Malta’s Art Scene Deserves More Space in Journalism

In the Heart of Valletta: A Deserted Art Review Section

Picture this: You’re strolling down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the grand Baroque architecture. You pop into a newsagent, eager to catch up on local news and culture. You grab the latest issue of a popular Maltese newspaper, only to find that the arts and culture section is a mere two pages, sandwiched between sports and politics. You raise an eyebrow, wondering, “Where are the in-depth reviews, the critical discussions, the celebrations of our local art scene?”

Malta’s Thriving Art Scene: A Tale of Two Worlds

Malta’s art scene is booming. From the vibrant street art in Msida to the cutting-edge installations at the Valletta Contemporary, there’s no denying that creativity is alive and well on our islands. Yet, open any local newspaper or switch on the news, and you’ll find that this thriving scene often gets lost in the shuffle. While political scandals and sports victories grab the headlines, our artists and architects are left yearning for more space in our collective consciousness.

Criticism in the Shadows: The Role of the Arts Journalist

Art, architecture, and culture criticism play a vital role in shaping our society’s appreciation and understanding of the arts. They challenge us, provoke thought, and inspire dialogue. Yet, in Malta, these voices are often muffled, their messages diluted in the noise of breaking news and clickbait headlines. As a result, our local artists and architects are left to navigate the complex waters of public opinion without the benefit of informed, critical discourse.

But why is this the case? In an era where Malta’s cultural scene is flourishing, why are our arts journalists struggling to find space in our news agenda? The answer, it seems, lies in the economics of journalism. With dwindling resources and a constant pressure to chase clicks and views, many newsrooms are forced to prioritize sensationalism over substance, leaving our arts and culture scene starved of the critical attention it deserves.

Spotlight on Success: Local Initiatives Leading the Way

Despite these challenges, there are beacons of hope shining brightly in Malta’s cultural scene. Websites like Art Museum Malta and Malta Arts are dedicated to championing our local arts scene, providing in-depth reviews and critical discussions that are often lacking in mainstream media.

initiatives like the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture project have not only put Malta’s cultural scene on the international map but have also sparked a renewed interest in arts journalism. With more eyes on our cultural scene than ever before, now is the perfect time to capitalize on this momentum and push for more space for arts criticism in our local journalism.

Call to Action: A Future for Arts Journalism in Malta

So, what can we do to ensure that Malta’s vibrant art scene gets the critical attention it deserves? For starters, we can support our local arts journalists by engaging with their work, sharing their articles, and advocating for more space for arts criticism in our news agenda. We can also encourage our newsrooms to invest in arts journalism, recognizing its value in shaping our cultural scene.

After all, as the late Maltese artist and architect Alex Vella Gregory once said, “Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about how we see the world and our place in it.” It’s high time we start seeing our arts and culture scene for the vital, vibrant force it is, and give it the critical attention it deserves.