The Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government has continued working on the consultation process for the arts and creative industries under the ENVISION2050 umbrella, via a public consultation session focused on the cultural and creative sectors.
The session saw diverse practitioners, members of the public, institutions, and other stakeholders meeting during roundtables were the priorities which will guide these sectors in the years to come were discussed. The session offered an opportunity to all those who are involved in some way or another in these sectors to share their views about how the cultural and creative sectors can substantially contribute to the development of the four strategic pillars which together form Vision Malta 2050—sustainable economic growth; accessible services which place the citizen at the centre; a resilient country with a modern education system; and the intelligent use of land and sea.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated, “Today’s event marks a part of a very important process for our country, as we are taking a conscious decision to plan not only for today’s artists’ and practitioners’ future, but also for those which will come tomorrow, and the day after.”
“Through ENVISION2050 we will collate the approaches of diverse sectors—including the cultural and creative ones—under one national framework, so that everyone can be on the same wavelength. This government had promised that no voice would be forgotten, that every sector would benefit from investment in finances as well as resources, thought, and strategy. Today’s process is part of that promise, as we are planning to continue giving space to all those who are involved in the industry in order to make their voices heard and participate in decisions which affect them and their children,” insisted Minister Bonnici.
Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Dr Luke Dalli stated that, “The arts and creative industries are currently at an important stage, given that as Arts Council Malta we have launched a process to launch the strategy for the years to come. ENVISION2050 forms an important part of this process by combining the ambitions of artists and practitioners who work in this sector with the rest of the country. As a Council, our goal is to help so that the sector’s professionals are not working in a vacuum, but work shoulder to shoulder with other sectors, while enjoying the support they deserve. As such, the findings from today’s session of ENVISION2050 will continue to inform Arts Council Malta’s vision while we work on Strategy2030.”
Permanent Secretary for the Implementation and the Coordination of Malta Vision 2050 Ronald Mizzi stated that “the arts are the soul of our society. We will continue to push forward our work in the sector as part of Malta Vision 2050 with regard to education, accessibility, funds, and opportunities. Through the arts, we will continue to cultivate our heritage while heading forward towards our future national identity, in a country where progress will be measured by the quality of life.”