UĦM Voice of the Workers eMagazine issue 50

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS ISSUE 50 JANUARY 2014

Contents

WORKING IN THE CULTURAL SECTOR

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAKE-OFF Traditionally, the cultural sector in Malta has been one of the cinderellas of gainfully occupied work. Naturally, there were some notable exceptions, such as singer Oreste Chircop or actor Joseph Calleia. Otherwise, the cultural scene in Malta was part-time at best.

We have come a long way since then. Locally, the number of artists working full time in culture and the arts is on the increase.

The accessibility of IT is making the world a smaller place and local artists find it easier to get in touch with the foreign market. The recently set-up Malta Showcase is also a step in VOICE OF THE

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the right direction, as it aims to provide a ‘curated portfolio of Maltese repertoire’.

Working in the cultural sector however, still has significant opportunities for improvement.

First and foremost, one of the biggest challenges is accessibility to finance. Cultural activities need money, and more needs to be

What You Sow, You Reap

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Fostering space and interaction

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Working in the Arts Sector

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Art, the people nd entrepreneurship

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Europe’s Performance

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EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA done to help people who have a sound business plan to take off and be successful. The Arts Fund is also an important contributor in this aspect. However, the issue of finance needs expanding.

One of the major handicaps of people working in the Cultural sector is the reality of fragmentation. Unfortunately, the

“Working together means that resources can be pooled, best practice shared and opportunities multipled. A fantastic opportunity here is the cooperative model” 1

EDITORIAL

ill-conceived idea that working individually can be of bigger benefit than working together, is still the norm. Although many people in the cultural sector feel that they are exposed to outside influences and better ways of doing things, in this respect our mentality remains largely insular.

Working together means that resources can be pooled, best practice shared and opportunities multipled. A fantastic opportunity here is the cooperative model.

Based on principles of democratic control, concern for community and self-help, cooperatives can provide a very flexible and viable business model for workers active in virtually all areas of the cultural sphere.

The cultural industry can be a significant contributor to employment, and can prove to be a life-changer to people who dream of working in culture and the arts full-time, but who cannot

base their life on pursuing their creative dreams because of varying constraints. We have a very positive aspect in our favour. Being a small island, we tend to be very flexible, and the quality of our work can be at least at par with our foreign counterparts. All we need is a better environment can enables people to make their dreams a reality. With Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018, Malta can really seize the opportunity to make work pay even in the cultural sector.

PICTURE STORY

What You Sow, You Reap Higher cultural standards in any country are brought about by increased investment in education, infrastructure, and sustainable cultural initiatives. Malta’s major resource is the flexibility and creativity of its people. Learning to work together and work smart can go a long way in providing Maltese workers with fulltime, well-paid employment in the cultural sector. Success will not be achieved overnight, but a clear vision and effective action, this sector may become a better contributor to employment, the economy, and the happiness of people.

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INTERVIEW

Fostering space and interaction INTERVIEW WITH JASON MASINI, GENERAL MANAGER, PJAZZA TEATRU RJAL

What, in your view, are the major challenges being faced by people working in the cultural sector in Malta?

I consider that there are two main categories in this field that do face problems. There is one of new and upcoming theatre groups that face the main issue of location. This is both as a rehearsal space and also as performing venue.

I believe that these groups should be more informed and assisted to bring out their ideas and potential to the general public.

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In your opinion, can people working in this sector help themselves, such as, for example, working more together? This is an aspect which I strongly believe that there is a lot to work on. An ideal situation is that all sectors of culture will join their forces for a common goal. Unfortunately this is something which is easily said than done. An ideal move is that they will put their efforts together and form a Cooperative. This will definitely open several avenues in collaboration and financing/ funding of such groups.

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INTERVIEW MEUSAC

In your view, how can cultural events in Malta become more accessible to the ‘mainstream’ public?

There is an impetus from all entities to attract more audience, especially people that never went to a theatre or attended a festival. Statistically this public audience is increasing gradually and indications show a positive growth. This includes people who had never attended a performance.

How can people working in the cultural sector overcome the limitations of Malta’s small size and venture beyond our shores?

