Keeping closely in touch

One aspect of the Budget 2010 that should not go unnoticed is the fact that it is the first to pay considerable attention to the concept of creative industries.

We are all used to measuring wealth and the state of our economy by referring to the number of gainfully occupied, the gross domestic product and whether or not the national economy is expanding or contracting.

These gauges of measurement remain important and the priority of the government remains that of safeguarding and generating jobs. Having said that, the trend in modern economies has been to shift attention to new units of measurement that take into consideration not only what a person is earning, but also that person's lifestyle and, in turn, do that from a national perspective.

Culture and the arts are deserving of our attention, whether or not they generate wealth in the traditional sense. It is, moreover, proven that investment in these fields does lead to further economic growth apart from emphasising a country's national identity. The argument applies even more strongly in our case when we can use our culture as well as a vibrant visual and performing arts' scene to act as magnets that attract more tourists.

In his Budget speech, the Minister of Finance was clear: "Creativity is the engine of the global economy.

Those countries capable of developing and supporting an environment where the creative talent of the population is brought forth and prospers are the countries most capable to support their economic and social development.

The creative areas of the economy, which include ICT, films, arts and design, as well as performing arts and others, create a lot of high value added work, support other sectors within the economy like tourism, manufacturing and other sectors while, at the same time, creating a vibrant and innovative environment in those contexts where these sectors develop.

Thus, even the people's quality of life improves. We will therefore continue to incentivise this sector consistently with the Vision 2015 to make our country a centre of excellence in various sectors, including that of creativity."

Various specific incentives follow that statement, ranging from offering fiscal benefits to assist Maltese authors publish their works, to offering the right assistance for production of Maltese films. A culture in favour of culture and the arts is called for.

We need to understand and apreciate the talent of and the hard work put in by artists in different fields, be it in the production of different forms of music, choreography, drama, film-making, visual arts, animation, and broadcasting.

When St James Cavalier was set up, it was not merely about transforming a cavalier that had been used as a printing press into an open cenre for different forms of art, it was also about setting up a multi-functional centre for creativity.

It was meant to become, over time, part of a far bigger picture by linking it to the opera house site, which was earmarked for development into a performing arts' centre of the highest calibre - including, but not limited to opera.

The use of the same site for the Malta Arts Festival again pertained to that design and proved that Valletta and the rest of the country can benefit even in economic terms through such initiatives, as manifested by Notte Bianca, Notte Magica and many other events that have become part of our annual calendar and way of life. Towards the end of his speech on the Budget, the Prime Minister emphasised that persons who believe in the performign arts scene, including opera lovers, will not be let down.

One of the best ways to address that target would be to ensure that the opera house site becomes an all year round venue for events and for the performing arts.

Investing further in culture and the arts enhances our national identity and gives added value to what political life must be about. It is about expressing the legitimate aspirations of the people - remaining close to them. That is what has always lured me into the political arena and what makes me determined to remain active within that arena. It is not merely a question of contesting general elections as I have every intention to carry on doing; it is also, and more importantly, about keeping a sincere contact with the people in between one election and another.

The message in favour of promoting the arts scene, especially within the context of plans for the regneration of our capital city, is one of the messages that is being strongly made to me by the people with whom I am keeping closely in touch.

Dr Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist member of Parliament.