Arts Council Malta and MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts have signed an agreement of collaboration that will strengthen the existing working relationship between the two entities, creating a clearer framework for collaboration in the arts, culture and creative industries.
In line with Strategy 2030, the new agreement recognises the role that structured collaboration can have on the development of the arts in Malta. Such collaborations are expected to increase participation in culture while supporting increased professionalism in the sector and encouraging more student engagement in Arts Council Malta's programmes and initiatives.
The agreement was signed in relation to the 10th edition of the MCAST ICA Festival which is celebrating the students' works of art from 12 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) courses.
Through this agreement, Arts Council Malta shall be offering its support in the MCAST ICA Festival by contributing to the costs of production, and the remuneration of a professional curator. The curator shall be training the students in the curatorship profession, while also taking on the role of curator during the exhibition. In this way, students will benefit from real-life contacts and practice in this profession.
This agreement strengthens the practical link between education and the professional, cultural sector, and also gives students better visibility to available opportunities beyond their studies. Furthermore, through this agreement, both institutions will be better able to cater to the needs of artists as well as cultural practitioners, educators and emerging creative professionals.
Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta, Dr Luke Dalli said, "Arts Council Malta believes that investment in the arts education and in creativity means directly investing in the future of our cultural sector. Through collaborations such as this, we are helping students and educators have access to tools, experiences and opportunities that strengthen their professional development. This is an important step in our work of further promoting greater professionalism within the sector and supporting the future generation of Maltese artists and creatives."
MCAST Principal, Steven Vella said, "This agreement helps us strengthen the link between creative education and the professional sector which our students are preparing to enter. The MCAST ICA Festival already provides students with a public platform where they can present their high-quality work and their ambitions. This further collaboration will add another dimension to this experience by providing students with access to curatorship and closer links to the professional sector."
For more information on the Council's work, please visit https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.