The democratization of culture, the importance of the Maltese language, and the enhancing of cultural activities in various spheres are a priority in the electoral manifesto of Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party.

Speaking at a press conference next to the La Valette monument in Valletta, AD expressed its satisfaction that Valletta will be European Capital of Culture in 2018.

AD Chairperson and spokesperson for Culture and Economic Policy Michael Briguglio, explained how being a musician in Malta’s rock scene himself, he has direct experience in Malta’s cultural sphere. “Art and culture should be characterised by an inclusive process with the participation of the public. This should help develop every person’s creativity, whilst also being a source of entertainment and free expression of the individual and the community. There should be careful investment in art and culture. This should also improve Malta’s tourist product,” he said.

There should be a national records management for public service data and the national archive holdings should be kept in a state-of-the-art centre which also caters for archives of the National Memory Project,” the AD chairperson concluded.

AD spokesperson for EU and International Affairs Arnold Cassola, said, “The Ministry for Culture should have a division which focuses on the development on musical talent and culture. The definition of music should include traditional music, classical music, jazz, rock music and pop music amongst other genres. This division should provide facilities and space for musicians, the creation of a system of soft loans to help them develop, and the promotion of Malta as an international music venue.”

“Financing from cultural initiatives can be enhanced through State funding, and state collaboration with the private sector, fiscal incentives, and through the good cause fund which should be made more transparent with clear criteria as to the distribution of funds for cultural and other positive initiatives like sports,” Professor Cassola explained.