Published on Friday 4 June 2021

Arts Council Malta, together with the Mediterranean Conference Centre, have issued a call for the production of original musicals in the Maltese language which will be performed live between July and August of every year for a period of five years (2022-2026). This was announced by Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera together with Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo.

The call, which is being issued under the auspices of the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection, aims at supporting producers who wish to develop and produce original musical theatre in Maltese. The call aims at nurturing the creative potential of local artists and creatives whilst supporting their development into a professional activity, investing in artistic excellence, providing more opportunities for people to engage in creativity and develop new, relevant work in the Maltese language.

Whilst addressing the press conference, Minister Herrera reaffirmed government’s commitment towards the creative and cultural sector. ‘Through this call for original musicals in Maltese, we aim at increasing the national portfolio of theatrical works in the Maltese language whilst supporting local artists in planning ahead, grow and develop new work’, stated Minister Herrera.

Minister Bartolo pointed out that this collaboration between the Mediterranean Conference Centre and Arts Council Malta is a clear demonstration of this Government's commitment to sustaining domestic tourism by not associating it within a pandemic phase but it possesses the potential to be strengthened in the years to come. “Therefore I firmly believe that these musicals will be a platform for Maltese and Gozitans to have other places of recreation in which they can appreciate the product that local artists showcase to the general public,” continued Minister Clayton Bartolo.

“This call brings together various artistic disciplines whilst providing audiences with original productions in the Maltese language. I am convinced that benefits of this call outweigh the investment made and will have a positive multiplier effect on a wide range of operators in the creative and cultural industries,” stated Albert Marshall, Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta.

Chief Executive Officer of the Mediterranean Conference Centre Pierre Fenech, stressed how this cooperation will continue to strengthen the cultural and tourist potential of our country.

Guidelines and further details about this call and on how to apply are available at www.artscouncil.mt. Applications are being received online until noon of 4th July 2021. For support and assistance, one may contact Arts Council Malta.

Press Release by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection.