservation project at the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Complex, Ġgantija, St Paul's Catacombs and Tarxien, the Għjan Tuffieħa Roman Baths, Ta' Bistra Catacombs, Fort St Angelo, and the relocation of the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Private cultural heritage foundations such as Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna assist in the restoration of heritage sites and curate exhibitions of historical and artistic importance following the governmental policy to transfer neglected properties to such organisations through the Guardianship Deed mechanism.
NCP 2021 proposes the heritage sector ensure the adoption of the latest techniques and the most updated knowledge in heritage conservation. It calls for the provision of a fresh outlook on the past to appeal to all sections of the population, especially children and young people, as well as to international visitors to the Islands.
Therefore, interpretation should be historically sensitive as well as innovative in its presentation and appreciation of heritage. Training in heritage conservation and management remain crucial to balance the conservation needs of sensitive artefacts and sites with the pressures of a demanding national and international audience.
ACM supports investments in the traditional ‘festa’, now recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, through a special fund. The Artistic Heritage Scheme contributes to the national cultural landscape by supporting band clubs, fireworks factories, and feast associations invest in the necessary support structures. Initiatives supported safeguard and promote the diversity of artistic and cultural expression in Malta, to lead to regeneration, creativity, and innovation founded on artistic heritage.
The tax incentives currently available under the National Heritage Donations Rules are intended to promote donations ultimately intended for research, conservation or restoration, education or the exhibition of cultural heritage. Tax deductions are applicable for qualifying donations made to the SCH, Heritage Malta, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti or other qualifying non-governmental cultural heritage organisations. Additional incentives are being proposed to further promote the donation of funds by businesses and private individuals to ensure the protection and accessibility of Malta's cultural heritage.
Discussions are underway to introduce specific legislation within the Cultural Heritage Act with which to observe the Outstanding Universal Value of Valletta, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Valletta Management Plan
The Valletta Management Plan (VMP) is a strategic framework developed to preserve and enhance Valletta's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Launched in December 2023, the plan aims to safeguard the city's historical and cultural heritage while promoting its sustainable development. The plan is structured into seven chapters, focusing on:
- Valletta's Value as a World Heritage Site, analysing the city's unique cultural and historical significance.
- Property and Buffer Zone, defining the areas to be protected and managed.
- Objectives of the Management Plan, outlining goals aligned with UNESCO's "five Cs" of World Heritage Convention: credibility, conservation, capacity building, communication, and communities.
- Current Issues, identifying challenges such as gentrification, conflicts between residential and commercial interests, and the need for sustainable tourism management.
- Conservation Measures, proposing strategies to maintain and restore the city's architectural and cultural assets.
- Action Measures, detailing initiatives for medium- and long-term implementation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation, establishing mechanisms to assess the plan's effectiveness.
A key concern addressed in the plan is the threat of gentrification. The plan emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between preserving cultural heritage and fostering a dynamic urban environment.
To facilitate the plan's implementation, a working committee was established in July 2024. This committee includes representatives from the Valletta Local Council, the Valletta Cultural Agency, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and the National Heritage, the Ministry for Tourism, the Police Force, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Cleaning and Maintenance Division. The committee's objectives are to enhance maintenance, order, security, and accessibility within Valletta.
The VMP represents a comprehensive effort to ensure that Valletta's rich cultural heritage is preserved for future generations while adapting to contemporary needs and challenges.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Malta protects and promotes its intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through a combination of legislation, national initiatives, and international commitments. Malta has adopted a legal and institutional framework whereby Malta ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, committing to preserving traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship. The SCH is the government body overseeing cultural heritage protection, including intangible aspects. The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage helps document and recognise cultural practices to ensure their safeguarding.
Malta adopts key areas of protection and promotion. These include its traditional festas, namely village feasts dedicated to Catholic patron saints, featuring processions, fireworks, and band marches, safeguarded as a core part of Maltese identity. Another is ‘għana’, traditional folk singing, a recognised form of Maltese oral tradition. Efforts are made to keep it alive through festivals and documentation. Another consists of crafts and artisanal skills, including traditional crafts like lacemaking (‘bizzilla’), filigree, and boat building (for instance regarding the Luzzu fishing boat. Culinary traditions are another area. The Maltese village ‘festa’, ‘għana’ and the traditional bread ‘ftira’ have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Since 2018, the Heritage Passport gives free access to Heritage Malta sites to children and two accompanying adults, and senior citizens, a policy initiative that together with open days encourages access to the sites.
Last update: October, 2026
Libraries and archives in Malta are supported through a mix of government funding, EU initiatives, and independent organisations. Regarding national support, the National Library of Malta (Bibliotheca) in Valletta is the central repository of Malta’s historical and legal documents. It is managed by Heritage Malta and supported by the government. It holds a vast collection of manuscripts, rare books, and legal deposits.
The Malta Libraries are a government entity overseeing public libraries and archives. They manage the National Library and the Public Library Network, including regional and local libraries. They provide digital services, including e-books and online catalogues.
During 2022, the Digitisation Studio continued to scan newspapers and books from the National Library collection. In 2023, 26,921 new images were captured as per readers’ demands. The digital images of the requested material were sent via WeTransfer. Apart from the work carried out for researchers, the Studio scanned 277 volumes from the library’s collections, totalling 89,242 images.
