The implementation of Strategy 25 took centre stage throughout 2024, with Arts Council Malta (ACM) leading a series of initiatives, investments, events, and collaborations, all informed by the overarching principles of the national cultural strategy and aligning with the key recommendations that underpin it.
This past year was characterised by numerous developments within the creative and cultural sectors, all spearheaded by ACM. Here, we take a look at some of the highlights.
ACM hosted a series of educational and networking events throughout the year, including webinars, the popular ACMlab, ACMHangouts, and the HelloACM radio show on Campus FM. Besides this, 2024 saw the third edition of the State of the Arts Symposium return to host a safe space where the artistic and cultural sector could look back at and critically engage with what has been achieved in the past editions.
This year’s symposium, which focused on the theme of Renewing Common Pathways, also included the eagerly-awaited launch of the National Charter for the Status of the Artist. The event took place over two days, adopting a hands-on and solution-oriented approach centred around the way our actions and thinking can impact structural changes and, in turn, individual realities, while acknowledging how making things with others and recognising our interdependence is a practice of commoning.
The programme took a highly participatory approach, focusing on thematics that were informed by a public call for information regarding what themes feel urgent and crucial.
2024 also saw the first Culture and Well-Being Forum being organised, with artists and creative practitioners engaging across a full-day’s programme. Three panel discussions were held, addressing a vast range of issues, each of which reflect the overarching principles laid down by Strategy 2025, embracing culture for the well-being of all.
Finally, a one-day seminar titled Towards the Formation of the Academy of the Performing and Visual Arts was held in April to bring together pedagogues, and PCOs associated with dance, music, theatre, and visual and interdisciplinary arts in an intensive working environment. The seminar included a number of workshop sessions focusing on existing challenges and the future of performing and visual arts education in Malta, and is part of the consultation process that is taking place on mapping and recommendations regarding the needs and requirements for the formation of an Academy for the Performing and Visual Arts.
A significant part of ACM’s efforts focused around strategic investment that supports our goals and guiding principles in alignment with cultural rights and overall sustainable development. Throughout 2024 we launched a total of 19 funding schemes, covering the below:
Of particular note, the newly-revamped Screen Support Scheme was administered by ACM for the first time, offering a total of €1 million across five strands to cover works of fiction, documentaries, animations, and cultural programmes.
2024 saw a number of initiatives and investments that directly support the continuous development of artists and practitioners operating in traditional or grassroots settings, thus helping protect and promote access to cultural heritage and resources.
An Investment of E700,000 in the Artistic Heritage Scheme, which offers financial assistance to three aspects of the Maltese feast: band clubs, fireworks factories, and feast decorations associations. The schemes aim to strengthen Malta’s diverse social and cultural fabric and to promote community participation in regards to traditional roots and local identities. This aligns with the goals of Strategy 25, which places all artists and professionals, including those who work in a traditional or local environment, at the heart of its efforts.
The purchasing of band clubs at risk of eviction to secure their continued use at a fair rent. The investment, which will total €16 million when complete, is a reflection of the value that these musical societies bring to Maltese festivities and ensures that they continue to be enjoyed by their respective communities. Among the localities benefitting from this were Marsa, Birzebbugia, Ħamrun, Paola, and Sliema.
Restoration of St Cajetan titular statue, with almost €15,000 invested to carry out a range of essential works that will help return the statue to its original grandeur. These include works on the wooden and gilt pedestal as well as the four side vases, and are being carried out by professional restorer Amy Sciberras
Funding of a new statue dedicated to the Risen Christ, with €5,000 awarded in support of the Għaqda Mużikali Immakulata Kunċizzjoni. The statue will help strengthen Easter festivities within the Hamrun, St Venera and Marsa communities, creating a new tradition based on one of the most beloved religious feasts in Malta.
ACM has continued supporting Maltese and Malta-based artists and organisations in their international touring, outgoing and incoming mobility, artistic residencies, showcases, networking events, co-productions, collaborations, international marketing and PR ventures through various funding programmes. Examples of such international connections include participation in the Babylon Europa Event, the London Design Biennale 2025, and the Salzburg Global Seminar among others.
One of the biggest highlights on the international front this year was undoubtedly the appointment of ACM’s COO Funding & Strategy, Mary Ann Cauchi, as board director for the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC).
Cauchi is the first Maltese to receive the prestigious appointment. Malta has been a member of the European network for the past 10 years, and this is also the first time there is Maltese representation on the board, which is a result of ACM’s steadfast commitment to international cultural relations, inclusivity, and fostering collaborations on the global stage.
Cauchi went on to take a leading role during the EUNIC Mobility Scheme Conference that took place in Munich, highlighting the power and significance of cultural exchange and placing Malta in the centre of the global conversation.
