The Ministry for Lands, Culture and Local Government, the People and Standards Division, and the Arts Council Malta have announced the completion of an administrative process through which 200 public sector employees in the cultural field will benefit from improvements in their working conditions.
Thanks to an administrative instrument called Directive 7, which was signed today, an important step has been taken toward better wages for professionals and public employees in the arts and culture sector in Malta.
This directive establishes a unified salary structure that ensures the principles of equality, transparency, and sustainability across all cultural entities that have a direct role in the management and promotion of the arts in the country.
These entities include: Arts Council Malta, National Agency for Performing Arts (Żfin Malta, Teatru Malta, Kor Malta), Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Spazju Kreattiv, Festivals Malta, Teatru Manoel, Valletta Cultural Agency and MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space).
The Minister for Culture, Lands, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, stated that with this step, the government is continuing to strengthen its vision to promote a professional and respected artistic sector.
“This initiative looks towards a future where public employees who are passionate about the creative sectors are valued for their skills, supported with more opportunities, and made part of a sustainable creative ecosystem. The goal is for the arts in Malta to remain a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring force that brings communities together,” said Dr Bonnici.
The new mechanism provides a fixed salary base until 2029, to offer financial stability over the coming years. The directive also includes a clear mechanism for the application of the COLA, ensuring every worker in the sector is protected fairly and proportionately against the rising cost of living.
This process was the result of extensive consultation between the Ministry for Culture, the People and Standards Division, Arts Council Malta, and representatives of all the concerned entities, with the aim of creating a new level of professionalism and recognition in cultural and artistic careers.
In his speech, Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta, said: “Directive 7 is not just an administrative document. It is a statement of trust and respect toward all professionals in the arts and culture who work every day to make a difference in Malta’s social, educational, and spiritual life. This directive is for them – and it is also a guarantee that from now on, the passion for the arts will be accompanied by fairness in remuneration.”
Dr Dalli thanked the Ministry, the People and Standards Division, the Permanent Secretary, all the involved entities, and the cultural sector workers who, for many years, have given their all from the heart to strengthen the cultural life of the country.
