We believe in our artists and want to continue supporting Maltese art

We believe in Maltese and Gozitan artists and want to continue encouraging them to express themselves through their work.

The Partit Nazzjonalista expresses its concern about comments by the Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, that creativity should conform to certain “norms”, as well as the way he spoke about artists and their need for public support.

Art is a form of free expression that provokes thought, challenges conventions and opens up discussion. The Minister’s role is to safeguard this freedom and create opportunities for artists to develop their talent, rather than censor artistic expression.

It is also concerning that the Minister described his experience in office as “traumatic” in connection with the need to adapt to a field where creativity is central. Artists need a Minister who understands and appreciates their creative contribution in a world increasingly automated through artificial intelligence. Our country deserves a Minister who recognises the importance of art as an expression of creativity.

But on the contrary, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea’s remarks show just how completely disconnected the Minister is from the realities of the arts sector and reflect no understanding of the perspectives of artists and creative practitioners.

Support for the arts, including through public funding, is an investment in our country’s talent, identity and culture. We cannot have an identity of our own without the art created by our artists.

The Partit Nazzjonalista believes that Maltese and Gozitan artists deserve respect, opportunities and transparent funding, both so that we can continue to enjoy their creations and to keep Maltese identity alive and contemporary.

Justin Schembri
Shadow Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage

Marilena Gauci
Spokesperson for the Film Industry

09.11.2026

– Watch Shadow Minister Justin Schembri’s message here.