What we fund becomes our culture – Malta must choose wisely

The recent decision by Foreign and Tourism Minister Ian Borg to redirect funds from large summer parties towards promoting Malta as an arts and cultural destination is a welcome and timely shift.

For too long, Malta has been seen primarily as a party island, a reputation that has at times overshadowed its rich, living culture.

This new direction acknowledges the concerns of residents and visitors about the effects of the party scene, while creating space for a more sustainable vision of the country’s cultural and creative sectors.

To make this vision a reality, change must be systematic and aligned with Malta’s cultural policy. One important step would be for the Ministry for Culture and the Ministry for Tourism to collaborate in regulating and shaping the night-time economy.

Coordinated efforts can balance the vibrancy of nightlife with the well-being of communities and the international image Malta seeks to project. Such an alignment also strengthens Malta’s cultural ‘soft power’, its ability to influence global perceptions through creativity, ideas and cultural credibility, rather than economic or political might.

A strong foundation already exists.

Arts Council Malta’s Music and Night-Time Economy Strategy, developed by Sound Diplomacy after two years of research, outlines 20 actionable recommendations with clear timeframes and designated stakeholders.

It aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and provides a coherent framework for the sector. Using this evidence-based strategy ensures decisions are consistent and credible, reinforcing Malta’s international reputation for long-term cultural vision.

Culture is not only about heritage.

While Malta’s historic and archaeological treasures are internationally renowned, today’s cultural tourism also relies on contemporary experiences – music, theatre, visual arts, performance and gastronomy – together forming a holistic cultural offering.

Visitors increasingly seek immersive encounters with living culture, where creativity, community and a sense of place come together to foster well-being.

Malta has the skills, creativity and ingenuity to meet this demand; what is missing is the infrastructure and strategic support to present it effectively. A vibrant cultural scene, complemented by distinctive gastronomy, also enhances Malta’s international standing, opening opportunities for cultural diplomacy, exchange and influence.

Infrastructure remains a critical challenge. Malta is the only EU member state without a modern performing arts venue capable of hosting large-scale productions. In Gozo, two historic opera houses, both NGO-owned, require urgent investment but remain excluded from capital funding.

For too long, Malta has been seen primarily as a party island- Davinia Galea

Even the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, a national institution of international standing, lacks a permanent home.

Without these facilities, Malta risks limiting its cultural reach and, in turn, its ability to project its identity internationally.

The success of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) demonstrates what can be achieved with long-term vision. MICAS has provided artists with a vital platform and raised Malta’s profile abroad.

A similar investment in the performing arts could yield the same benefits, providing opportunities for local artists while boosting Malta’s global visibility. Strategic investments like these serve local needs and enhance the country’s cultural influence, strengthening its soft power on the international stage.

This highlights the need for sustained, coordinated investment. If the Malta Tourism Authority is to fund culture, support should be systematic and aligned with cultural policy, acknowledging the groundwork already done by Arts Council Malta.

This ensures resources contribute to a sustainable cultural ecosystem, benefiting communities at home while amplifying Malta’s voice internationally.

Ultimately, what we fund, as much as what we neglect, shapes our identity, economy and global perception. Balancing the nightlife economy with cultural development is not just about regulation; it is about vision and responsibility.

Minister Borg’s decision is an encouraging first step. With inter-ministerial collaboration, evidence-based planning and long-term commitment to infrastructure, Malta can become a dynamic cultural destination where heritage and contemporary creativity flourish together.

The choice is not between parties and culture but between short-term trends and long-term vision.

By investing wisely now, Malta can strengthen its reputation as a vibrant cultural nation: one where heritage, contemporary creativity and gastronomy thrive and where culture serves both as an economic driver and a source of international influence.

These choices will shape not only Malta’s cultural landscape but also how the country is seen and heard globally.

Culture is what we fund and, in Malta, the choice is ours. Let us choose wisely.

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Davinia Galea is managing director of ARC Research & Consultancy.