The executive director of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Davinia Galea, has been asked to step down by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Culture.

Ms Galea, who had been at the helm of the MCCA for the last six years, had an indefinite contract – an employment agreement which is not usually terminated.

She had restructured the MCCA, been credited with upgrading the Malta Arts Festival and had been crucial in leading the process for the drafting of the cultural policy.

I did my best for the sector and I’m very sorry and saddened to go

The sudden decision left Ms Galea very upset. She told Times of Malta last night: “I was on an indefinite contract but I’ve been asked not to stay”.

The 48-year-old pianist was asked to take on another position but she turned it down “for several reasons”.

“I always worked for the best in culture. It’s not always easy... you don’t always please everybody but I did my best for the sector and I’m very sorry and saddened to go,” she said.

Annabel Attard, an advisor for Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera, confirmed the news: “The Malta Arts Council will have a new CEO but it won’t be me,” she said, quelling rumours that she would fill Ms Galea’s position.

When questioned about Ms Galea’s position, a spokesman for the Parliamentary Secretariat insisted her contract had expired.

“She was offered a renewal of contract under a new designation with a similar financial package which she turned down,” said the spokesman.

Ms Galea, however, insisted that her contract was indefinite.

The spokesman gave no indication about Ms Galea’s replacement. “The operation of MCCA is currently being restructured as has been indicated during the Budget Parliamentary session. At this point, no details can be given regarding who will be replacing her.”

Members of the artistic community expressed shock at the news.

“She was not only competent in the field but she enjoyed the people’s confidence and respect,” said one individual, who preferred to remain unnamed.

Vicky Cremona, chairwoman of the University’s School of Performing Arts, described Ms Galea’s job termination as “a big loss”.

“I admired Davinia for her professionalism and for the fact that she instituted an arms’ length transparent policy in Malta,” said a livid Dr Cremona.

“I feel this is an unjust reward for somebody who developed all these structures and who finally brought professionalism in the arts – it is a pity that these people are discarded instead of being rewarded.”

She also questioned the restructuring of the MCCA. “Are we going to disband it for another new structure which has still to be tried and tested? In whose interest is this for? Are we thinking of the good of Malta or are we thinking of personal interest? For me this manoeuvre stinks a mile,” she said.

“This is unbelievable – it’s the Cinderella complex”.

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