In 2023, another library was inaugurated at Casa San Paolo Elderly Home in Buġibba which forms part of the Care Malta elderly homes complement. The aim is for the elderly to find it easier to borrow books from the comfort of their residence rather than venture outside. New book purchases were catalogued and added to the collection so that the elderly residents and staff could make use of this library.
The National Archives of Malta preserve historical and administrative records of the country, offer research services, digital archives, and public access to official records, and are supported by government funding and international collaborations.
Public and Academic Libraries consist of the University of Malta Library which consists of the main academic library in the country, supporting students and researchers, provides access to digital resources and international research networks and receives funding from the university and government.
The Public Library Network includes regional and local libraries across Malta and Gozo, offers lending services, community events, and literacy programmes, funded by local councils and the government. EU and international support consist of cultural & heritage grants whereby Malta benefits from EU funding for digitisation projects, conservation, and educational programs, while libraries and archives participate in EU-wide initiatives for heritage preservation. Malta is involved in international library and archive preservation programmes that include UNESCO. The Notarial Archives Foundation is a non-governmental organisation working to restore and preserve historical notarial documents which relies on donations and EU grants. Some private institutions and religious organisations maintain important historical collections: these may collaborate with national institutions for research and preservation.
The Registry and Archives at the SCH houses data collected from the early 1900s to the present day covering the workings of the then Museums Department. They include correspondence regarding planning application files, as well as research, drawings, plans, and photographs documenting archaeological and historical sites. They are used for investigative research by staff and open to those who obtain permission to access files for the purpose of higher studies. Thousands of photographs, slides and videos of all excavations are being reviewed, categorised, and digitised to ensure they are preserved for future access by internal staff and public researchers. While upgrading the Registry and Archives, additional archaeological and historical site locations were plotted, and relevant details were added on the SCH GIS portal to enhance the level of information made available to staff and the public.
Last update: October, 2026
The performing arts in Malta operate through a mixed economy of state, arms-length and independent producers. The state’s principal vehicle is the National Agency for the Performing Arts (NAPA), established in 2023 within Arts Council Malta to consolidate three Public Cultural Organisations under a single administrative framework: Teatru Malta (founded 2017 as the national theatre company), ŻfinMalta (founded 2014 as the national dance company) and KorMalta (the national choir). The consolidation aimed to reduce duplication in support functions and standardise terms of engagement for artists. Spazju Kreattiv at St James Cavalier remains Malta’s national centre for creativity and the principal contemporary performance and cinema venue. Teatru Manoel (1732), among Europe’s oldest working theatres, presents opera, theatre, dance and the Valletta International Baroque Festival (founded 2012). Pjazza Teatru Rjal, the open-air theatre designed by Renzo Piano on the site of the bombed Royal Opera House, opened in 2013. Following the June 2026 general election, the De Valette Chamber Orchestra was established under MACH as a new performing arts entity alongside the Agency for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Festivals are a major delivery mechanism. Festivals Malta, the dedicated agency launched in 2017, operates an annual calendar of more than 160 events across 11 festivals and 5 national celebrations, including the Malta International Arts Festival, Notte Bianca, the Three Palaces Festival, the Valletta Early Opera Festival and the ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People.
Independent producers and various NGOs receive project-based support through Arts Council Malta’s funding schemes, including the Arts Support Scheme, Theatre Spaces Support Scheme (introduced in 2024 to address chronic venue and rehearsal-space shortages), Apprenticeship Scheme, Training and Development Support Scheme and Programme Support Scheme. ACM’s 2017 Spazji Teatrali mapping exercise documented Malta’s performance spaces and underpinned the subsequent venue-support measures.
Recent policy debate has centred on three issues: precarity in freelance performance careers, addressed through the 2024 Charter for the Status of the Artist and ongoing MEIA advocacy on rate cards and late payments; the absence of a dedicated mid-scale lyric venue, which the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub announced in Budget 2026 is intended to address; and the regional distribution of performance opportunities, partially addressed through the Regional Cultural Strategies 2022–2027. Bureaucratic obstacles to grassroots performance have eased: the bank guarantee required for outdoor music events in unlicensed venues under 750 square metres was reduced from €11,000 to €5,000 in 2018, and the Cinema and Stage Age-Classification Regulations place classification responsibility with producers rather than a censoring board.
International cooperation is structured through ACM’s International Cultural Exchanges Scheme, the Mobility Guarantee Scheme and Teatru Manoel’s bilateral programmes; in June 2025 the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra was invited to the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto with the opera Hadrian.
Last update: October, 2026
Visual arts infrastructure in Malta has expanded substantially in the recent years. The Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) opened in October 2024 within the restored 17th-century Ospizio complex on the Floriana fortifications, becoming Malta’s first dedicated contemporary-art museum. MUŻA – the Malta National Community Art Museum, opened in 2018 at the Auberge d’Italie as a Valletta 2018 legacy project, holds the national collection and has shifted the curatorial frame from chronological art history to a community-museum model.
The Malta Biennale, a Heritage Malta initiative delivered through MUŻA in partnership with Arts Council Malta, was launched in 2024 with patronage from the President of the Republic and UNESCO. Its first edition (March–May 2024) presented over 100 artists from 35 nations across 21 historic sites in Valletta, the Three Cities and Gozo’s Cittadella, with 14 national and thematic pavilions and themes addressing the Mediterranean, post-colonialism, womanhood and piracy. The second edition (11 March – 29 May 2026) is curated by Rosa Martinez; Budget 2026 confirmed a further edition. The Malta Biennale is now governed by the Fondazzjoni għall-Malta Biennale, established as a separate entity under MACH following the June 2026 general election.