The problem of being an isolated country in the middle of the Mediterranean nowadays is something of the past. This is mainly due to the introduction of the global social media and internet that brought a big change to every sector. I do strongly believe that there are no limitations in the cultural sector at this point. Clear guidelines and assistance are available, so everyone can get financial support and professional assistance to obtain the right outcome.

You currently manage Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

How is this space contributing to Malta’s increasingly vibrant cultural life?

The open air space of Pjazza Teatru Rjal (PTR) is a unique space that adds to the list of spaces that one can utilise as a performing space. As a space it’s a unique venue, with a particular location, being in the heart of the city of Valletta.

PTR aims to promote all artistic disciplines in an open air space. It is designed as an open air multiVOICE OF THE

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I do strongly believe that there are no limitations in the cultural sector at this point. Clear guidelines and assistance are available, so everyone can get financial support and professional assistance to obtain the right outcome. purpose playhouse equipped with cutting edge technology to ensure acoustic and staging excellence.

The space aims to cultivate imagination and cultural innovation, and encourage togetherness, inclusiveness and diversity in the staging of all genres of the performing arts.

As a main objective we aim to exploit Malta’s clement weather conditions for the open air staging of a wide range of cultural activities. Also, our aim is to provide to Maltese and visiting performers from overseas, a unique and versatile performing space that can accommodate every kind of artistic discipline and form of expression that is conventional, unconventional or experimental by nature,

with an emphasis on open air performance art. We are also an umbrella organization for both local and foreign artists that will encourage them to experiment, collaborate and co-produce performing arts projects. As a space we serve as a hub of collaboration with local artists and cultural organisations, and European and international cultural networks. PPT intends to create a platform for multicultural and multinational collaborations in the field of open air art for the benefit of artistic exchange and creation.

Another important goal of PTR is to promote among the Maltese community at large, a better understanding and a broader acceptance of the concept of outdoor arts.

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MEUSAC

Working in the Arts Sector The Cultural and Creative industries include, amongst others, the performing and visual arts, cultural heritage, film, television and radio, music, architecture, design and fashion.

What all these industries do have in common is that they all use creativity to create products and services that ultimately benefit society. The cultural and creative industries manifest themselves strongly in daily life but the contribution they can bring to social and economic development in the European Union (EU) is unfortunately still not fully recognised.

The cultural and creative industries, both local and continental, have so far proved to be exceptionally resilient through the economic crisis and account for 3.3% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

and 3% of the EU’s workforce (approximately 6.7 million people).

However, major challenges are still brought about by globalisation and the digital shift and the necessary adaptations are yet to be promoted to allow these sectors to realise their full potential. While these changes offer great opportunities in terms of lower production costs, they call for action at different levels.

In this changing context, access to finance remains a major difficulty: the banking sector does not have the necessary expertise to analyse business models in the arts sector and does not adequately value their intangible assets. The financial and economic crisis only makes this situation more critical at the very time when investments are needed.

Being fully aware of the challenges that the arts sector is facing, the European Commission is implementing Creative Europe - a framework programme aimed at supporting the culture and audiovisual sectors for the period 2014-2020.

With a budget of €1.46 billion (9% higher than its predecessors – Culture, Media and Media Mundus Programmes), Creative Europe aims to enable the European arts sector to reach its economic potential, thus, further contributing to sustainable growth, jobs, and social cohesion. This programme is open to all European cultural and creative organisations and at present it is estimated that it will be providing funding for over 2,500 artists and cultural professionals, 4,500 book translations, 2,000 cinemas and 800 films.

For further information on Creative Europe one may contact MEUSAC on 2200 3300 or funding.meusac@gov.mt

MEUSAC 280 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112 Tel: +356 2200 3315 • Fax: +356 2200 3329 • Email: info.meusac@gov.mt www.meusac.gov.mt VOICE OF THE

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Art, the people and entrepreneurship Art is a means of creative expression that has been a feature in our societies for a very long time. It is a vast activity producing various products.

Visual arts, performing arts and digital arts all fall under the art category Art is at the heart of cultural activities and culture shapes society’s identity and aspirations.

