Published on Friday 2 September 2022

The first ‘State of the Arts – Malta National Symposium’ has been launched. This will take place on the 26th and 27th of October at the Valletta Campus Theatre, University of Malta.

The symposium will examine Malta’s artistic sector and discuss issues that artists and creative practitioners face, in light of local and global challenges.

During a press conference, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated that this is another electoral proposal that is being fulfilled and reflects the government’s vision for Malta’s artistic sector as an important pillar for the country’s social and economic development. He emphasised that this symposium will further strengthen dialogue among all the stakeholders involved in this sector.

The symposium will explore several themes outlined in the recently published Strategy 2025 through a number of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities with international and local artists. These themes include the working conditions of artists, artistic freedom and expression, arts and sustainable development, and cultural rights, amongst others. 

Arts Council Malta’s Director-Funding and Strategy Mary Ann Cauchi stated that, “This symposium is a unique opportunity for us to critically examine the artistic sectors in Malta, particularly in light of the challenging global realities that inevitably shape artistic practice in Malta. This is particularly pertinent in light of the recent launch of Strategy 2025, which sets out Arts Council Malta’s strategic vision and priorities for the upcoming years”.

Keynote speakers include Professor Milena Dragićević Šešić, Shain Shapiro and Sara Whyatt. 

Registrations for the symposium are open and interested attendees may register at maltaartssymposium.com. Reduced rates are available for students, older adults and representatives from NGOs and voluntary organisations. More information on the symposium, including the full programme, is available at maltaartssymposium.com

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