Published on Friday 28 May 2021

KulturaTV 2021 is one of the 12 RESTART schemes by Arts Council Malta allocating direct funds amounting to €3.62 million, which are being made available in a more simplified, effective, and sustainable manner.

Addressing a press conference, during which details about this new scheme were announced, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera emphasised that the aim of the RESTART schemes is to ensure that the creative and cultural sectors recover in a sustainable manner, safeguarding the careers of those involved, whilst also creating new opportunities for the future.

“We are here to assist all those involved in the creative and cultural sector, to proactively respond to the needs of the sectors after the pandemic, and the allocation of these funds by Arts Council Malta is a clear commitment towards achieving this," stated Minister Herrera.

“For schemes like KulturaTV to be successful, the sector needs to come up with ambitious, high-quality productions that are able to captivate local and international audiences. Innovation, creativity and sustainability are key elements to achieving successful projects within this field," continued Minister Herrera.

KulturaTV supports the development of ambitious quality-driven audio-visual programmes with a potential for international distribution. The aim is to incentivise and enhance quality arts and cultural television programming on private broadcasting stations in Malta. Projects may include the production of original dramas, innovative creative documentaries and cultural programmes. Private stations licensed by the Malta Broadcasting Authority and registered audio-visual companies are eligible to apply for the co-funded support.

Furthermore, the scheme aims to support the translation of original Maltese literature and scripts to any other language, including subtitling/surtitling, transcription and captioning – for film, creative documentaries, plays, TV dramas, animation, performance scripts, librettos and video art.

“Arts Council Malta resonates the European Union's call at a local level," reiterated Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta Albert Marshall. Mr Marshall explained that the European Union's call appeals that funds voted to the recovery of the cultural and creative sectors need to contribute to a more digital Europe in the operation and exploitation of new technological platforms in the process of our artistic expression, and to a more resilient Europe in creating more sustainable cultural and creative sectors.

Director of Funding and Strategy Mary Ann Cauchi explained the objectives and criteria of the KulturaTV scheme, as well as details about the call for applications, pitching and evaluation processes and relative disbursements.

Guidelines and further details about the scheme and on how to apply for the fund offering this financial support are available at www.artscouncil.mt. Applications are being received online until noon of 30th June 2021. For support and assistance, one may contact Arts Council Malta on 23347230 or email fundinfo@artscouncil.mt.

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