Spaces. Systems. Structures. sets out a coordinated programme for affordable
creative spaces, fair work, sustainable funding, cultural investment and long-term
sector development.

The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) launched its
Pre-Budget Document 2027, Spaces. Systems. Structures. A Call to Take
Responsibility for How Culture Is Made, setting out a comprehensive package of
proposals aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability, resilience and
competitiveness of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors.

The document argues that the next phase of cultural policy should focus on the
wider conditions that allow cultural and creative practice to develop, professionalise
and endure. Rather than treating Budget 2027 as a series of isolated measures, MEIA
calls for a coordinated approach linking physical infrastructure, organisational
stability, fair work, diversified financing, production capacity, internationalisation,
skills and evidence-led delivery.

Six priority asks for Budget 2027:

-Affordable creative spaces and a 10-year cultural infrastructure plan
Activate public, private and community properties as affordable creative hubs in Malta and Gozo, alongside a 10-year National Cultural Infrastructure Strategy.

-A National Events and Night-time Economy Strategy
Create a single national framework for events and festivals while strengthening year-round and grassroots cultural provision.

-A Basic Income for Artists pilot in 2027
Launch a defined, time-limited pilot providing regular income to professional artists and cultural practitioners, with published eligibility and independent evaluation.

-A capped 25% Cultural Production Rebate
Pilot a 25% rebate on eligible local production expenditure, subject to pre-approval and a published annual commitment ceiling.

-A National Cultural Match Fund
Match eligible private donations, philanthropy and sponsorship euro for euro, with an initial annual fund of €1 million proposed by MEIA.

-Fair Work across public funding and commissioning
Embed standards on contracts, remuneration, preparation time, payment schedules, cancellation, safe working conditions, credits and intellectual-property rights, backed by realistic funding levels.

Beyond the six priority asks, the document sets out recommendations across nine areas of development, including organisational stability, production and enterprise support, international market access, workforce and digital skills, evidence gathering and the night-time economy.

Wider proposals include increasing the Arts Support Scheme to at least €1.5 million annually, developing paid international placements for Maltese creatives, targeted workforce and future-skills programmes and a more coordinated approach to cultural data and cross-government delivery.

MEIA also places emphasis on the relationship between Malta’s public cultural institutions and the independent sector, arguing that the two should reinforce one another: institutional continuity alongside the autonomy, experimentation, entrepreneurship and diversity generated through independent practice.

“Over recent years, important foundations have begun to be put in place, but the next stage must be about connecting them and creating the conditions for the sector to grow sustainably. A building alone does not create a sustainable organisation, a successful production does not create a sustainable career and an individual funding scheme cannot address structural challenges on its own,” said Maria Galea, President of MEIA.

“Budget 2027 is an opportunity to invest not only in what culture produces today, but in the spaces, systems and structures that allow artists, creative professionals and organisations to build viable futures. Our ambition is for the sector to move beyond continually making the case for its value, towards having the long-term infrastructure, fair working conditions and capacity it needs to develop, compete and contribute fully to Malta’s future.”

The Pre-Budget Document concludes that the success of Budget 2027 should
ultimately be visible in tangible improvements: fairer contracts, timely payments,
affordable spaces, stronger organisations, better-informed decisions and broader
participation.

“Budget 2027 should leave more than a record of cultural expenditure. It should
leave stronger foundations: spaces that remain accessible, systems that work
fairly, and structures that enable the sector to shape its future.”