The fourth edition of the Kreattiv programme which aims to bring creative practitioners into schools to work with teachers and students on artistic projects was launched this morning. This year €75,000 have been allocated, and every proposal may be allocated up to €5,000 which is to be used over a 12-month period.

Through this programme managed by the Arts Council, schools submit their own proposal, and if successful they will be allocated an artistic team that will oversee the implementation.

Speaking during the launch at the National Curriculum Centre in Ħamrun, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said that arts and culture must not be treated as extracurricular subjects but an integral part of everyday life school experience, and must be promoted from a very young age.

On his part Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said feedback from the previous three editions of the programme was positive. He noted that some 10,000 people earned their living from the creative arts, which amounts to 5 per cent of GDP.

The launch also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Arts Council and the Education Ministry, which will pave the way for closer collaboration between the two entities.