This year also saw Malta return to the Venice Biennale, with Malta’s Pavilion showcasing a concept by solo artist Matthew Attard titled I Will Follow the Ship. The work explores the interplay between human existence and the digital world, using historical ship graffiti as a starting point.
The support of education, capacity building, professional development and knowledge exchange is one of the guiding principles of Strategy 25, aiming to empower people to flourish in their cultural and creative practice.
Several initiatives took place across the year to promote creative entrepreneurship as a mindset, fostering an empowered, resilient and collaborative artistic community. Several incentives were implemented to empower under-25s to attend cultural events, with several PCOs offering free events, or discounts and concessions on admission tickets to young people as part of an ACM initiative.
This year’s Apprenticeship Scheme continues to build on this, bringing together mentors and creative practitioners in a programme that drives further professionalisation of the cultural and creative sector, the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture among creatives and enhancement of technical and vocational skills.
The launch of Culture Pass 2024, in collaboration with the Culture Directorate, likewise helped enhance the value of cultural education as curricular subjects, while also addressing cross-curricular themes. The scheme also supports creative practitioners in creating and developing new works for young audiences, while increasing the capacity for programming over longer periods.
This approach was further reflected in the ArtWorks campaign, which supports ACM’s endeavours to promote and invest in the arts as a dynamic learning tool and a diverse career path by championing the educational and professional role of the arts. A total investment of €234,000 was carried out to this end.
A series of initiatives with various strategic partners that share our values have enabled ACM to facilitate opportunities for cultural and creative practitioners while investing in and fostering diverse artistic and cultural expression. Such collaborations reflect Strategy 25’s vision to nurture cross-sectoral collaborations that contribute to Malta’s sustainable development. These included:
The first successful MSA x ACM Residency Programme was completed, and an open call for the 2025 residency launched. This was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ collaboration that saw ACM investing €65,000 in the residency and the Malta Society of Art’s Performing Arts Programme.
The first two artists to benefit from this collaboration were Claire Farrugia (specialising in visual arts) and Alex Weenik (focusing on performing arts). The two artists embarked on a new creative journey under the guidance and mentorship of experienced professionals in their respective fields between April and December. The call for artists for next year’s Residency Programme is currently open.
A partnership with the Malta Council for Science & Technology (MCST) to encourage interdisciplinarity between the arts and science, while increasing cross-sectoral participation in culture and science subjects and raising the profile of these disciplines within formal and informal education.
This collaboration sees ACM investing a yearly grant of €5,000 with the aim of supporting, collaborating on and promoting initiatives and projects by the MCST that are related to arts or creativity in its wider application. Thanks to this, ACM will be in a position to facilitate the collaboration between artists and creative practitioners with individuals and organisations within the STEM fields of knowledge, with the MCST providing mentorship and assistance to such artists while providing their premises to such projects.
A collaboration with the National Skills Councils to promote emerging careers in the arts sector via a series of educational initiatives in schools that will take place alongside other events with the aim of furthering the value that the arts provide for career development opportunities across various sectors.
The agreement, which spans across two years, aligns with the objectives of Strategy 25 by promoting and investing in the arts as a dynamic learning tool and a diverse career path, while continuing to implement the areas of priority. Through the agreement, ACM and NSC will jointly organise educational initiatives in schools to promote awareness of career opportunities in the arts sector, among other sectors.
The fifth edition of the Artivisti Programme in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. The mentorship programme, which is spread over 18 months, aims to identify and give recognition to outstanding young talent, while instilling social responsibility through arts and creativity. Five young artists are being offered the opportunity to learn how they can use their artistic skills to bring about social change thanks to the ongoing programme.
One of the objectives of Strategy 25 aims to encourage more professionalism and distinction within the cultural and creative sectors, thus championing the advancement of the status of the artists. To this end, ACM has opened nominations for the seventh edition of the Premju għall-Arti 2025, with 14 competitive categories and 3 honours categories. The event highlights excellence in various fields within Malta’s creative industries, including theatre, dance, visual arts, multidisciplinary projects, and more.
Earlier this year, ACM also announced the four beneficiaries for the President’s Award for Creativity. The awards, which are held in conjunction with the Office of the President, are part of a series of initiatives which have as their goal the strengthening of community development, as well as their wellbeing, through cultural participation and creative expression and the increase of inclusivity.
2024 has undeniably been a landmark year for the cultural and creative sectors in Malta, marked by bold initiatives, groundbreaking projects, and unwavering support for the creative community.
As we look ahead to 2025, there is a sense of excitement and determination to build on these achievements, explore new horizons, and further strengthen Malta’s cultural ecosystem. With a shared vision and ongoing dedication, the future promises even greater opportunities for the arts to inspire, connect, and enrich our lives.
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