Introduction
Arts Council Malta (ACM) is the national public agency responsible for the development, promotion, and funding of the arts and cultural sectors in Malta. It plays a central role in supporting artists, cultural organizations, and creative industries through structured funding schemes, policy development, and strategic cultural investment.
As Malta’s primary cultural funding body, Arts Council Malta aims to ensure that arts and culture are accessible, sustainable, and integrated into national development, contributing to both social well-being and economic growth.
History and Background
Arts Council Malta was established as part of Malta’s evolving cultural governance framework to strengthen public investment in the arts and creative industries.
A key milestone in its development came with Act XV of 2015, which formally defined its legal responsibilities, including the promotion of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors both nationally and internationally.
Over time, ACM has shifted from a traditional arts funding body into a strategic cultural development agency, aligning its work with:
- Malta’s National Cultural Policy
- UNESCO cultural recommendations
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Its strategic evolution reflects a broader focus on cultural rights, inclusion, and sustainable creative economies.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of Arts Council Malta is to invest in the arts to strengthen Malta’s cultural and creative ecosystem.
Its long-term vision is:
“The arts are at the heart of Malta’s future.”
Core purpose includes:
- Supporting artistic and cultural expression
- Ensuring public access to culture
- Promoting cultural participation and inclusion
- Strengthening the creative economy
- Advancing cultural rights for all citizens
ACM emphasizes that culture is not only artistic expression but also a social and economic development tool.
Governance and Structure
Arts Council Malta operates as a government-established public entity under Maltese law.
Governance structure includes:
- An Executive Chairman and leadership team
- Board oversight and strategic committees
- Specialized departments (funding, policy, administration, research)
The organization is guided by principles of:
- Transparency in public funding
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Collaboration with stakeholders in the arts sector
It also works closely with Public Cultural Organisations (PCOs) such as national theatres, orchestras, and cultural agencies, ensuring coordinated cultural development.
Funding and Grants
Arts Council Malta is best known for its extensive public funding and grant schemes supporting artists, organizations, and cultural projects.
Key funding mechanisms include:
Malta Arts Fund
- Supports artistic research and project development
- Includes Research Support Grants and Project Support Grants
Micro Grants
- Small-scale funding for emerging artists and initiatives
- Designed to support early-stage creative development
Arts Support Scheme
- One of ACM’s most widely used funding programmes
- Supports artistic production, cultural initiatives, and community engagement
President’s Fund for Creativity
- Focuses on inclusion, accessibility, and social impact through arts
- Targets disadvantaged groups and community participation
International Cultural Exchange Scheme
- Supports mobility and collaboration for Maltese artists abroad
Funding priorities:
- Artistic excellence
- Cultural inclusion
- Innovation and creativity
- Professional development
- Community engagement
Major Programs and Initiatives
Arts Council Malta operates a wide range of strategic programs that support the full cultural ecosystem.
Arts in Education
Programs that integrate arts into schools and promote creative learning environments.
Creative Entrepreneurship Support
Initiatives that help artists build sustainable careers through:
- Business development
- Market access
- Professional training
Community and Regional Cultural Projects
Supports cultural activities in local communities across Malta and Gozo, ensuring regional access to arts participation.
Internationalization Programs
Helps Maltese artists:
- Participate in international festivals
- Develop cross-border collaborations
- Promote Maltese culture globally
Cultural Research and Policy Development
Focuses on:
- Cultural data collection
- Policy evaluation
- Long-term sector planning
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Arts Council Malta has significantly influenced the development of Malta’s cultural landscape.
Key impacts include:
- Increased funding access for independent artists and cultural groups
- Expansion of community-based cultural participation
- Strengthening of Malta’s international cultural presence
- Development of creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship
Social and cultural outcomes:
- Greater inclusion of marginalized communities in cultural life
- Improved access to arts education and training
- Growth of Malta’s creative economy sector
- Enhanced cultural tourism and international visibility
Through its funding schemes, ACM supports hundreds of projects annually, ranging from theatre productions and music festivals to visual arts, film, and digital media initiatives.
Conclusion
Arts Council Malta is a cornerstone institution in Malta’s cultural ecosystem, playing a vital role in funding, regulating, and developing the arts sector. Through its structured grant programmes, strategic policies, and inclusive cultural vision, it ensures that arts and culture remain accessible, sustainable, and central to national development.
By promoting creativity, cultural participation, and artistic innovation, ACM continues to shape Malta’s identity as a dynamic and culturally vibrant nation.
For more information, visit here.
