Over the past few decades, Maltese artists have demonstrated better quality in theatre productions, dance, the visual arts and literature.
Television drama has reached higher levels and at times has been daring in its approaches. Various ventures on the big screen have had mixed results as productions played in local cinemas in direct competition with Hollywood blockbusters.
Maltese singers have featured prominently in international festivals; others have appeared alongside major stars in concerts both locally and abroad. Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, whose inter-national reputation is in high esteem, is helping to make a name for Malta.
As opposed to a century ago, the list of local talent contributing to the arts today is a tall one. This is not coincidental. With the development of the concept of a limited working week, the modern industrial society is realising the need to occupy itself in quality leisure time.
Thus, audiences for the arts have dramatically expanded, with the consequence that we are witnessing a resurgence of the so-called cultural industry. Simultaneously, there is a stronger need for further professionalism in the arts.
In the first decade of the 21st century, through the accessibility of the new media at everyone's fingertips, certain social barriers to enjoying excellent presentations and performances by world-renowned artists have been almost totally eliminated. Therefore, the awareness of high standards makes everyone aware that professional standards are being pushed higher and higher with every event.
The ability and commitment of local artists is evident. Still, there is a need for further investment within the framework of lifelong learning. This investment will enable our artists to play a determining role in the future of the nation's culture. Moreover, the cultural industry is labour-intensive, capable of creating employment and generating wealth.
In the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS) introduced in 2006 and the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarships (Steps) launched in 2009, the arts were always a priority. So far, 60 people have been awarded scholarships to further their specialisation in the arts at various universities throughout Europe.
Since nurturing creativity and fostering innovation in the arts cannot be restricted only to those with tertiary academic qualifications, the Ministry of Education set up the Malta Arts Scholarships scheme, and in the 2010 Budget €200,000 was allocated to fund these scholarships.
The scheme aims to provide more opportunities to promote specialisation in the arts, including performance, music, dance, design, creative writing, film and the visual arts or any combination thereof.
The philosophy of the Directorate for Lifelong Learning within the Ministry is that a vibrant arts sector underpins a healthy, open, contemporary society. An ever-growing energised arts community, spanning all the art forms and delivering quality outcomes, will sustain the ever-demanding cultural industry. Moreover, it is vital in ensuring the future cultural, social, intellectual and economic wellbeing of our country.
These scholarships are intended to support individuals who are exceptionally talented in any area of the arts to enable them to pursue a full-time programme of studies leading to a specialised level in the arts. The duration of the programme of studies has to be of a minimum of nine months and a maximum of four years.
These programmes may be at any foreign institution as long as the institution is recognised by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre or approved by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts.
For full-time programmes of studies other than those leading to a postgraduate qualification, the value of the scholarship shall not exceed €30,000 for the whole duration of the programme. This includes a maintenance grant of a maximum of €4,000 per year, paid directly to the awardee, provided that the total sum paid for tuition fees and other maintenance grants for the whole duration of the course does not exceed €30,000.
In the case of full-time programmes that lead to a postgraduate qualification, the value of the scholarship grant shall not exceed €40,000 for the whole duration of the course. This includes a maintenance grant of a maximum of €5,000 per year, paid directly to the awardee, provided that the total sum paid for tuition fees and maintenance grants for the whole duration of the course does not exceed €40,000.
Applications are available on the websites www.education.gov.mt/artsscholarships.htm or www.maltaculture.com.
The deadline for applications is April 30 at noon. Applications are to be submitted to the Customer Care Office, Directorates for Education, Great Siege Road, Floriana.
With the application form, applicants must submit documents (if applicable) and three copies of portfolios in the form of CDs, showing proof of three past artistic achievements of the applicant. The regulations and application form include further details on what is needed for a successful application.
There is no age limit for applicants; nor is there the need for previous academic qualifications. This means that even children under 16 who are gifted in any area of the arts but are still receiving formal schooling, may apply. Adults who have never pursued a tertiary education but are highly skilled in any form of the arts, may also apply.
After the close of applications on April 30, applicants have a three- month period (until July 30) to submit the unconditional letter of acceptance issued by the institution where they intend to take up the programme of studies.
For more information, e-mail artsscholarships.medc@gov.mt or call helpline 2598 2816 (mornings only).
Mr Azzopardi is director of Lifelong Learning.