Malta has maintained a national presence at the Venice Art Biennale since 2017. Malta also exhibits at the London Design Biennale. Independent commercial galleries — notably Valletta Contemporary and Christine X Art Gallery — supplement public infrastructure, alongside the historic Malta Society of Arts which has hosted artist residencies in partnership with Arts Council Malta.
The visual-arts policy framework rests on the Artists’ Resale Rights Regulation (2006) (Subsidiary Legislation 415.3), which grants authors of original works an inalienable royalty on each resale, and on ACM funding schemes including the Arts Support Scheme, the Movable Artefacts International Participation Scheme and the Artistic Heritage Scheme. Sector debate has focused on the under-development of the contemporary collection and on questions of stewardship raised by demolition of Modernist buildings (discussed further in 3.1 and 4.2.2).
The crafts sector is supported by the Malta Crafts Foundation, established under the Malta Crafts Act (Cap. 613), through training, certification and the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti award. Crafts are also covered by ACM’s general schemes and by the Cultural Heritage Act (2002) provisions on intangible heritage.
Last update: October, 2026
Malta has a statistical framework for defining and analysing the culture and creative industries (CCIs). The National Statistics Office (NSO) collaborates with Arts Council Malta (ACM) and other entities to map and measure the economic contribution of cultural and creative sectors (CCIs).
Malta aligns its classification of CCIS with international frameworks like the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS) and the EU’s Cultural Statistics guidelines set out by Eurostat. The sectors are generally grouped into: Heritage & Museums, including archaeology, archives, libraries, and cultural heritage sites; Visual Arts, including painting, photography, and sculpture; the Performing Arts, including theatre, music, dance, and live performances; Literature & Publishing, including books, magazines, and digital publishing; Audiovisual and Media, including film, television, radio, and video games; Design & Creative Services, including graphic design, fashion, and architecture; Digital Creativity, including software, gaming, and interactive media; and Crafts & Artisan Products, including handmade goods and traditional crafts.
The NSO regularly conducts surveys on cultural participation, employment, and the economic impact of CCIs. Key reports include the Cultural and Creative Practice Survey, assessing levels of activity in terms of cultural practice; the Cultural Participation Survey, analysing engagement with cultural activities; data that can inform reports about the CCIs and its relation to economic indicators, chiefly focusing on employment and value-added contributions of the CCIs.
Eurostat data is very useful and reliable in providing comparative figures within the EU.
In terms of policies and strategies, the National Cultural Policy (NCP 2021) and the regular strategies published by Arts Council Malta (ACM), inform the funding managed by ACM and other entities in terms of support and incentives through programmes, projects, schemes, organisational support, incentives via financial tools including tax incentives, training and capacity building initiatives, education programmes and campaigns. The Creative Economy Strategy (2012) had set the path towards aiming for economic growth and sustainability through the cultural and creative industries (CCIs), focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. Malta’s Digital Innovation Strategy (2022-2027) supports digital transformation in the CCIs, particularly in gaming, audiovisuals, and digital arts.
Tax incentives and financial support are also made available through the Malta Enterprise schemes that provide financial aid and tax credits for creative startups. The Malta Film Commission administers tax rebates on international film production of up to 40%, while R&D and innovation grants support digital and tech-based creative industries.
In terms of infrastructure and capacity building, the Valletta Design Cluster, overseen by the Valletta Cultural Agency, the legacy project of Valletta 2018, European Capital of Culture acts as a hub for creative startups, coworking, and networking. Esplora Interactive Science Centre, run by Xjenza Malta, the national agency for science, supports STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) projects. Spazju Kreattiv is Malta’s national centre for creativity, hosting exhibitions, performances, and residencies, and supporting many creative collaborations, including a children’s arts programme and festival. There also exist structures that support start-ups and training through incubators and mentorship programmes for creative entrepreneurs including at the University of Malta and Malta Enterprise.
While the Malta Film Commission (MFC) has spearheaded the development of the film services industry, in 2024 the National Audit Office (NAO) identified a series of shortcomings in the transparency and accountability of its governance and financial structures. Its audit led to an evaluation and assessment of the structure to improve its positive impact on both the industry as well as local film production.
The MFC was established by the Malta Film Commission Act in 2005 to strengthen the film industry in Malta. The Act establishes the board, which is appointed by the minister responsible for the film industry and is composed of five members, including a chairperson. The minister appoints also the film commissioner, as a board member. The MFC board generally assists the commissioner with adoption of measures aimed at ensuring that the approved policies and initiatives are translated into concrete action plans. The board also advises the minister on policy matter, integration of local resources, international collaborations and the development of a comprehensive skills training strategy.
The National Cultural Policy (NCP 2021) notes that new forms of cultural engagement became more pronounced during and following the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, further developments in the digital infrastructure are required to ensure that cultural content emerging from Malta gains digital accessibility. The policy set out to facilitate a collectively sourced and publicly supported online platform for different forms of artistic and cultural live performances, eBook libraries, museum virtual tours and talks, as well as offering opportunities to support artists and projects through donation, subscription and pay per view models. It also considered licensing cultural content from the creators on behalf of the public, both as a support mechanism for creative businesses and as a support for households.
