Joseph Calleja appointed on cultural board

Tenor Joseph Calleja was today appointed on a board which will coordinate cultural projects. Phyllis Muscat will lead the board.

The board's responsibilities include a stock take of the current cultural situation, foster and facilitate coordination between entities working in the field and serve as an incubator for new major cultural initiatives and capital projects.

The board, whose other members are artist Ruth Bianco, conductor Brian Schembri and Giorgina Portelli, will work towards fully utilising the potential of culture as a catalyst of economic and social restructuring.

"These appointments and the board itself reiterate the Government's commitment to put the artists at the heart of the primary decisions processes," the statement said.

The government said it was fully committed to give the entire support and essence to culture and those who make up the country's invaluable cultural heritage.

"The direct involvement of key players from the field is essential to recognise the requisites and also the needs to implement practical policies."

The statement added that the Labour government's major commitment in culture is to increase the country's cultural capital and channel its growth into the Maltese economy and society. 

The board will provide advice and make proposals to the government on all aspects related to this industry, while strengthening existing collaboration and establishing new cooperation with local and international stakeholders. 

"The Board will also create and manage a cultural roadmap containing strategic milestones for the country in the area," the government said.