The Association of Performing Rights Practitioners has called on government to reconsider Mario Philip Azzopardi's appointment as the new V18 Artistic Director.In a statement, the association said:

The Association of Performing Arts Practitioners (APAP) takes note of the current controversy over the appointment of the new V18 Artistic Director, Mr Mario Philip Azzopardi.It also takes note of the remarks made by Mr Azzopardi on his public Facebook page as reported in the papers, and his subsequent apology as also reported in the media.

It notes with satisfaction that both the Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 and the Minister of Culture, Dr Owen Bonnici, have disassociated themselves from the remarks of Mr Azzopardi.

Whilst it understands that the remarks expressed by Mr Azzopardi were made in his personal capacity,the association nonetheless feels that these remarks do not fit well with his proposed role as Artistic Director of the Valletta 2018 project. V18 is a major international event which is specifically entrusted with the task of promoting cultural diversity, as well as reflecting the various aspects of the Mediterranean culture, and which aims to bring about change and understanding within society through creativity and dialogue. APAP feels that Mr Azzopardi's comments as made on a public forum, repeatedly and with much vigour, make him a highly unlikely candidate to attain such an ambition.

APAP also expresses its concern that Malta risks losing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fast track the development and professionalisation of the cultural industry sector if bad choices are made at this crucial stage, and that such choices should be made in continuous consultation with the sector itself.

It is therefore calling on the Government, the Minister of Culture and the Foundation to reconsider this appointment. And it is also calling on Government and the various institutions that form the board of the foundation to be mindful of their responsibilities and to continueto ensure that the right people are helming this extraordinary event.