The parliamentary state of art

The words culture or arts rarely feature in political manifestos and are quite a rare occurrence on the CV of politicians. Yet, they seem to be quite gifted at becoming instant city planners and theatre experts. And, like instant noodles, they can quickly feed a starving man but cause him heartburn after consumption.

The Prime Minister's impromptu curtain raiser on the Opera House site, Freedom Square and City Gate development should not have been met by a chorus of disapproval. The business sectors should have applauded, the artists should have given him a standing ovation and the citizens should have showered him with bouquets of roses. But, unfortunately, the theatre world is a nasty world and not all prima donnas are well received, especially when their fans, cast and producers are totally ignored.

With the absence of the Culture Minister to announce the project, the Prime Minister has given a clear signal: except for the innovative design of the building, the arts have nothing much to do with this project. And, to be frank, they rarely had anything to do in anybody's project or legislature. In his talking point (December 4), Mario de Marco "hopes to see a Parliament building that opens up to the citizen". I'm not sure if he was referring to a physical or symbolic "opening up to the citizen", however, if he was referring to the former, it will be an innovative idea indeed. I have yet to come across a Parliament building in the world that has an open-door policy where people can dash in and out in the same way they do at a museum or arts centre.

Another idea was that the project would also include a museum of political history, which, frankly, seems nothing more than an act of self-glorification by politicians in the county's most innovative building. I am also not sure this will draw long queues down Republic Street!

Worse yet, this project reflects the poor track record of arts investment in Malta by the government and the laissez-faire attitude adopted by successive governments.

In addition, the government can find €60 million for a building but then claims lack of funds to set up the national arts fund (€100,000) announced by the Prime Minister himself in last year's budget. This fund, together with other measures, were meant to invest in the artistic building blocks of Maltese creativity. Also, the government seems to have financial difficulties to invest more in arts organisations and artists. However, I seriously wonder if the matter is merely financial or simple disinterest in the arts. And, interest in the arts does not necessarily mean attending performances or inaugurating exhibitions but addressing the needs of a sector, which has the potential of being a net contributor to the economy.

The shortage of funding for institutions and cultural events is also stifling the potential growth of artists and cultural organisations.

With a national cultural spending of 0.35 per cent in last year's budget and a yearly investment by the state of 0.002 per cent for new artistic work, the creative industries are a far cry from sustainability.

According to the EU, Malta's cultural and creative sector's contribution to the national economy is the lowest in Europe. The value added to national GDP is 0.2 per cent, when compared to the EU average of 2.6 per cent.

The net result is that we live on an island where copying has become an art form, commercialisation the only way out, originality ignored and the massive brain drain of our young creative talent goes on unnoticed.

Is it any wonder then that this decision is met with indifference by much of the country? One cannot miss what one has never had the opportunity to experience.

On the other hand, the European Commission reveals that the arts and creative industries in Europe employ 5.8 million people and in 2003 had a turnover of more than €654 billion. This is more than double the money produced by European car-makers, contributing more to the economy than the chemical industry, property or the food and drinks business.

Yet, the Prime Minister seems to be unaware of the potential growth of the creative economy and will instead build an outstanding shell with a stagnant interior.

Should the project become one of creative regeneration, EU funds can also be tapped for development, unlike the current situation where the Maltese have to foot the whole bill.

Similar to Dr de Marco, I want to walk in the streets of Valletta feeling part of a city that is alive. A city that in 10 years' time could be the cultural capital of Europe. A city with a booming creative economy. A city that is leading artistic innovation and excellence.

However, if Dr de Marco wants to ask Renzo Piano "to design a space that constantly changes, that upgrades our tourism product and that has an emotional attachment", I suspect that the only way to do that is not through parliamentary sittings but creative ideas.

The author is a cultural manager and a contributor for the Compendium on Cultural Policies for the Council of Europe.