Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that there has been a 150% increase in the funds allocated on the art and culture sector in the recent Budget.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the financial estimates for his ministry, Bonnici said that that next year over €60 million will be allocated to the cultural sector.

He said that the investment is an integral part of the recovery from the pandemic, and it will continue to boost the economy forwards.

Bonnici reiterated that after the pandemic, there was a surge in the tourists who visited historical sites in the country. Heritage Malta alone, received an investment of €8,700,000 with another added €2 million after.

Moreover, funding will be given to help artists export their works of art in foreign countries, as well as in the form of aid in equipment for musicians.

Bonnici also said that works for a park in Ghar Dalam will commence next year as well.

PN spokesperson for the arts and culture Julie Zahra spoke differently to the Minister, saying that government has not listened to stakeholders over the state of the country’s heritage.

She said that the recent Budget for 2023 only dedicated two pages towards the arts and culture sector, and added that the government has failed to recognise this sector.

Zahra said that the sector is taken for granted and artists have had to leave their jobs in the sector due to its fragility, as well as due to a lack of investments.

She said that the country should not be measured only through its economic and social successes.

“This is a clear indication that the arts and culture sector do not fall on the forefront of the government’s agenda,” Zahra said, calling the Budget “uncertain and unstable.”