New fund to help Maltese artists

The government has set up a €330,000 fund for art, aimed at helping artists develop their talent as well as broadening the audience's cultural experience.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech launched the fund during an event last Friday night in front of representatives of the artistic and cultural community. Mr Fenech emphasised the importance of culture and the arts, even from an economic perspective, since they attracted tourists and investors to Malta.

He said that several measures were introduced to assist arts and culture in recent budgets, including the reduction of VAT on the rental of spaces for artistic activities and on entrance tickets from 18 to five per cent.

Ms Cristina said that a document about national cultural policies would be launched in the coming weeks.

The Education Directorate is also working on the revision of the National School Curriculum, which will include more cultural opportunities for children and encourage them to develop their artistic talents and express themselves creatively.

Details of the fund are available on the Education Ministry website www.education.gov.mt/artsfund.htm or by e-mailing artsfund.medc@gov.mt.