The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, set up by the Ministry of Education, was formally inaugurated by the prime minister on Friday, with Dr Muscat hailing it as a major development for the arts in Malta.
The school, he said, was an important element to help young people employ their talents and realise their dreams.
For the first time, the arts would not be an extra-curricular activity. At this school, the focus was on the arts, integrated with the academic curriculum.
Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said this school followed a concept started with the opening of the Sports School. Efforts would continue to give young people the best tools they needed for their development.
The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School is open for Secondary School students and falls under the administration of St Thomas More College at Tas-Samra, Hamrun. It offers studies in art, dance, drama, media and music with a yearly intake of 48 students.