Keynote speaker Prof Helena Gaunt joined by Malta’s educational institutions, artists, students, practitioners and other stakeholders for a day of knowledge sharing.

On 30 October 2025, the MCAST Paola Campus became the meeting point for Malta’s cultural and educational communities, as the Shaping the Future: National Arts Education Conference brought together educators, artists, students, policymakers and international experts for a day of dialogue and knowledge sharing.

Organised by Arts Council Malta (ACM) in collaboration with MCAST, the conference set out to answer a pressing question: how can Malta’s arts education ecosystem evolve to better serve both its creative practitioners and its society? At the heart of the discussion was the proposed National Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts – a project envisioned to bridge the gap between education and the cultural sector.

The day offered a platform for open discussion and the presentation of research findings and institutional perspectives that will inform the next steps in developing the academy.

The event opened with addresses by Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chair of Arts Council Malta; Dr Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation; and Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government. All three emphasised the importance of a collaborative model for the proposed Academy, designed to unite Malta’s existing educational and cultural institutions under one framework, while allowing each to retain autonomy.

ARC Research & Consultancy (represented by Davinia Galea, Dr Mario Frendo and Dr Samuel Mallia) then presented research findings that analysed arts education structures, infrastructure and policies. Their recommendations focused on updating legislation, investing in existing resources, and continuing national dialogue through events such as this conference.

Prof Helena Gaunt – Keynote speaker

The keynote speaker, Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, delivered a thought-provoking address that set the tone for the rest of the day. Drawing on her experience as a musician, educator and cultural leader, she explored why the arts matter now and why higher arts education must evolve to meet the realities of today’s world.

She reflected on how, in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the arts remain essential to human connection and progress. Her main points included:

• The value of the arts: “We turn to the arts to find meaning. Without them, we aren’t human.” .
  
  
• Broader social impact: The arts strengthen wellbeing and social cohesion, reduce isolation, and contribute to economic growth, representing around 3% of global GDP.
  
  
• Adapting education models: Excellence in arts education should be measured not only by technical skill, but by social impact and community engagement.
  
  
• Real-world learning: Institutions must create environments that mirror professional practice, allowing students to test their work in public and reflect on its effect.
  
  
• Courage to evolve: Educators must re-evaluate traditional hierarchies, celebrate diverse definitions of success, and ensure that arts education is rooted in collaboration and purpose.
  
  

She closed her keynote reiterating that high-quality professional training is vital to a thriving ecosystem, and must remain immersed in industry, society and international exchange.

Position Papers presented by various educational institutions

The next sessions were dedicated to the presentation of position papers by a wide range of local institutions.

• Dr Charmaine Zammit, representing the Ministry for Education, stressed embedding arts education across all levels, supporting educators, and providing dedicated learning spaces.
  
  
• Aleks Farrugia, representing the Culture Directorate, questioned whether a new academy should replace or reinforce existing institutions, calling for clarity and realistic resource planning.
  
  
• Dr Nikki Petroni, representing Arts Council Malta, outlined the Council’s vision of the academy as a national hub that connects education, culture and infrastructure under Strategy 2030 and Vision 2050.
  
  

Representatives from the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, MATSEC, University of Malta departments, and MCAST also shared their perspectives on the way forward, offering detailed recommendations addressing infrastructure, teacher training, student pathways and collaboration.

• Dame Marita Abdilla Bezzina, from the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, emphasised the urgent need for improved facilities and dedicated studios for students, noting that the quality of physical spaces directly affects learning. She presented two possible models for the academy — a decentralised network of hubs or a single, fully equipped campus offering long-term cohesion and efficiency.
  
  
• Victor Galea, Head of Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, advocated for strengthening existing institutions rather than building new ones, calling for legislative reform, targeted investment in studios, and specialised recruitment for tutors and administrators.
  
  
• Dario Pirotta, representing MATSEC, outlined the challenges of maintaining syllabi in subjects such as music, theatre and dance, noting declining student numbers and the need for better resources and examiners.
  
  
• From the University of Malta, several departments presented their viewpoints. Dr Mark Sagona (Art and Art History) questioned whether a new academy might duplicate existing institutions, urging clear governance and impact assessment. Prof Isabelle Gatt and Prof Raphael Vella (Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education) discussed integrating research-based practice and empathy into arts education, while Prof Trevor Borg (Digital Arts) highlighted the importance of continuous investment and collaboration. Prof Philip Ciantar (School of Performing Arts) stressed the need to shift public perception, framing arts education as a core part of holistic learning and professional development.
  
  
• Dr Martina Caruana, from the Institute for the Creative Arts at MCAST, concluded the session with an overview of MCAST’s creative programmes. She noted that many graduates progress to further studies or creative careers locally and abroad, and called for a student-centred approach supported by a comprehensive mapping exercise to identify overlaps and gaps across institutions.

The international perspective

The event proceeded with an international panel moderated by Dr Giuliana Fenech, featuring Christoph Lang (F+F School of Art and Design, Zurich), Kaarlo Hildén (University of the Arts Helsinki), Prof Karolina Šantl Zupan (University of Ljubljana), Dr Lisa Peck (University of Sussex) and Dr Sharon Watson (Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds). The panellists discussed leadership, access, collaboration and innovation in arts education, drawing parallels between Malta’s ambitions and international best practice.

Each panellist brought a distinct perspective shaped by their institutional experiences.

• Christoph Lang described the F+F School of Art and Design as a model of independence and collaboration, built on a non-profit ethos that places experimentation and accessibility at its core. He spoke about the importance of “sharing limited resources while maintaining openness,” and of keeping arts education inclusive and adaptable.
  
  
• Kaarlo Hildén reflected on Finland’s integrated approach to arts education, noting that “institutions cannot exist in isolation — dialogue doesn’t happen by itself; it has to be facilitated.” His comments underscored the value of lifelong access and seamless progression from early to higher education.
  
  
• Prof Karolina Šantl Zupan highlighted the Slovenian model’s emphasis on mentorship and artistic excellence rooted in pedagogy, stressing the close relationship between educators and practitioners to sustain high standards.
  
  
• Dr Sharon Watson spoke of her own journey from grassroots access programmes to national leadership, explaining how mentorship and opportunity shaped her path. “Creating equitable access means recognising the diverse routes that lead people into the arts,” she observed.
  
  
• Dr Lisa Peck encouraged reflection on what institutions are truly training students for, urging educators to foster cultural agency and creativity rather than conformity. “We are not only training performers,” she said, “but cultural agents capable of transforming their communities.”

Looking ahead

Dr Nikki Petroni wrapped up the panel with an overview of all that was discussed, while showcasing the vibrant work of a visual rapporteur who was documenting the day’s proceedings.

“Working top down is an old model. We will be having a whole series of fora and debates and open discussions where people can participate in the research about what shape this national academy will take.”

Following a post-panel discussion that saw panellists and audience engaging in lively conversation, the conference came to an official end with closing remarks by Dr Dalli, who thanked all local and international speakers for the substantial analysis and reflections. He added that these will serve as an important foundation to identify models and opportunities for arts educational institutions. He also thanked students for being present and active in this discussion.

“This conference has clearly shown that there is a broad consensus for the need of arts education in Malta to be structured, efficient, sustainable and relevant to today’s realities. Arts Council Malta is committed to continue with investing in artists and creative practitioners, via funding programmes and training initiatives aimed at strengthening the creative sectors,” he concluded.