‘Art transcends financial metrics’ – Maria Galea 

Artists are often function with precarious systems, and Malta’s art ecosystem is no exception. Maria Galea, head of the MEIA, Malta’s arts lobby, believes a robust system is needed to address the systematic gaps. 

Artists operate within a complex ecosystem, and to truly support their work, we must also consider the broader structures that sustain it. A robust infrastructure can empower artists and ensure that their contributions to society are not only appreciated but protected. 

Asked for three major changes by MaltaCEOs, Ms Galea said professionalisation, access to spaces and better pay would be the priorities on the list. 

“The first major change I would advocate for is the professionalisation of the arts. The arts should be viewed as a legitimate career path, one that offers stability, respect, and long-term potential,” she says. 

“We must ensure that early-career artists have access to educational resources, mentorship, and opportunities to develop professionally. By doing this, we help establish a career trajectory that is valued in both the public and private sectors.”

The second change would focus on increasing access to resources. 

“Artists often struggle with securing affordable studio spaces and financial support. One policy that we are currently exploring  is providing tax incentives or subsidies for developers and property owners to integrate creative spaces into new or exiting properties. This initiative would encourage the integration of art into everyday life, creating vibrant, accessible spaces that foster both community engagement and artistic development.”

The third significant change she would push for is fair remuneration and better payment structures for artists through a wage regulation order. Too often, artists face financial instability due to underpayment or lack of fair compensation for their work. It is critical to introduce laws that guarantee fair payment terms for artists, whether that’s through improved copyright laws, more equitable contracts, or better government funding initiatives. 

Malta, she suggests, could look to countries like France for a better model. 

“Artists in France can register as self-employed and benefit from the country’s robust social welfare system, which includes healthcare coverage and retirement benefits. This system enables artists to focus on their work without worrying about basic social needs, fostering both creative freedom and financial stability.”

Culture is often seen in the lens of economic growth or business opportunity. But as a society, we need to look beyond these metrics, and towards holistic measures of well-being and identity. 

“Culture is ultimately who we are, it brings us together, it reflects our values, challenges our thinking, and binds us together across divides. In reality, art’s value transcends mere financial metrics,” she explains”.

“The difference is that there are two metrics on how we can quantify the value of arts and culture and that is through qualitative and quantitative data, the quantitative sometimes or most of the time is that as tangible as the quantitative and that’s where the disconnect happens.”

To illustrate, she often references initiatives like the Moleskine Foundation. 

“[This foundation] supports projects addressing social issues, such as marginalized communities and mental health, through art. This kind of cultural impact is immeasurable in ways that numbers cannot fully capture. The intangible benefits ; well-being, community building, and shared experience are just as vital as the economic benefits.”

“Without culture, we would lose our identity as a society. Art creates spaces for dialogue and self-expression, and these are fundamental to our development as a community. Viewing culture as an essential pillar, not just an optional luxury, is critical to preserving and enriching our way of life, the way we think , and the way we are shaping future generations.”

Looking towards the year ahead, Ms Galea is excited for MEIA’s annual general meeting to address the challenges at hand.

“Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I’m excited about the progress MEIA has made in advocating for all of the above and more. Despite advancements in the creative sector in general , we still face significant challenges, including the fragmentation of the creative sector, unbalanced funding distribution and the growing disconnect between the public and private spheres. I am however optimistic that through dialogue, awareness and lobbying we can shift slowly towards a more equitable and inclusive creative sector.”

The arts lobby she heads is looking at bureaucratic gaps, greater integration of arts education and stronger international relations. 

“One of the key issues MEIA is addressing is the bureaucratic inefficiency that stifles the flow of public funding to artists and organizations. By focusing on depoliticising cultural institutions and ensuring merit-based leadership, we hope to create a more transparent, effective system. In parallel, fair payment structures and affordable creative spaces will be top priorities, ensuring that Malta’s creative professionals can thrive without being burdened by financial or logistical barriers.”

“Art transcends financial metrics”

– Maria Galea

“In the next two years, we would like to see greater integration of arts education and guidance for young people pursuing artistic careers. Art education and awareness extend beyond schools and universities, reaching broader audiences and the public, as they are also an essential part of the ecosystem.”

This year, the MEIA will be hosting our first conference, which will facilitate global discussions and strengthen our international relations. As a relatively young organisation, they hope to see a year where artists and creative professionals unite and collaborate, building a stronger and more cohesive creative community.

Asked about what she wants the general public to know about arts, Ms Galea stressed that “art is a profession, not a hobby”.

“Having worked full-time in the arts sector for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that art has on both professional individuals and communities. Art is a profession, not a hobby. It requires dedication, skill, and the same level of commitment as any other career. If your children are interested in pursuing a career in the arts, I encourage you to support them wholeheartedly.”

“Artists are not just creators; they are storytellers, innovators, and visionaries who help us reflect and shape the world around us.”