{"id":56297,"date":"2026-03-27T06:47:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T05:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/?p=56297"},"modified":"2026-03-27T06:47:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T05:47:06","slug":"minister-owen-bonnici-and-minister-stefan-zrinzo-azzopardi-visit-ongoing-works-on-the-marsa-arts-and-culture-hub-project-site","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/27\/minister-owen-bonnici-and-minister-stefan-zrinzo-azzopardi-visit-ongoing-works-on-the-marsa-arts-and-culture-hub-project-site\/","title":{"rendered":"Minister Owen Bonnici and Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi visit ongoing works on the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub project site"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">\u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> This project, which covers an area of \u200b\u200b15 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.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> The demolition of the former Government garage is currently being finalised, as well as excavation and dredging to lay the foundation for the project.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">Minister Owen Bonnici said that, \u201cThis project is clear evidence of the Government\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">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.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">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.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">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.<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">The Carnival area will offer adequate infrastructure for float building, costume design, as well as spaces for workshops focused on health and safety.<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">It will also include a museum dedicated to Carnival heritage and a parade space that can host various Carnival activities, installations and exhibitions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> Festivals Malta Chairman, Aaron Zahra, stated that, \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> 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.<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">The project will also accommodate Festivals Malta\u2019s new offices, creating a central hub for the agency\u2019s operations.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius added, \u201cThis project consolidates Festivals Malta\u2019s vision of creating spaces that encourage innovation and collaboration. It will be a hub where local talent can grow and reach their full potential.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> The Hub\u2019s vision is built on six key pillars: celebrating the artistic heritage of Carnival through exhibition spaces and museums;<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">organising cultural activities on the parade grounds;<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">disseminating knowledge through educational initiatives and workshops;<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">supporting both emerging and established artists;<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">collaborating with local and European cultural networks;<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">and the cultural regeneration of the South Harbour area in Marsa.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\">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.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> In this regard, the Artistic Director of the Carnival, Jason Busuttil, emphasized that, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"HwtZe\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"jCAhz ChMk0b\"><span class=\"ryNqvb\"> 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_56297\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"56297\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0The 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_56297\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"56297\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":56298,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-56297","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-local-news"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"thumbnail":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-150x104.jpeg",150,104,true],"medium":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-300x208.jpeg",300,208,true],"medium_large":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"large":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"1536x1536":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"2048x2048":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_0x420":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_80x60":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-80x60.jpeg",80,60,true],"td_218x150":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-218x150.jpeg",218,150,true],"td_324x400":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-324x300.jpeg",324,300,true],"td_696x0":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_1068x0":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_100x70":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-100x70.jpeg",100,70,true],"td_265x198":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-265x198.jpeg",265,198,true],"td_324x160":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-324x160.jpeg",324,160,true],"td_324x235":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-324x235.jpeg",324,235,true],"td_356x220":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-356x220.jpeg",356,220,true],"td_356x364":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-356x300.jpeg",356,300,true],"td_533x261":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b-432x261.jpeg",432,261,true],"td_534x462":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_696x385":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_741x486":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false],"td_1068x580":["http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PR260503b.jpeg",432,300,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Bernard Lynch","author_link":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/author\/bernardlynch\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"\u00a0The 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&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56297"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56299,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56297\/revisions\/56299"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56298"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}