Opposition Leader Bernard Grech on Sunday described Malta's cultural sector as "indispensable," calling it an integral part of the nation's soul, its people, and the development of the public.

Grech was speaking during a PN dialogue with representatives from Malta's culture, art, and heritage sectors, who raised pressing challenges affecting their respective fields.

As several representatives made their speeches, a sculptor and a painter were working on their original works in the background.

Grech addressed the concerns of artists and workers in the cultural sector, while paying tribute to the memory of the late Francis Zammit Dimech, who he said was a person "synonymous" to the arts, culture and theatre, as he listened to all.

He said that creative artists put their hearts towards their work and expression. Grech said that the private sector should compete with itself, however, government should not be competing with the private sector as it has unlimited resources, while the private sector does not.

Grech said that the private sector is contributing with added value to the economy, and society, and he said the PN will ensure to provide the support needed for this sector to function in the best way possible.

"Just as we invest in the health sector as it is indispensable, the cultural sector is also indispensable, an integral part of the nation's soul," Grech said.

He said that artists' work allows for future generations to be able to enjoy cultural, historical and national heritage. On Carnival, Grech said that there is still more investment needed to make sure Carnival is a priority.

Grech added that there needs to be more investment towards more, bigger spaces for workers in the sector, to be able to expand it.

Individuals representing this sector included the President of the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) Maria Galea, who raised challenges of artistic spaces, as well as for the need of an ecosystem which functions together.

Galea said that research has shown that performing artists are being paid around €4 per hours, less than the minimum wage.

Other representatives mentioned the challenge of attracting youths to sectors such as procession organisations, like that of Good Friday, and even suggested embedding culture in school curriculums.

Others said that the artist's position is considered an "afterthought" as their names are often unseen in the media, citing a lack of appreciation towards the sector, and wondered about the possibilities of study packages for culture.

A representative from the Malta Industrial Heritage Association (MIHA) spoke about abandoned historical sites which are being left to deteriorate.

Grech said that the artist in society is one who is capable of going against the current, who criticises and challenges society.

He said that taxpayer funds are often used for the same sectors, or the same people in the cultural sector, and said that there are several organised events where he often sees the same faces.

"We must appreciate that there needs to be a space for all those who are eligible, without discrimination," Grech said.

On cultural heritage, Grech said that this is not "ours", it is borrowed to us from past generations, and it is now in our hands to protect for future generations.

Grech said that there needs to be more education and awareness on the way the country preserves and is aware of its cultural heritage.

A director from MCAST said that the school's goal is to look at the needs of each cultural sector, and try to shape students for future careers. A representative from Malta's band clubs said that band clubs are based on voluntary work, and there is a lot of bureaucracy.

She said that there is the need for legislation for the band clubs sector, so that everyone is regulated and there is a goal to move towards. An actress spoke about inequality in culture, and the need to create subjects that teach methods of communication.

Godfrey Farrugia from the Pyrotechnics Association said that the association, of its own will, has created an academy which teaches the art of pyrotechnics.

Grech said that bureaucracy is common across the board in this sector, and said that many things can be simplified and digitalised. Grech said that the PN is recommending a special leave for those who have to take time off work to deal with bureaucracy.

Grech said that while not everything can be incorporated at school, arts and culture must be more embedded into education, so that it is not an "afterthought."

Other speakers spoke about the deteriorating state of the national archives, without a specific site pinpointed for their relocation, as well as arts and mental health.

A professor from the University of Malta said that there should be an independent board representing all sectors of art and culture, which chooses artists and individuals on merit, and not because of friendship.

Grech said that transparency, and for decisions to be made by the competent people, must be a trademark of a different leadership in the country.

He said that what should matter is not which political colour one supports, but their competence and will to do what needs to be done. Grech said that there needs to be a better ecosystem of therapies using arts, such as drama therapy.

Grech said that he would reduce the tax rate of 7.5% to 5% on the first €80,000 earned by all registered artists, to help the artist look at art and culture as a potential, full-time professional job.

"There is so much talent which is not being fully developed because arts and culture is usually part-time work, and not their primary work. I want this to change," Grech said.

He said he wants to see a "big shift" in how the country views art and culture and artists, who are often ridiculed or are made to feel inferior for their work.

Grech said that he himself experienced ridicule in his youth for having participated on stage, before becoming a lawyer.

"Today, the politician experiences difficulties on a societal level, a society which looks at art in a degrading way," Grech said.

He said that art is part of the public's soul, and promised he would elevate the arts to become inserted and protected in Malta's constitution, just as the PN is proposing this for the environment.