AD says culture ministry should prioritise music

Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party, has called for an inclusive process that allows the public participation in Malta's arts and culture scene.

Speaking at a press conference on its manifesto proposal for culture, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio - a musician in Malta's rock scene - said an inclusive process would help develop every person's creativity, whilst also being a source of entertainment and free expression of the individual and the community.

"There should be careful investment in art and culture. This should also improve Malta's tourist product.

"More public funds should be provided for Malta's public libraries and all other government-funded libraries such as the National Library, the University of Malta library the MCAST library and local public libraries."

Briguglio said local libraries should be promoted as community centres that can form part of 'everyday democracy'.

"All libraries should have internet access. Their architecture, furnishing, equipment and collections should be accessible and inviting to members of the community. Professionalization, standardization and inter-connectivity should characterize all libraries and archival work."

AD also said that a national records management for public service data and national archives should be kept in a state-of-the-art centre that can cater for the archives of the National Memory Project.

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesperson for EU and International Affairs, said the culture ministry should have a division which focuses on the development on musical talent and culture.

"The definition of music should include traditional music, classical music, jazz, rock music and pop music amongst other genres, and provide facilities and space for musicians, the creation of a system of soft loans to help them develop, and the promotion of Malta as an international music venue."

Cassola said financing from cultural initiatives can be enhanced through State funding and state collaboration with the private sector, fiscal incentives, and through the Good Causes Fund, which he said should be made more transparent with clear criteria on the distribution of funds.