Following extensive public consultation, the National Charter for the Status of the Artist was launched by Minister for National Heritage Owen Bonnici.

The charter ensures that artists are given due consideration when it comes to governmental decisions, a Department of Information statement said.

Bonnici announced the launch of the National Charter for the Status of the Artist whose aim is to give a dynamic framework of reference for any legislation, policy or initiative that will have an impact, direct or indirect, on the cultural and creative sector. The Charter cohesively describes the social, economic and legal status of the Maltese artist as well as the standards and legislative actions necessary for the safeguarding and the realization of such a status in Malta.

Bonnici explained how the announcement of the Charter is one of the priorities of the strategy of the Malta Arts Council and was inspired by the UNESCO recommendations on the status of the artist and its subsequent developments which supports and encourages work conditions where artists and cultural practitioners can create their own ideas and succeed in their aspirations. He said that the National Charter was preceded by an extensive public consultation process and will ensure that any governmental action will be aligned with the longterm vision to better the status of the Maltese artist.

Chief Executive of the Malta Arts Council Albert Marshall said that the consultation and significant dialogue between the interested parties is essential to ensure that their policy and approach is formed by those directly and even indirectly involved.

For more information, visit www.artscouncilmalta.mt.