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) introduced the eCommerce Strategy 2022-2025 in recognition of the surge in e-commerce and technological advancements. This strategy built on previous efforts and provides policy direction to further e-commerce, both in number and in the level of service offered. It sought to leverage the Digital Malta Strategy to strengthen the digital economy, focusing on creating a regulatory framework that supports an open, fair, and sustainable e-commerce ecosystem. The strategy emphasised awareness and education initiatives to accelerate uptake, build capacity, and encourage excellence.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta's cultural and creative industries (CCIs) encounter several challenges. These include:
- Confronting fragmented governance: The division of the CCIs across multiple ministerial portfolios complicates the formulation of cohesive policies, as areas like film, arts, crafts, and publishing fall under different jurisdictions;
- Bureaucratic Obstacles: Despite progress, the CCIs face fragile systems and bureaucratic hurdles, exacerbated by inconsistent leadership accountability;
- Lack of Corporate Governance: Many Maltese SMEs, often very small and sometimes personally or family-run, operate without formal structures, leading to unstructured decision-making processes. This absence of corporate governance can hinder strategic planning and long-term sustainability;
- The key achievements include a stable economic showing in relation to stable employment and wealth contribution figures, as per figures and research published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and Eurostat over the past few years.
Other achievements have included growing international recognition. This has taken different forms. Companies like Stargate Studios have gained global recognition in the field of film production. By participating in international festivals like the Venice Biennale for art, the London Design Biennale and the Gwangju Biennale for visual art, the Maltese CCIs have garnered greater international attention.
The recognition of excellence rewards various successful and inspirational initiatives in the CCS. Prize-giving initiatives are organised by a number of public and private entitites involved in the CCS, including the Premju għall-Arti (Arts Award) organised by Arts Council Malta, the Architectural Heritage Awards by Din l-Art Ħelwa cultural heritage NGO recognising excellence in architectural heritage conservation and restoration, the National Book Prize by the National Book Council honouring the best literary works published in Malta, the Premju Francis Ebejer Award for the best original Maltese play and Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti recognising excellence in the crafts by the Malta Crafts Foundation.
Growth in the CCIs relies on collaboration. Collective effort from artists, institutions, public entities, and private stakeholders is growing and being further coordinated. One such sign of exchange of good practice and joining forces in research, advocacy and campaigning is the support Arts Council Malta (ACM) extends to platforms and networks representing the CCIs. One such structure is the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA). It advocates for the CCS, connecting agencies, fostering dialogue, and championing equity. MEIA tackles artists’ rights, in ways that are complementary to efforts by ACM in terms, for instance, of the Charter of the Status of the Artist and pertinent measures of a social, economic and cultural nature. MEIA dedicates resources to its organisational capacity through the hosting of seminars, conferences and other platforms for exchange. Together with the Malta Producers’ Association (MPA), it has advocated for a rate card establishing standardised remuneration guidelines for the CCIs.
MEIA, MPA, the Malta Community of Illustrators and other individual members and Public Cultural Organisations (PCOs) were the first members of the Sectoral Representative Working Group established by ACM to obtain advice in a structured, regular way from representatives of the CCS.
ACM has collaborated with In Place of War in running the CASE programme focusing on capacity building, knowledge and skills that enable opportunities for growth and support creative practitioners in their professional practice. The programme is open to Maltese creatives or those living and working in Malta. The CASE programme is an international training and development programme for creative practitioners using social enterprise methods, developed through long-term collaboration with leading grass-roots cultural organisations from around the world. It is certified by the University of Manchester, UK.
Dedicated incubation or business acceleration services catering specifically for the creative subsectors do not yet exist in the Maltese islands. Generalpurpose incubators such as the Kordin Business Incubation Centre (KBIC) and the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation at the University of Malta are available but are not tailored to the creative sectors.. The Valletta Design Cluster provides co-working spaces and makers spaces for cultural operators at very affordable rates but is not intended as an incubation centre. Earlier in 2023, INDIS Malta launched the Ta’ Qali Incubation centre which, based on publicly available information, is merely providing spaces for workshops. The National Cultural Policy (NCP 2021) does not mention business incubation. However, ACM Strategy 2025 introduced the need for incubators, while Strategy 2030 supports more research into creative hubs and spaces. ACM's Creative Innovators and Platforms Fund (CIP), which replaced the earlier Creative Industries Platform, provides a phased incubation pathway - from seed research grants through capacity building to three-year operational funding - partially addressing this gap.
Currently, creatives wishing to develop their practice and ideas into monetiseable products and services can access support services offered by structures and entities geared towards traditional businesses. Local creatives have expressed frustration at their inability to engage successfully with these entities. This may be related to a lack of know-how in navigating these channels. Indeed, entities and structures’ understanding of CCS is often limited and reductive. Much advocacy work is done in this regard by ACM.
Entities like Malta Enterprise, Business Enhance, Trade Malta and INDIS are traditionally geared towards bigger industries such as manufacturing, pharma, IT and tech, and financial services and may feel remote to creatives. This, in part, is also because CCIs are rarely featured as strategic priority areas for these entities. This does not create a welcoming climate for cultural operators. This includes operators engaged in tech-intensive businesses such as gaming, film or CGI (computer-generated imagery).
There still is a lacuna in creative entrepreneurship that may be hindering the development and growth of the entire sector. While other strategies aimed to alleviate and address this need, such as an Artist in Residence programmes and job shadowing, do exist, Malta still lacks the development of structures where operators can acquire entrepreneurial skills, research and develop new products and services, establishing a business incubation programme for CCIs that allows for a more structured, focused and equitable access to such resources.
