ADPD proposes Universal Basic Income pilot project among artists

ADPD-The Green Party proposed the concept of a Universal Basic Income to be implemented as a pilot project among the creative community, highlighting that creative industries should be treated as an important pillar of Malta’s development rather than a sector that simply produces entertainment.

The party insisted that artists should be given professional status which would provide them with decent conditions, social protection, and access to pensions and benefits, asserting that artists should be recognized as cultural workers who make a concrete contribution to society and the economy.

In a series of proposals targeting culture and the arts, ADPD explained that many Maltese artists face difficult conditions such as low wages, a lack of adequate funds, and a lack of respect for the artistic profession, pointing to the persisting mentality that artists are seen as partaking in a “hobby” instead of a serious job.

ADPD called for the complete removal of excessive political interference in the funding for the arts, insisting that a democratic society cannot be afraid of artistic expression. The party added that this applies particularly in cases when subjects are considered too controversial or sensitive.

The state should fund culture without trying to control the artistic narrative or rewarding only those close to power, ADPD explained, calling for increased artistic freedom and space for criticism. The party also proposed the true independence of Arts Council Malta, involving transparent appointments to boards and juries based on cultural competence and experience rather than political loyalty.

“Culture and the arts are not an excuse for the propaganda of government ministers and agencies,” ADPD said. “They are the core of Malta’s identity, and a space for society to understand itself."

Additionally, ADPD called for a fair and accessible funding system which prioritises artists, cultural collectives, and community projects, with a particular focus on those which are independent and emerging. The party also promised that it would give greater support to creative education by investing in art, music, theatre, and media literacy in schools.

ADPD proposed the concept of the 15-minute city, in which residents have close access to cultural experiences as well as essential services. It said this would lead to more vibrant localities, with increased public spaces, cultural activities, and stronger community cohesion.

On top of this, the party suggested that empty public buildings should be transformed into open and accessible cultural spaces such as studios, exhibition spaces, theatre, and creative hubs for local communities. It explained that cultural policy should be linked to quality of life, quality public spaces, and protection of historical heritage.

ADPD called for increased autonomy for local councils in selecting which cultural activities to finance, noting that continued central government control has led to the same programmes being repeated year after year.

It also called the decentralisation of culture, demanding serious investment into Gozo and in all regions and localities, rather than just in Valletta or in events chosen by a ministry or parliamentary secretariat.

ADPD suggested that the film sector move beyond the restriction of being a simple service location for foreign productions. It proposed that any foreign production receiving government aid schemes should be obliged to train and employ Maltese creative professionals.

The party said that creative decisions should remain in the hands of Maltese talent and local workers should be given real opportunities in key creative positions such as writing, photography and artistic direction.

The party explained that a country that ignores its artists or treats them as an accessory to political marketing is depriving itself of the imagination, criticism and innovation it desperately needs, calling for a cultural policy that is based on the principles of  independence, justice, participation and respect for cultural workers.

“There are too many artists and creatives who feel marginalized, while cultural funds and platforms are often used to enhance the image of politicians,” ADPD candidate Luke Caruana said. “When cultural activities become a publicity opportunity for politicians instead of a serious investment in the artistic community, culture is lost and so is trust in the system.”