The Arts Awards is an initiative of Arts Council Malta under the auspices of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. This year the Award will celebrate the challenge and commitment of the cultural and creative sectors during the COVID-19 spread.

The 2021 Arts Awards will focus on the efforts of the local arts community to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. During this special edition two prizes will be awarded; the COVID-19 Best Initiative Award and the COVID-19 Best Production Award.

The COVID-19 Best Initiative Award will recognise private organisations and the artistic and cultural initiatives brought to the community at such crucial times for society through innovative thinking and practice. The COVID-19 Best Production Award will recognises projects with a high level of production despite the challenge.

Associate Christabel Catania, from Arts Council Malta explained that the nomination process is simple - members of the general public may fill in a simple form on the site www.premju.mt. When a nomination is submitted, the Arts Award team will contact the nominated individuals, and ask for their acceptance of the nomination. Upon acceptance, nominees will be requested to submit documentation about their work, which will eventually be evaluated by experts in the sector.

In addition to the two Special Prizes, the Arts Awards will also present four non-competitive Honours: the Lifetime Achievement, the Honour for Cultural Promoters, the Honour for Artistic Legacy and the Ambassador of the Arts.

The Awards ceremony will be held in April 2021, the nomination process is open on www.premju.mt and closes on January 11, 2021. Late nominations will not be considered.

More information may be sought from Arts Council Malta on telephone 2339 7019, or by email at [email protected]