The agreement supports the MCAST ICA Festival by offering students access to curatorial guidance and closer contact with the professional sector.
The Arts Council Malta and the MCAST Institute for Creative Arts have signed a collaboration agreement that strengthens the existing working relationship between the two entities, while creating a clearer framework for collaboration in the arts, culture, and creative industries.
In line with the 2030 Strategy, the new agreement recognises the role that structured collaboration can play in the development of the arts in Malta. Such collaborations are expected to increase participation in culture, while supporting further professionalisation in the sector and encouraging stronger student involvement in Arts Council Malta programmes and initiatives.
The signing took place in the context of the 10th edition of the MCAST ICA Festival, which celebrates the work of students from 12 Bachelor of Arts courses with Honours.
Through this agreement, Arts Council Malta will support the MCAST ICA Festival by contributing to the production costs and remuneration of a professional curator. The curator will train students in the curatorial profession, taking on the role of curator of the exhibition. Students will thus receive direct and practical contacts with this profession.
This agreement strengthens the practical link between education and the professional cultural sector, and also gives students better visibility of the opportunities available beyond their course of study. It also allows both institutions to respond more closely to the needs of emerging artists, cultural workers, educators, and creative professionals.
Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman, Dr Luke Dalli, said, "Arts Council Malta believes that investing in arts and creative education is a direct investment in the future of our cultural sector. Through collaborations like this with MCAST, we are helping students and educators to access tools, experiences, and opportunities that enhance their professional development. This is an important step in our work to further promote greater professionalisation of the sector and support the next generation of Maltese artists and creatives."
MCAST Principal, Steven Vella, said: "This agreement helps us strengthen the link between creative education and the professional sector that our students are preparing to enter. The MCAST ICA Festival already gives students a public platform to present the quality and ambition of their work. This enhanced collaboration adds another dimension to this experience, giving students access to curatorial guidance and closer contact with the professional sector."
For more information on the Council's work visit https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.