There have not been major changes with regard to employment and other economic indicators. While, on the one hand, this scenario may indicate limited improvement, on the other, the resilience shown by the CCIs, in no small part related to the support provided by the state primarily via ACM, amidst and following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the general tough economic climate, particularly following war in the Ukraine and the Middle East, and turbulent US policies towards the EU, attest to strengths inherent to the sector. Malta’s economic stability, stemming in non-CCIs industries, particularly construction, financial services, adult gaming and tourism, has extended its positive impact to the CCIs, especially in relation to the fields of cultural and heritage-oriented tourism, education and research, and spillovers related to the fields of film, music, digitisation, gaming and design. For detailed statistics see here.
As per Eurostat figures published in 2026, cultural employment in Malta reached the figure of 16,800 persons in 2025, up from 15,700 persons in 2024 and 9,400 persons in 2016. This represents an increase of 1,100 persons (+7.0%) over the past year and 7,400 persons (+78.7%) since 2016, pointing to sustained long-term growth in the cultural and creative sectors. In broad terms, cultural employment accounts for approximately 5% (5.1%) of Malta's total employment, based on the Labour Force Survey employment levels of around 337,000 persons. While this estimate should be treated as indicative, it demonstrates that cultural activities constitute an important component of Malta's labour market.
The largest component of cultural employment in 2025 was classified as "Other NACE activities", employing 6,800 persons, followed by:
- Printing and reproduction of recorded media: 1,900 persons
- Advertising and market research: 1,600 persons
- Other professional, scientific and technical activities: 1,600 persons
- Creative, arts and entertainment activities: 1,400 persons
- Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities: 1,100 persons
- Programming and broadcasting activities: 900 persons
- Motion picture, video, television and music activities: 800 persons.
A notable feature of the data is that a substantial share of cultural employment is recorded outside traditionally recognised cultural industries. This reflects a wider trend whereby creative and cultural occupations are increasingly found across different sectors of the economy, extending the contribution of cultural skills beyond the arts and heritage sectors alone.
The National Cultural Policy (2021) draws on principles of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, to which Malta acceded on 18 December 2006 (entry into force 18 March 2007). . It does so in recognition of the fact that the CCIs are very significant for inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities and achieving the goals set out in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
At the time of the publication of NCP 2021, the CCIs accounted for 7.9% of total gross value added (GVA), exceeding the direct contribution of the construction and civil engineering sector and the accommodation and food services sector. It also created 12,000 jobs and played a key role in propelling the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by incorporating people-centred values and sustainability across their economic, social and environmental objectives.
The development of the first creative economy strategy in 2012, led to important policy developments that positioned CCIs as pillars of economic development. With new investments directed towards creative start-ups and new policy competences such as design and video games, CCIs managed to perform positively in terms of a developing sector.
Nevertheless, the gaps in the economic performance of different sub-sectors were widening.
Between 2015 and 2017 the CCIs grew. However, by excluding the creative business services sub-sector, the more traditional CCS registered an annual average decline of 4.1%. A more significant and related decline in relative terms was also recorded in the arts.
These developments were, however, reflective of the performance in the film industry, primarily artistic services rendered to the film industry. The decline in the arts did not persist in 2017 when the sub-sector registered a strong growth of 19.4% in GVA. This represented the strongest growth among the sub-sectors of the CCIs in that year but only led to a partial recovery following the previous year’s decline. (Economic Policy Department, 2019).
Employment in the CCIs increased by a significant annual average rate of 6.8% over those two years. Notwithstanding the decline in GVA in the arts, the sub-sector registered the strongest growth in employment of 12.0%. The research by the Economic Policy Department at the time (2019) suggested that despite the overall strong performance over the years, the CCIs were yet to mature. There was scope to further strengthen the indirect contribution of the CCIs, particularly the linkages with the various other industries in Malta.
Last update: October, 2026
The National Book Council (NBC) provides institutional support to the book industry, including funding, organising events, and promoting books and reading. It publishes resources such as author’s manuals to educate authors about copyright, publishing, and the market. As from 2026 it falls within the responsibility of the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, following several years being part of that for education. The Publishing Entities survey tracks the number of new book titles published annually, helping to monitor and support the growth of the publishing industry and inform policy and strategy. In 2022, 545 new book titles were published, marking a 5.2% increase from the previous year.
The total number of ISBN numbers assigned in 2024 increased, with a total of 1,127 as compared to 871 in 2023. The amount of ISBNs assigned to books published on online platforms such as Amazon also increased in 2024.
Maltese publishers are actively involved in discovering new voices, nurturing talent, and promoting Maltese literature both locally and internationally. They work closely with authors to ensure high standards in book production and marketing.
One of the most notable tools for promoting the publishing sector is the Malta Book Festival. It is held annually, and features book launches, presentations, meetings with local and international authors, seminars, panel discussions, and events for children and students. Together with the festival, the NBC holds the Literary Contest of Novels for Youth, and other national and regional events, workshops, and contests, together with the National Book Prize to encourage Maltese literature.
Arts Council Malta (ACM) operates the Newspapers Support Scheme to support the quality assurance of content related to arts, culture, and heritage in print newspapers. Print newspapers face a challenging situation with limited financial and human resources, diminishing readership and tough competition from the digital world. Part of the scheme supports linguistic services for print newspapers in the Maltese language. Newspapers published in Maltese benefit from financial support towards linguistic development including orthography and improvement of journalistic expression in terms of style, clarity, syntax, and semantics. Elements like conciseness, political correctness, clear articulation, and analytical thinking are addressed professionally and in line with international standards.
