A call for an artistic director has been issued as the government today officially launched the Teatru Malta initiative. 

The project was launched during a news conference by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici following the initiative of the Malta Arts Council. 

Teatru Malta will give the necessary push to improve further the professionalism of the Maltese theatre, the minister said. The project will not be linked to a specific building or theatre but will operate within diverse spaces and venues.

The project will make maximum use of theatrical spaces around Malta in a drive to promote theatre among the community.

“Inspired by its vision to place the arts and creativity at the heart of Malta's future, Arts Council Malta is embarking on this new project with the aim of achieving further artistic excellence through increased creative opportunities, collaborations and professional engagement in theatre,” said Arts Council Malta executive chairman Albert Marshall.

The launch was held at Pandora Theatre in Żejtun, one of 50 theatre spaces forming part of an audit commissioned by Arts Council Malta and carried by the Valletta 2018 Foundation in collaboration with the University of Malta. The results of the audit will support the revival and refurbishment of sites and spaces around Malta and Gozo that are currently not being used, in view of creating more venues for the practice of theatre productions, rehearsals and other performing arts related projects.

The first step is to issue a call for an artistic director who can draw up a theatrical plan starting from 2018. The call is open on http://www.artscouncilmalta.org/.

Arts Council chairman Albert Marshall and Minister Owen Bonnici launching Teatru Malta.