Muscat pledges commitment to creative and preforming arts sector

Labour Leader Joseph Muscat insisted that the country must recognize that Maltese artists "are capable and represent the opportunity for continuous and positive change."

He insisted that his reasoning lies at the heart of the PL's commitment that a new Labour government would provide its continuous support and assistance to Maltese artists in the course of their professional development.

Muscat was speaking during a press conference at the end of a tour of the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat.

During his address, Muscat reiterated several of the PL's proposals for the culture and arts sector, among them being the establishment of post-secondary colleges aimed towards the performing arts, as well as sports-oriented colleges where students can better develop their artists capabilities while also studying towards Matsec exams.

He said that a new Labour government would also be opening a new School of Arts in the University of Malta, which he said will "serve as a link between University and MCAST."

He also reiterated that a new Labour government would establish a Fund for Excellence, "to provide assistance for artistic, musical, cultural, and also literacy sectors" while also providing greater incentives for businesses that directly assist these sectors.

Muscat also emphasized the need for greater coordination and synergy between all the departments and organisations involved in the culture and arts sector, and the Malta Council for Arts and Culture.

In the same breath, Muscat also underscored the value of the concept of promoting a 'free museum day' for all public museums on a rotation basis.

The Labour leader also spoke of the establishment of a National Gallery of Modern Art, which he said would function as a contemporary space that dynamically promotes innovation and creativity.

Muscat also reiterated the need to update Malta's censorship laws so that these are better able to promote freedom and personal choice in artistic expression with respect to social norms, especially the protection of minors.

Muscat also insisted that the National Philharmonic Orchestra deserves more attention and investment.

For the cinematographic industry, Muscat said that a Labour government is insisting on the need for a better incentive package - among them a National Cinematography Fund and a Film Trading Fund -" so that the industry grows, develops, and modernizes itself."

He went on to add that EU funds that could help in this regard need to be identified and obtained.

Lastly, Muscat also spoke about the need to establish a consultative council that gathers within it all the operators in the cinematographic sector "so that Malta and Gozo can be better marketed and advertised as a destination for this sector."