The third edition of the State of the Arts Symposium was held at a packed Valletta Campus, with artists and creative practitioners eager to be part of Arts Council Malta’s (ACM) collective efforts to continue shaping Malta’s thriving artistic and creative sectors.
This year’s edition entitled Renewing Common Pathways, addressed the practice of commoning through the arts and culture. The thematic content of the symposium was finalised after ACM issued a public call for those interested to share their thoughts on what topics feel urgent and crucial to discuss on the State of the Arts. The feedback received informed and inspired the Symposium’s programme. The symposium h also included the launch of the National Charter for the Status of the Artist, which was signed by the Public Cultural Organisations and the Council.
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and the Local Government Owen Bonnici said: “It fills me with pride to witness the third edition of this important cultural symposium, which has truly become a cornerstone in shaping our creative sectors. This national event is playing a crucial role in laying the foundation for future generations of artists and creatives, leaving a lasting legacy on the cultural landscape.
“The State of the Arts symposium is yet another tangible step in this government’s enduring commitment to cultural growth. Through such initiatives we continue to fulfil our electoral promise to foster growth and inclusivity in this sector, fostering a meaningful dialogue that helps shape the direction of Malta’s cultural sector while strengthening our heritage.”
Executive Chairman Albert Marshall made reference to the fact that “this symposium plays a crucial role in facilitating these conversations, providing the platform where these key elements of our national strategy come to life in direct engagement with stakeholders. Our focus remains on empowering communities, enhancing education, and ensuring accessibility to the arts for all, and the launch of the National Charter for the Status of the Artist will undoubtedly serve as an excellent foundation to continue furthering these aims. Through collaboration and dialogue, we are driving the arts in a direction that’s not only inclusive but also reflective of the diverse needs of the cultural landscape. It is this ongoing commitment that allows us to build a more resilient future for Malta's creative sectors.”
Chief Operations Officer Funding & Strategy Mary Ann Cauchi stated: “As we continue the journey towards implementing Strategy 2025, this symposium serves as a vital space for fostering intersectoral synergy and ensuring that our policies are shaped by meaningful consultation with artists and creative practitioners.
The launch of the National Charter is one of the priorities highlighted in Strategy 2025 and is inspired by the UNESCO 1980 Recommendations concerning the Status of the Artist and its further developments and supports and advocates for working conditions in which artists and cultural and creative practitioners can create and flourish in pursuing their ideas and aspirations. Preceded by a thorough public consultation process, it provides a dynamic frame of reference for any legislation, policy, or initiative which directly or indirectly impacts artists and the cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that any action is aligned with the ultimate long-term vision of elevating the status of artists in Malta in line with their tangible value to society.
The first day also included interventions by Take Two director and producer Abigail Mallia, Bianca Elzenbaumer, (Director, Brave New Alps) and by Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. The day proceeded with a series of Fishbowl Conversations, where artists Lenn Cox, Floréal Comte, Alisha Doody and Erica Muscat and Art worker Katrien Reist – van Gelder focused on the socio-economic status of the artist. Panel Sessions, led by artists who were selected after a public call, took place in the afternoon.
The second day of the symposium opens with interventions by John Mallia (Director, Mediacoop) and a discussion about the Cultural and Creative Practice Survey by Arts Council Malta, jointly published with the National Statistics Office, which provides a detailed examination of the demographics and conditions pertaining to cultural and creative practice.
This was followed by a panel conversation about Access and Accessibility in the arts world, featuring the contributions by Deborah Falzon (Co-Founder, Dance Beyond Borders), Alexander Farrugia (Director at the Culture Directorate), Allison Zammit (Research and policy manager, Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability), Britt Jurgensen (Co-founder and director, Homebaked CLT) and Greta Pace Buch (Facilitator, Creative Coach and Communications Mentor).
Further panel sessions continued through the afternoon, followed by a call to action by Joe Gatt (editor of Aphroconfuso). The symposium came to an end with a closing address by Mary Ann Cauchi, who referred to the momentous moment of the Charter signing, as well as the various action points that had emerged during the two-day discussions, especially the vital act of commoning, and fostering discussions rooted in shared realities and lived experiences. Participants reflected on and embraced their collective struggles while celebrating the successes within their diverse backgrounds. ACM remains committed to advocating for the commons within the CCS, expressing gratitude to all participants and looking forward to continuing these important conversations.
To view the Charter, the CCPS, and for more information, visit www.artscouncilmalta.mt.
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