Arts Council Strategy: Malta’s Stories Set to Take Centre Stage Worldwide

Imagine this: Malta’s ancient streets, bustling with life, echoing not just with the humdrum of daily existence, but with the rhythm of its stories. Stories of resilience, of love, of history etched in every stone. Now, picture these stories transcending our islands, finding their way onto global stages. This is not a fantasy, but a reality the Malta Arts Council is actively pursuing.

Malta’s Stories: A Treasure Trove Waiting to be Explored

Malta, a small nation packed with a big history, is a goldmine of stories waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world. From the Knights of St. John to the Great Siege, from the neolithic temples to the present-day struggles and triumphs, our islands are a mix narratives waiting to be woven into compelling art.

But how do we share these stories? This is where the Malta Arts Council’s new strategy comes into play. The council, based in the historic building of St. James Cavalier in Valletta, is not just planning exhibitions and performances, but a comprehensive, global narrative campaign.

From Valletta to the World: Malta’s Arts Council Goes Global

The strategy, titled ‘Malta Creates’, aims to put Maltese art and culture on the international map. It’s not just about exporting our art, but about exporting our story, our identity. The plan is to showcase Malta’s unique cultural heritage and contemporary creativity in major international events and platforms.

This means Malta’s artists, from painters to playwrights, from musicians to filmmakers, could soon be gracing stages and galleries in cities like London, Berlin, or New York. Imagine Maltese art adorning the walls of the Tate Modern, or a Maltese play being performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This is the vision the Arts Council is striving towards.

How Malta Creates Aims to Make Waves Globally

The strategy is complex, involving various initiatives. One key aspect is the ‘Malta Creates’ brand, which will serve as an umbrella for Maltese artistic endeavours abroad. Another is the ‘Malta Creates International’, a fund aimed at supporting Maltese artists and cultural organisations in their international ventures.

the council plans to us digital platforms to reach a wider audience. This could mean live-streaming performances from the Mediterranean Conference Centre, or virtual tours of our ancient temples. The goal is to make Maltese art accessible to a global audience, 24/7.

But it’s not just about Malta pushing its art out into the world. The strategy also aims to bring the world to Malta. This could mean international residencies for Maltese artists, or international festivals and events here on our islands. Imagine the Three Cities echoing with the sounds of global music, or the streets of Rabat filled with international artists’ installations. This is the cultural exchange the Arts Council is fostering.

In essence, the Malta Arts Council’s strategy is not just about art, but about identity. It’s about telling our story, our way, to the world. It’s about putting Malta on the global cultural map, not as a tourist destination, but as a cultural powerhouse.

As Malta Arts Council Chair Albert Marshall puts it, “We have a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. It’s time we share this with the world.”