Another part of the scheme supports expenditure for the creation of regular arts, culture, and heritage content designed to disseminate knowledge to readers about cultural aspects via features, articles and pictorial material in view of promoting events and projects to attract new audiences. In this way print-based media in Malta is encouraged to feature recognition towards the importance of arts, culture, and heritage as seminal contributors to citizens’ wellbeing in contemporary society.
In 2024 the criteria marking the level of protection of freedom of expression as per the Media Pluralism Monitor identified a low-risk score of 28%, namely 10 percentage points higher than in 2023. This increase reflects a stalled reform process, the gap between proposed safeguards and international good practice standards, as well as continued risk of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Malta's media reform has somewhat stalled, with Malta announced as the SLAPP country of the year 2024 by the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe.
Freedom of expression is protected by Article 41(1) of the Constitution and the ongoing media reform includes plans to establish further safeguards for journalists’ sources. Fines for moral damages in cases of civil proceedings for defamation are capped according to the Constitution of Malta.
Last update: October, 2026
Malta acceded to Eurimages in January 2026, enabling Maltese producers to access European film co-production support for the first time.
Malta was among the first nine signatories of the Council of Europe Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series (CETS 230), signed at the Series Mania Forum in Lille on 26 March 2026; this is the first international legal framework specifically for television and streaming series co-production.
The Malta Film Commission (MFC) was set up in 1999 and legally established by the Malta Film Commission Act in 2005. The MFC is responsible for promoting, developing, and supporting the audiovisual industry in Malta. This includes providing financial incentives, facilitating the work of qualifying productions, and showcasing Malta's locations and skilled labour. It offers financial incentives, including cash rebates for qualifying productions. These incentives aim to attract international productions to Malta. In 2024 the main financial support to local productions shifted to Arts Council Malta (ACM). The MFC runs the Opportunity for All programme, which focuses on the continuous professional development of established crews and the induction of new crew members into the industry. It manages key film production facilities, including the Malta Film Studios and Fort Ricasoli, and provides assistance with location scouting and acquiring filming permits.
ACM managed a EUR7 million investment in 2025, including €2 million dedicated to screen support. It supports Maltese productions gain international exposure by providing funding and opportunities to network and exhibit their work abroad. Through support programs, and the Charter for the Status of the Artist, it aims to provide stronger protection for creatives. ACM runs and supports educational, networking, workshopping and capacity building initiatives to foster talent and skills development within the audiovisual field in combination with other fields of the CCS.
The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) and the Malta Producers' Association (MPA) are actively involved in advocating for the audiovisual industry in Malta. MEIA advocates for fair practices, equity, and accountability and emphasise the need for transparent governance, financial responsibility, and respect for the local creative community. It calls for depoliticised governance and merit-based leadership across all cultural institutions. It demands equity in payment systems and reduced bureaucratic hurdles for disbursing funds from public institutions. It recommends policies and actions to identify affordable and accessible creative spaces and studios.
The MPA works to enhance the audiovisual industry and its resources in Malta, ensuring professionals in the sector enjoy a competitive and advantageous environment. It speaks out on behalf of the interests and rights of Malta’s audiovisual producers and service providers. It is involved in policy advocacy to create a supportive environment for the audiovisual industry.
The gaming industry, including video games and esports, is a significant contributor to Malta's gross domestic product (GDP). It is projected to contribute around 1% of the national GDP and create between 2,200 to 3,000 jobs over the next decade. The industry has seen a substantial increase in the number of gaming operators based in Malta, which has led to job creation and opportunities for local talent. Initiatives like Malta’s Vision for Video Games Development and Esports and the introduction of a €10 million venture capital fund are designed to boost the tech and gaming sectors. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates and supports the gaming industry, ensuring a stable and attractive environment for both local and international companies. Malta has become a hub for game development and esports, attracting major companies and hosting significant events like Playcon, which further boosts its international profile.
Last update: October, 2026
Malta’s music ecosystem comprises a single state orchestra, a national choir, a substantial band-club movement, a network of festivals and a private commercial sector spanning classical, popular and electronic music. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is Malta’s only professional orchestra. Founded in 1968 as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra, it became the National Orchestra of Malta in 1997 and was rebranded as the MPO in 2008 following an expansion of the players’ complement. The MPO averages more than one concert per week and tours internationally, including a 2025 invitation to the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto with the opera Hadrian. KorMalta is the national choir, consolidated within NAPA from 2023.
The festival calendar is delivered chiefly by Festivals Malta and by Teatru Manoel. The Malta Jazz Festival, founded in 1990 by Charles ‘City’ Gatt, has hosted internationally recognised performers including Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea and Diana Krall; the Valletta International Baroque Festival (2012), the Three Palaces Festival and the Valletta Early Opera Festival complement the classical programme. The Malta International Organ Festival reached its twelfth edition in 2025. Popular and contemporary music are programmed through Notte Bianca (annually since 2006), the music routes of village festi, and a substantial private commercial circuit.
