The Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, through Arts Council Malta, has announced the first Legal and Finance Grant, a new support measure that will help artists, creative practitioners and cultural organisations to access legal and financial professional advice. Through this new grant, beneficiaries can award up to a maximum of €3,000.
The grant, which was drawn up in consultation with the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA), aims to respond to the practical professional needs of the cultural and creative sectors, while supporting the long-term sustainability of artistic practice. The funds can be used to obtain legal and financial advice in areas such as contracts, intellectual property, rights management, tax, accounting, financial planning, insurance-related requirements and regulatory obligations related to an artistic or cultural work, with all eligible costs covered.
The Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea reiterated that "This Government believes that culture is not a cost, but an investment. Investing in our artists is not only supporting creativity, but building a more innovative economy, a stronger society and a country that recognises the value of its talent. The Legal and Finance Grant is a concrete example of how we are giving creative professionals the tools to not only create, but also grow and succeed sustainably."
Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman, Luke Dalli said that this scheme is another step towards a more professional and sustainable cultural sector. "An artist today not only creates, but also leads his career as a professional. Signs contracts, manages its rights, makes financial decisions and navigates legal and regulatory obligations. Through the Legal and Finance Grant we are investing not only in creativity, but also in the ability of artists and creative organisations to operate with more confidence, professionalism and resilience. This scheme reflects the vision of Arts Council Malta's 2030 Strategy to build a sector where creativity is supported not only through funding, but also through the tools and services needed to build long-term sustainable careers."
The Director of Funds within Arts Council Malta, Rita Falzon, said that the grant addresses a practical need in the sector. "Artists and creative organizations often have to deal with contracts, tax obligations, rights management and compliance issues as part of their professional work. This scheme reflects the principles set out in the Charter on the Status of the Artist, in particular as regards fair working conditions, improvement of socio-economic conditions, ethical practice, intellectual property rights and professional recognition of artists. The funds offer artists and creative organisations access to the professional knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard the value of their practice, while also strengthening the professional conditions in which they operate. In this way, the fund contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Strategy and the commitment to a more resilient cultural and creative sector."
Nicole Debono, Secretary General of the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association, said "We are grateful to the Arts Council Malta for acknowledging this shortcoming, and for the collaborative way in which this scheme has taken shape. What we are launching today reflects genuine dialogue — between MEIA and the Council, but ultimately, at the service of the wider creative and cultural community, whether MEIA members or not. This accessibility is very important to us. Good governance means a scheme that is open, fair, and really useful to everyone in this sector"
Applications are open until noon on September 2, 2026. For more information visit https://www.artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.t.