The Nationalist Party on Tuesday emphasized the importance of proper consultation with those involved in various artistic sectors to truly address their needs.

PN MP Julie Zahra said in a statement that the Labour Party “seems to have awakened from its slumber because an election is approaching, and thus wants to turn water into wine.”

She said that after many promises in electoral programmes for general elections since 2013, the Hub for Arts and Culture only emerged just this week, that which was previously referred to as the Carnival Village.

“While there is a significant shortage and need for spaces for storing Carnival floats, dance rehearsal spaces, and facilities for bands and other studios, the PN once again notes a lack of consultation with stakeholders,” Zahra said.

She continued that even the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association has expressed its concern about the lack of consultation and transparency for the Hub.

“Artists are reiterating the need for these spaces to eliminate this problem in our country. We cannot patch up the situation with quick fixes,” Zahra said.

Zahra said that the Nationalist Party questioned how this Hub will operate and be managed to ensure that it benefits the many and not the few, among many other questions.

“This Hub will not solve the immediate problems of a lack of rehearsal spaces for various artistic disciplines, including those who recently lost their garages, many of which had been converted into rehearsal spaces for bands or recording studios, among other needs,” Zahra said.

She said that the PN not only believes that there is a need for adequate spaces for Maltese and Gozitan artists to continue to thrive in their artistic disciplines immediately, but also appealed for more incentives.