Traditional music is structured around the Għaqda Każini tal-Banda (the national federation of band clubs, founded 1947, renamed in 1975), which represents 91 of the 92 band clubs across Malta and Gozo and acts as the principal civil-society interlocutor on behalf of the każini. A 2025 memorandum of understanding with Arts Council Malta consolidated the joint delivery of band-club support; the Fund for the purchase of musical instruments for local Musical Societies and the National Opportunities Fund operate alongside a €280,000 bank-loan interest-subsidy scheme launched in November 2025. Maltese folk song (għana) was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
Specific instruments and measures supporting the music sector include the ACM Call for Proposals for Original Musicals in the Maltese Language (2022–2026), Radio New Talent for emerging artists, the VAT reclaim on a one-time purchase of a musical instrument, the reduced 7.5% income-tax rate for creative practitioners, and the ACM partnership with Sound Diplomacy (2024) on a national music and night-time economy strategy. The Malta Eurovision Song Contest and related national-song platforms are programmed by Malta’s public-service broadcaster.
Sector criticism in recent years has focused on the lack of dedicated mid-scale music infrastructure, the absence of a sector-specific music policy, and remuneration conditions for freelance musicians — concerns reflected in MEIA’s Budget 2026 recommendations and partially addressed by the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub announcement.
Last update: October, 2026
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.
Last update: October, 2026
The National Cultural Policy (NCP 2021) emphasises the importance of cultural tourism in enhancing Malta’s cultural heritage and creative industries. The policy aims to integrate culture into the broader tourism strategy, promoting Malta as a destination rich in cultural experiences.
The National Tourism Strategy 2021-2030 focuses on sustaining recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing to a resilient tourism sector. It highlights the value added of cultural and creative tourism by stressing the diversification Malta's tourism offerings and attracting high-value visitors.
Malta hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Malta International Arts Festival, traditional feasts (‘festas’), large-scale concerts and the annual white night (Notte Bianca). These events help add attraction to tourists and showcase Malta's rich cultural heritage that often serves as visually and environmentally attractive settings.
Greater effort needs to be made to improve infrastructure and accessibility to cultural sites, ensuring that tourists can easily explore and enjoy Malta's cultural attractions.
Arts Council Malta (ACM) has collaborated with Sound Diplomacy to integrate measures that support music and night-time entertainment into tourism strategies and their implementation.
The Catholic Church in Malta plays a significant role in cultural tourism, both in the light of its close connection with the Knights of St John (1530-1798) as well other historical, cultural and spiritual meanings. Malta has a rich Christian history dating back to the arrival of St. Paul in AD 60. This history is reflected in numerous churches, cathedrals, and religious sites that attract tourists. Some of the most notable sites include St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, also featuring two paintings by Caravaggio, the Collegiate Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, and the collection of religious sites and artefacts in Mdina and Rabat, as well as Gozo. These sites are not only places of worship but also architectural and artistic treasures. Malta is a key destination for faith-based tourism, especially during significant religious events. For example, the Jubilee Year from December 2024 to January 2026, themed Pilgrims of Hope, has seen Malta hosting various liturgical celebrations and pilgrimages. The Catholic Church in Malta organises numerous cultural events and festivals, including those related to Lent, Carnival and Christmas. These events are vibrant displays of local culture, attracting both locals and tourists.
Cultural tourism may contribute in a significant way to the juncture Malta’s tourism industry finds itself at. The traditional quantitative approach has shown its limits, as seen in the challenges of environmental degradation, urban overcrowding, a rising cost of living and a decline in tourist expenditure when inflation is factored in.
A strategic shift towards sustainable, competitive, quality-focused tourism has been advocated by various quarters. For instance, the Malta Chamber’s ‘Rediscover’ (2021) document offers a detailed road map for change.
Central to this strategy is the need to align with the changing expectations of tourists who increasingly seek authentic and unique experiences. In response, the Malta Chamber initiative suggests offering journeys that immerse visitors in the rich culture and heritage of Malta, catering to the desires of today’s discerning tourists.
By prioritising the development of local talent and skills, the initiative seeks to elevate the uniqueness and the quality of interactions and services that tourists encounter during their stay. A significant challenge that the strategy addresses is balancing the need for development with the imperative of sustainability. The Rediscover vision calls for a tourism model that is responsible and respectful of Malta’s unique environmental and cultural assets. This balance is key to preserving the island’s appeal for future generations while ensuring that current tourism practices are environmentally and culturally sustainable.
Malta belongs to three Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which highlight the country's rich cultural heritage and its connections with other European cultures.
The regional dimension plays an important part in mobilising resources addressing cultural tourism. Gozo as national Region of Culture in 2025, as European Region of Gastronomy in 2026 and bidding for European Capital of Culture in 2031 is encouraging the region to develop a multiannual and multidisciplinary programme that explores and combines traditional and contemporary practices across various cultural and creative disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, literature, cultural heritage, architecture, and gastronomy. The programme aims to attract visitors, including tourists, throughout these years by celebrating Gozo's unique cultural identity. The concern about unbridled development in the field of construction is real and needs addressing.
Through Arts Council Malta (ACM), Malta has developed cultural strategies for each of its six regions: Gozo, Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern, and Ports. These strategies share overarching themes of talent development, audience involvement, and historical heritage innovation. Each region's strategy includes priorities that promote cultural and creative tourism by highlighting the unique traditions, talents, and historical elements of each locality. These complementary strategies are designed to enhance Malta's cultural tourism offerings, making the regions more attractive to both local and international visitors.
In terms of regional preparations for the hosting of international cultural happenings that may attract international attention, the combination of heritage assets and creative activity is a key contributor to the development of strategies and their implementation. Traditionally speaking, compared to cultural heritage management in Malta, Gozitan heritage assets enjoy a relatively better social context within which to function significantly in terms of the value assigned to them as intangible cultural heritage as defined by the Faro Convention. The island has had the comparative advantage over Malta of still being able to offer a relatively high level of wellbeing and quality of life for its citizens, which however has been under stress over the past few years due to overdevelopment.
