Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that through the Budget for 2025, the heritage, arts and cultural sector is reaching a new milestone, and is enhancing the quality of life for all Maltese and Gozitans.

Bonnici was speaking during the general estimates of his Ministry in Parliament, where he thanked the leaders and employees in his Ministry who "worked tirelessly for our national heritage, arts, and culture. Their dedication brings success not only to themselves, but also to Malta."

He said that a major milestone this year was the opening of Malta's first International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS).

"MICAS is a cultural legacy for Malta," Bonnici said, noting that since its launch, the space has welcomed over 100 visitors daily.

He said that the Ministry is also planning free family open days on 7 and 8 December to further increase public accessibility to this venue.

Another accomplishment he mentioned is the formation of the National Agency for Performing Arts (NAPA) in 2023, which now manages Teatru Malta, KorMalta, and ŻfinMalta.

He said that NAPA aims to elevate Malta's performing arts both locally and internationally, and the agency will also further improve working conditions within the arts sector, while investing in European projects that spotlight smaller languages and creative works.

Bonnici said that the Valletta Cultural Agency has continued its mission to showcase the capital city through events like the Valletta Green Festival, Valletta Pageant of the Seas, and Opera in the Capital.

He said that Heritage Malta, responsible for Malta's cultural sites, recorded high visitor numbers in 2024 and has restored the Grand Master's Palace, among other sites.

Bonnici highlighted the achievements of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which brought diverse music genres to the public and participated in tours abroad, expanding Malta's cultural footprint. He congratulated the new Chairperson Odette Vassallo.

Bonnici said that Arts Council Malta also promotes Maltese creativity internationally, as demonstrated by Malta's participation at the Venice Art Biennale, with artist Matthew Attard's work combining cultural heritage with advanced AI technology.

Arts Council Malta is presenting a strategic vision for the sector, as well as upholding a standard, Bonnici said

He said that the historic Maltese "jewel" Teatru Manoel continues to uphold its rich legacy, and is now enhanced with improved accessibility thanks to a new passenger lift.

"We must preserve this invaluable cultural site," Bonnici said, referring to the upcoming installation of a modern fire prevention system.

He said that restoration work on the theatre's historic facade will also ensure the building's continued beauty and structural integrity.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has also processed 5,100 requests for consultation from January to September of this year, as well as 1,772 requests for works on roads, including 200 requests for archaeological monitoring.

Bonnici spoke of the National Archives, which has advanced its digitization efforts, making historical records more accessible to the public.

In collaboration with Ancestry, government will also introduce genealogy services, including a Family Search, while a preservation project will continue at the National Library.

Bonnici said that Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) has also expanded its reach, providing diverse educational, cultural, and news programming.

He said that the PN was the one that lost the recent injunction in court against PBS, with the judgement in Court clearly discerning that the government could broadcast its spots on the national broadcaster.

Bonnici appealed to the PN to pay more attention to its destructive criticism towards PBS, and said that the future will be better for PBS with the projects government has set for it.

"The PBS has secured broadcasting rights for significant sports events like the EURO 2024, the Olympics," said Bonnici, adding that modernizing studios and facilities will support improved production quality.

PBS will also introduce new content, including the return of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, Bonnici said, which will have an audience.

He mentioned Festivals Malta, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of Muzika Muzika, which attracted a wide national audience.

Other events, such as the Valletta Baroque Festival and the Carnival, expanded to include niche events like Ritmu, celebrating traditional Maltese music.

Bonnici commended the recent Notte Bianca event, one of Malta's most popular cultural nights, which brought thousands to Valletta for an evening of music, dance, and theatre.

"Looking forward to 2025, we will continue extensive restoration work on fortifications and other historic structures across Malta, with 40 restoration projects planned," Bonnici said.

He continued that the Ministry will include critical work on the San Nikola bastions, the second phase of the San Pawl bastions, and the Vendome Tower in Marsaxlokk, and other fortifications, including Villa Guardamangia, which will cost €15 million, €10 million of which from EU funds.

Other significant projects include the establishment of a Culture and Arts Hub, an ongoing €23 million project due by 2027, which will offer a central space for carnival and cultural activities, Bonnici said.

He also mentioned the Culture Pass which benefited hundreds of students and children who attended and visited cultural sites. The Directorate

Bonnici said that Heritage Malta will also launch the second Malta Biennale, and the Arts Council will represent Malta at international arts festivals. He said that PBS will develop a Eurovision Camp for fans and a large studio at Malex House.

"Each euro invested in these areas enhances the quality of life for all Maltese and Gozitans," the Minister said.

He said that with Budget 2025, government aims to create opportunities for artists and foster creativity, and remains committed to preserving heritage and strengthening national identity, making Malta a place of high-quality cultural life.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government said that government will continue to support Local Councils through financial allocation which will allow them to carry out their functions.

She said government is sending a clear message that it will continue allowing Local Councils to implement projects of quality which the Maltese and Gozitan public deserve.

Zerafa Civelli made references to several financial schemes which government initiated this year, for Local Councils to continue working for their residents.

She also said that contrary to the PN's claim of not allocating enough funds towards local government, the PL has doubled its Budget for Local Councils, compared to the PN previous Budgets.