The Nationalist Party pleaded with the government to give artists the respect they deserve and not consider them as hobbyists.

Killing the arts and culture environment would be detrimental to Maltese society, the PN said. The arts sector was the first to feel the brunt of the pandemic and they were the last to open. The government unfortunately still treats artists as hobbyists rather industry professionals.

Addressing the media, PN MP’s Claudette Buttigieg, Karl Gouder and Robert Cutajar stressed on the importance that the arts have on our society stating that “once this industry would be killed off it is very hard to reestablish it once again.”

“The PN recognises the sacrifices that artists have made when they shifted from the comfort of a full time job which guarantees a pay at the end of the month to becoming a full time artist.”

A change in mentality is desperately needed in this regard. PN also argues that artists are not expecting financial handouts from the government but they just want to be treated fairly.

The three important issues which the PN want to tackle are the funding, spaces and opportunities given to local artists. “In Malta we are graced by very good artists and they just want the opportunity to be able to showcase their talents.”

Gouder praised the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage for the work they conduct but criticised the government for keeping them under funded and under staffed. “We need to provide the necessary resources to these institutions such as Heritage Malta and the Superintended for Cultural Heritage in order to keep our cultural vibrance alive.”

Buttigieg pledged that a PN led government would believe in artists and not forget them like the labour government did. She also stressed on the disrespect given to artists when political appointees in institutions such as the Valetta Cultural Agency are friends of the government rather than industry professionals.

“Although the government has allocated €3.6 million towards the Valletta Cultural Agency, everyone knows about the puppets which drive this agency. The government is controlling the spaces and funding to the arts sector and artists who are not friends of friends of government top brass are not given equal opportunity,” Buttigieg said.

Other art sectors such as dance schools and acting schools were also on Buttigieg’s agenda stating that a PN led government would provide equal opportunities for industry professionals. “The government lacks a clear plan for the future of this sector and it is not fair that a select few individuals control national resources.”

Apart from the arts and culture sector, PN also criticised the government for the lack of power and resources given to local councils nowadays.

Gouder argued that the change from local government agencies to central entities has proven to be detrimental. With reference to LESA and Infrastructure Malta, Gouder said that local councils now have to plead to these agencies in order to enact change.

“The answer lies in providing proper financial aid to local councils in order to effectively enact change. A PN government would make local councils stakeholders in the decision making process of the government,” Gouder said.

Cutajar said that “it is not right that local councils find out about government works from the media. A PN led government would not only make local councils stake holders in all decisions taken but include them as vital decision makers in locality specific projects.”

“We have to realise that each and every locality has its own unique experiences and difficulties and that’s why we need to discuss with them and give them the respect they deserve. I appeal to the local councils from any political party to take the decisions which are beneficial for their locality and not to appease the ministers,” Cutajar said.