Arts Council Malta has launched Festivals Malta — a public cultural organisation which not only programmes cultural activities, but also endeavours to make festivals and the performing arts an integral part of Maltese life.

Along with its team of 20 talented and dedicated professionals and eight artistic directors, Festivals Malta is responsible for more than 160 activities in eight festivals and five national events.

The festivals are carnival, ‘the World Music Festival’, ‘Għanafest’, ‘the Malta International Arts Festival’, ‘the Malta Jazz Festival’, ‘Notte Bianca’, ‘the Three Palaces Festival’ and ‘Rock Events’.

The five national events are: Freedom Day (March 31); Sette Giugno (June 7); Victory Day (September 8); Independence Day (September 21); and Republic Day (December 13). Festivals Malta is also responsible for the celebration of the feasts of San Girgor, Dun Karm and other cultural events including the Epiphany Concert and the Christmas Crib competition.

In addition to its already rich calendar of events, Festivals Malta will be setting up the EU-funded Malta Carnival Experience project, which will offer a year-round carnival showcase of all elements related to this popular event. Carnival enthusiasts will benefit from state-of-the-art space which would enable them to work in an exciting and vibrant environment while acting as a platform for them to showcase their work.

In this way, visitors would have the opportunity to appreciate the creative processes involved, learn about Carnival’s rich history and watch the parades.

 Festivals Malta is now a separate organisation from the Arts Council. This was to keep the regulating body apart from the operating arm of the parent entity.

Festivals Malta will also facilitate a connection with other international festivals, providing opportunities for local talent while also bringing new and innovative ideas to Malta.