Consequently it plays a crucial role in our daily lives. However, the contribution it makes to social and economic development might not as yet be fully recognised and fully utilised yet. The arts sector is a sector which is able to contribute to the economy and increase employment. Employment

patterns in this sector may differ from other industries and this requires particular attention.

Normally, individuals working in this industry hold multiple employments. This is due to uncertainty of income. Locally this is a factor which has hindered individuals in securing a full time job in this sector.

Arts and entrepreneurship are very much linked. Creative individuals need to be provided with financial routes which are tailor made due to the specific characteristics of the sector. Financial assistance allows individuals in the art sector be able to develop their entrepreneurial aspirations.

MCESD

Government needs to provide incentives for this sector so as to foster entrepreneurship.

Capacity building needs to be given continuous importance.

Growth in the number of individuals working in the art sector is directly linked to the educational opportunities offered. Students should find it easy to find opportunities to further develop their creativity at school.

Valletta will be the European Capital of Culture in 2018 and consequently arts and culture are at the top of Government agenda and this need to continue and spread further beyond 2018.

MCESD 280/3, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT1112 Tel: (+356) 2200 3300 www.mcesd.org.mt VOICE OF THE

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CIA

Europe’s Performance Art and Culture is one of Europe’s most vibrant sectors. The Brussels Office of the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori is presenting a series of initiatives held at EU level, including aspects of education, facilitation of movement, as well as civil society action.

Artfutures: Working with Contradictions in Higher Arts Education This is a book that brings together leading arts practitioners, educators and thinkers, across 14 countries and a variety of disciplines, to address the most pressing issues in higher arts education from the perspective of those operating within the field. These contributions cover a wide range of initiatives, from solving the complex problems of urbanity to plotting the future of the cultural ecosystem. In its exploration of diverse geographies, ArtFutures tackles issues such as the rise of the MFA (Master Programs Fine Arts) in Europe alongside the need for an inclusive approach to the cultural and creative industries, centred on informal arts education, in Africa. Together, these papers constitute a unique anthology which highlights the manifold iterations of higher arts education. ArtFutures demonstrates that the tension between these pluralities, together with mediating institutions like the European League of Institutes of the Arts, acts as a driving force in the development of the field.

Culture Action Europe!

Culture Action Europe (CAE) is a non profit-making organisation that brings together individuals and legal entities in order to put culture at the heart of the public debate and decision-making at every level as an essential component for sustainable societies based upon respect for universal human rights and to the benefit of present and future generations.

You can read the book edited by ELIA , European League of Institutes of the Arts, from this link: http://goo.gl/MHuVz8

EILA AND PEARLE* WELCOME EU MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATE TO FACILITATE TRAVELLING WITH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Pearle*( ‘Performing Arts Employers Associations League Europe’ and the European trade federation of Performing Arts organisations) in cooperation with the International Association of Violin and Bow Makers- EILA-, recently discussed with representatives of the European Commission, CITES Management Authorities and other stakeholders from the music sector about the impact and feasibility of an EU musical instrument certificate.

CAE wants also encourage the democratic development of the European Union.

Their mission is to promote culture and to disseminate information on European policies and legislation that have an impact on the cultural development of European societies and the European projects. CAE is also a tool to exchange, convey, publish ideas and debates on European policies.

You can access CAE website to the following link: http://www.cultureactioneurope.org/

More information are available at this link: http://www.pearle.ws/en/news/detail/71 Calling all amateur singing groups and video makers – “Europe in Harmony” needs you The European Economic and Social Committee video challenge is back, and this time it has an additional element to it – music!

The third edition of the challenge is called Europe in Harmony and is open to amateur video makers, choirs and singing groups from all 28 EU Member States. The requirement is to perform an interpretation of “Ode to Joy” accompanied by a video clip. The video can be dedicated to any European topic the participants wish. The submission period runs until 20 February 2015 and will be followed by a public vote and the fi nal selection of the winners by a jury. The award ceremony is to take place in May 2015. Lend your voices to Europe in Harmony!

To fi nd out more about the EESC video challenge, go to the EESC web-page: www.eesc.europa.eu/video-challenge Facebook: EESC Video Challenge Twitter: #EuropeInHarmony (sg)

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