Malta’s Performing Arts Take Centre Stage: NAPA Unveils First Collective Programme
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, has launched the inaugural artistic programme of the National Performing Arts Agency (NAPA). This programme, crafted by KorMalta, Teatru Malta, and ŻfinMalta, will present audiences with over fourteen productions in Malta and five international productions across Europe.
During the press conference, various initiatives were also announced, including Teatru Malta’s first group of resident actors, KorMalta’s inaugural ensemble, collaborations with public cultural entities, a project celebrating the history of Jazz in Malta, as well as training opportunities, among others.
“The Agency continues its efforts to provide more sustainable opportunities for our artists and further creative facilities, while also working on a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the performing arts sector. Investment in the cultural sector is crucial for artists to have the tools they need to express themselves and advance their profession,” Minister Bonnici reiterated.
NAPA was launched in 2023 to provide a unified legal, administrative and organisational framework for Teatru Malta, KorMalta, and ŻfinMalta. The Agency aims to elevate the profile of performing arts in Malta, both locally and internationally. As the leading agency for the performing arts, its mission is to play an active role in shaping policy and promoting the performing arts in all their aspects – from behind the scenes to the stage, from administration to production, and from development to heritage – through the creation of a sustainability strategy for the sector.
“Together, as an entity, we are working to plant the seeds of art and creativity in young talent. We are collaborating with national companies to provide appropriate opportunities for current artists while engaging with students, youths, and the community to raise awareness in the sector,” NAPA’s CEO, Maestro Dominic Galea, added.
Maestro Galea went on to outline the programme prepared for the Autumn/Winter season, which includes innovative productions such as ŻfinMade, a project for emerging choreographers, Miti Miti – an interactive production for children and 1881 – an interactive game-based production for adults. It will also feature classic projects like Verdi’s Requiem with the Choir of Santa Cecilia in Rome, Żfin Days, which will bring renowned contemporary dance choreographers to Malta and long-term projects like Studio Francis Ebejer – a co-production with Teatru Manoel, Spazju Kreattiv and the Malta Arts Council.
“We also have a wide range of educational and research projects such as Jazz Assemblea, celebrating the legacy and future of Jazz in Malta, Ġamboree, a theatre festival for the elderly, Ċaqlaq, a project bringing students closer to contemporary dance and Trikki Trakki, a children’s festival by children for children,” concluded Maestro Galea.