"Government is committed to support arts and culture in all its forms", said Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici during the launch of Beland Music Festival's official programme launch.

Minister Bonnici recalled how the Beland Music Festival is one of the 11 organisations and festivals benefiting from the Cultural Partnership Agreement; an agreement with Arts' Council Malta that provides financial support spread over three years, having the aim to offer more sustainability. The organisations and festivals benefitting from such agreement cover different artistic and cultural sectors, from music to films and fashion, with the aim to invest in culture in its widest definition.

Minister Bonnici said that the aim behind these initiatives is to support local talent in its development, so as to ensure that art and culture are contributing to economic growth and job creation.

With reference to the Beland Music Festival, Minister Bonnici said this support to festivals and organisations ensures that our focus is not only on arts and culture in our capital city, but also within our communities, with the final aim being that both upcoming and well-reknowed talent has more outreach.

Minister Bonnici expressed his satisfaction at the organisation of the Beland Music Contest as part of the Beland Music Festival, which will provide new local talent with the chance to win a record deal.

The 6th edition of the Beland Music Festival is being organized between the 5th and 7th July 2017, once again at Bulebel Industrial Estate in Żejtun.