The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association is proposing a private-public entity to find, promote, and disburse funding for incentives aimed at reducing reliance on public funds.

In its recommendations for the budget, the MEIA also called for a reduction in expenditure on vanity projects with the saved resources being redirected towards initiatives that promote equitable funding and benefit the local arts scene and its sustainable development. 

It emphasised the urgency of addressing long-standing issues and unfulfilled promises regarding investment in rehearsal spaces.

The association highlighted the need for the swift implementation of a tax incentive that had to be implemented in 2022.

The MEIA said it would collaborate with the government and stakeholders to ensure that the proposed budget aligned harmoniously with the current needs of the arts and entertainment sectors.