Arts Council Malta will be holding a National Arts Education Conference, on 30 October at the MCAST campus in Paola. The conference will provide a national platform for dialogue, reflection and action on the future of arts education in Malta.
This conference marks the next step in an ongoing journey to explore the creation of a National Academy for Performing and Visual Arts. This idea was first proposed in Malta's 2022 electoral manifesto, and further developed in the National Education Strategy 2024-2030. The research process began in 2024 with the drafting of a report jointly commissioned to ARC Research and Consultancy by the Council and the Ministry for Education, Sports, Youths, Research and Innovation.
So far, consultations have confirmed the sector's remarkable potential, while also shedding light on the urgent challenges it faces, including long-standing underfunding and significant infrastructural shortcomings across institutions.
Rather than establishing an entirely new, standalone institution, the results of this research point toward a more strategic and sustainable path - the development of an "academy ecology". This is a collaborative model that unites existing institutions under a common vision, while respecting and maintaining their individual autonomy.
The one-day conference will bring together local and international experts, educators, artists, students, cultural leaders, and policymakers to explore new approaches to arts education. Guest speakers, panellists, and attendants will have the opportunity to share successful practices, and to discuss how these ideas can be shaped to fit Malta's needs.
Highlights include:
● A keynote speech exploring the role of the arts academy in the 21st century, with emphasis on interdisciplinarity, sustainability, and care.
● A panel discussion with international experts reflecting on policy, institutional models, and strategies for a resilient and inclusive arts education system.
● A series of position papers from key institutions in Malta, offering insights into the challenges, priorities, and potential roles they envision within a future academy ecosystem.
The conference aims to co-create a forward-thinking and inclusive roadmap for arts education in Malta, paving the way to empower institutions and support educators and students, while reflecting Malta's cultural and educational goals on a national and international level.
The keynote and panel discussions will be delivered in English. Position papers will be presented in either English or Maltese, with translation provided where needed.
Attendance at the conference is open to the public. However, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The full programme and registration details are available at www.artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.