The Minister for Culture, Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici and the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, visited the ongoing works on the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub project site.
Also present for this visit were the Chairman of Festivals Malta, Aaron Zahra, the CEO of Festivals Malta, Frans Agius, as well as the Artistic Director of the Carnival, Jason Busuttil.
This project, which covers an area of 15 acres, constitutes one of the largest infrastructural investments planned by Festivals Malta, partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the aim of further strengthening the cultural sector in our country through the creation of a modern and dynamic space dedicated to arts and culture. The demolition of the former Government garage is currently being finalised, as well as excavation and dredging to lay the foundation for the project.
Minister Owen Bonnici said that, “This project is clear evidence of the Government’s continued commitment to investing in culture as a key pillar of national development. The Arts and Culture Hub in Marsa will offer new opportunities to Maltese artists and will serve as a vibrant centre where creativity can flourish.” He added that this space will not only serve as a modern infrastructure for cultural productions, but also as a meeting point for the community, where culture becomes more accessible to all.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that, “This project shows how European funds are being used to create modern spaces and new opportunities for artists and the community. This is an investment that not only strengthens the cultural sector, but also contributes to the urban regeneration and sustainable development of our country.” He added that this space will not only serve as a modern infrastructure for cultural productions, but also as a meeting point for the community, where culture becomes more accessible to all.
The Marsa Arts and Culture Hub will include various facilities including the Carnival Workshops, the Music Rehearsal Spaces Centre (formerly known as the Rock Hub) and a dedicated dance centre. The Carnival area will offer adequate infrastructure for float building, costume design, as well as spaces for workshops focused on health and safety. It will also include a museum dedicated to Carnival heritage and a parade space that can host various Carnival activities, installations and exhibitions.
Festivals Malta Chairman, Aaron Zahra, stated that, “The Marsa Arts and Culture Hub will be an important step towards a stronger and more accessible cultural infrastructure. This centre will offer new opportunities to artists and strengthen the creative community in our country.” In addition, this project will include a 400-seat theatre for live performances, rehearsal studios, and spaces where local artists can develop and enhance their skills. The project will also accommodate Festivals Malta’s new offices, creating a central hub for the agency’s operations.
Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius added, “This project consolidates Festivals Malta’s vision of creating spaces that encourage innovation and collaboration. It will be a hub where local talent can grow and reach their full potential.” The Hub’s vision is built on six key pillars: celebrating the artistic heritage of Carnival through exhibition spaces and museums; organising cultural activities on the parade grounds; disseminating knowledge through educational initiatives and workshops; supporting both emerging and established artists; collaborating with local and European cultural networks; and the cultural regeneration of the South Harbour area in Marsa.
Through this project, Festivals Malta is aiming to create a sustainable creative ecosystem that combines tradition with innovation, while continuing to promote artistic excellence and preserve Maltese cultural heritage. In this regard, the Artistic Director of the Carnival, Jason Busuttil, emphasized that, “This Hub will give a new dimension to the Maltese Carnival, by providing modern and safe facilities for artists, while offering a more immersive and educational experience for the public.”
The Arts and Culture Hub in Marsa is expected to serve as a national center for creativity and artistic expression, which not only supports artists but also offers cultural, educational and touristic value to the general public.