Gozo seems to still enjoy another comparative advantage, namely its natural geographic identity which marks Gozo from Malta and distinguishes many levels of cultural life on the island. The geography of the island predates any formal or informal regional boundaries defining governance, giving Gozo a natural sense of identity and belonging that has nurtured a close, roots-inspired, bottom-up approach to cultural, religious and popular life. A Ministry for Gozo has been in place since the end of the 1980s, with great consistency and stability afforded by the size of the jurisdiction, only later supported by the formation of local councils (1993) and regional ones.
ACM has collaborated with Sound Diplomacy to develop a strategic mapping exercise into Malta’s music and night-time economy (NTE) to be followed by an economic impact assessment. Improved and coordinated governance through an NTE Department and NTE Committee in the guise of a music office and a collective association in Malta.
Priorities identified include facilitating small-scale events whereby addressing organisational difficulties, identifying affordable on-street promotional spaces, identifying possible dedicated music venues, suitable infrastructure in existing venues, rehearsal spaces for both amateurs and professionals including Church or band clubs, championing environmental sustainability initiatives, collaborate with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) to establish a music tourism strategy, collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to draft a master plan / strategy for the music and NTE sector, support artists to access public, private and international funding, lobby with government to address areas of its competence including achieving coordinated and well communicated infrastructural projects and public events as well as ensuring a legal / financial level playing field and completing sound regulations, support artists in developing skills including financial and legal, and/or gaining eased access to them, support professionalisation of artist managers, support the development of a musicians union to protect artists’ value, support adherence to industry associations, support local collaboration, support adherence to international networks, and develop a music export office branch.
ACM is advocating for clarity in regulating NTE, better enforcement, mapping exercises, the application of agent of change principle and soundproofing in relation to venues that are located inside residential areas and neighbourhoods, closer collaboration with local and tourism business community, closer collaboration with residential and music community (musicians, service providers, audiences) in order to enhance the quality offer aimed at improving visitor satisfaction, in line with sustainable development guidelines set out by the tourism strategy for Malta. Links to the Maltese festa being recognised as UNESCO intangible heritage and the local musical traditions, including band clubs, may be sought.
ACM provided feedback to the Valletta Management Plan (VMP) consultation in 2024, calling for the VMP to address the music and NTE scene in the capital city. The feedback addresses the 5Cs, namely credibility, conservation, capacity building, communication and communities identified by UNESCO as principles to help guide the sustainable management of World Heritage Sites with an eye to establishing good practices and preserving sites for future generations. Special reference is made to capacity building and communities.
While the music element, together with other related aspects of cultural expression, is referred to indirectly by the VMP as part of the intangible heritage of the city as well as an attraction for visitors, its management on the basis of local traditional good practice and international best practice should be acknowledged and implemented.
The main observations are listed below:
- Reference to existing legal frameworks and related subsidiary legislation regulating sound should be made
Current situation
Subsidiary Legislation 441.07 establishes trading licence regulations in Malta, and states that no commercial activity located in an urban area is permitted to play live or amplified music or cause disturbance to neighbours between the hours of 11.00 p.m. and 9.00 a.m., and between 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. The legal notice 161 of 2022 is an addition to the Subsidiary Legislation 441 and provides an extension of business hours. It extends the playing of music in commercial premises from 11.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. on some streets of Valletta (including Merchants Street, Old Bakery Street, Old Theatre Street, Republic Street, South Street, St. Lucia Street and Strait Street). The legal notice indicates that the volume of such music must be kept at a moderate level, without including any concrete sound levels, and that no music can be played outdoors after 1.00 a.m. Legal notice 163 of 2022 then added Archbishop Street and St. Ursola Street to the list.
MTA issues permits to allow catering establishments to play amplified music. Although the licensing process for catering establishments permitted to play amplified music is detailed and accessible, it does not include maximum sound levels and no authorisation of this type could be found for other establishments such as concert venues in Malta.
- Greater clarity to be established regarding event permitting and organisation recommended.
Current situation
Valletta attracts public and private events, as well as religious and community ones, and thrives off its renewed revived character. However, greater clarity, and ensuing coordinating, in the permitting and organisation of events, is recommended. The aim is to improve the quality of the events and satisfy the needs of the various communities that inhabit or visit Valletta. Although several legal documents provide information about entertainment events in Malta, the regulations are incomplete. Malta lacks an exhaustive and accessible regulations guide including all types of events licences, their requirements, hours of operation and fees. In addition, the stakeholder engagement conducted to establish Malta’s National Cultural Policy 2021 also highlighted that private promoters struggle to access venues and spaces during the Summer months to organise events, and that the calendar of events run by the government and nonprofits compete against each other, which reduces the opportunities for private promoters to promote music events.
- Agent of Change Principle to be introduced
Consider introducing the Agent of Change policy to allow existing venues to maintain their average dB(A) (when established) regardless of any new builds, repurposed spaces or developments. The Agent of Change principle places the responsibility for mitigating the impact of sound-generating activity on the person or business responsible for the change. Implementing such a principle, along with establishing clearer sound regulations, would help address several issues and concerns associated with night time sound, as well as protect existing venues from new residential developments, and ensure that new venues are built with soundproofing in mind - all of which will ultimately protect the music and NTE in the long term.