The Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, the People and Standards Division, and the Arts Council Malta have announced the completion of an administrative process through which 200 public sector employees in the cultural sector will benefit from improved working conditions.
An administrative instrument signed on Thursday marks an important step towards better wages for professionals and public employees in the arts and culture sector in Malta. This directive establishes a unified wage structure that ensures principles of equality, transparency and sustainability among all cultural entities that play a direct role in the management and promotion of the arts in the country. These include: the Arts Council Malta, the National Performing Arts Agency (Żfin Malta, Teatru Malta, Kor Malta), Pjazza Teatru Rjal, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Spazju Kreattiv, Festivals Malta, Teatru Manoel, the Cultural Agency for Valletta and MICAS.
Minister for Culture, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that with this step, the Government is continuing to strengthen its vision to promote a professional and respected arts sector. “This initiative looks towards a future where public employees who are so passionate about the creative sectors are valued for their skills, supported with more opportunities, and are part of a sustainable creative ecosystem. The aim is for the arts in Malta to remain a vibrant, inclusive and inspiring force that unites the community,” said Dr Bonnici.
The new mechanism provides a fixed salary base until 2029, to offer financial stability over the coming years. The process was the result of extensive consultation between the Ministry for Culture, the People and Standards Division, the Arts Council Malta and representatives of all the entities concerned, with the aim of creating a new level of professionalism and recognition in cultural and artistic careers.
Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman, Luke Dalli said, “This Directive is not just an administrative document. It is a declaration of trust and respect towards all arts and culture professionals who work every day to make a difference in the social, educational and spiritual life of Malta. This directive is for them – and it is also a guarantee that from now on, passion for the arts will be accompanied by fairness in pay.”
He thanked the Ministry, the People and Standards Division, the Permanent Secretary, all the entities involved and the workers of the cultural sector who, for many years, gave their all to strengthen the cultural life of the country.
