Maltese and Gozitan artists should find more space in Europe to exhibit their creative arts because their talent deserves to be showcased across the continent, said European elections candidate Alfred Sant. The former Prime Minister took part in an exchange of ideas with local artists at the Manoel Theatre who expressed their opinions and aspirations.

Alfred Sant noted with satisfaction that Maltese artists are working on a professional basis.

“Notwithstanding the vast progress achieved over the years in the artistic and cultural spheres, more structured training is needed to strengthen the sense of professional discipline among our artists.”

Alfred  Sant agreed with the arguments put forward by the floor that art – music, drama and the performing arts – needs more government subsidies.

“A lot has been done to enable Maltese artists expose their creativity in Malta and abroad. It is our duty to further nourish their artistic activities.”

Alfred Sant said European funds can be used to encourage exchanges between artists and students from different countries. He said i-Portunus  is a new project, launched in April, selected and funded by the Creative Europe programme which supports short-term mobility of artists and culture. Maltese artists can and should join this project enabling them to renew their artistic experiences for a period of three months in a European country.

“One of my best experiences at the European Parliament during the past five years was when my office coordinated an artistic exhibition by Gozitan artists.”

He said he is in favour of a national theatre for concerts, but considering our limited resources, said it makes sense that such a facility caters also for other events, thus being used all year round.

Other topics were discussed, including  the copyright directive to protect the rights of artists in the digital world, the participation of Maltese composers in the Eurovision, competition by foreign sound system operators, maintenance in various theatres around Malta and Gozo and the re-climatisation of Manoel Theatre.