Shifting perspectives: an interdisciplinary approach towards Malta’s cultural policy

Abstract

This dissertation addresses Malta’s culture from the perspective of its cultural policy, and problematises a shift in perspectives within cultural-policy making. In this regard, this dissertation seeks out the complexities of culture, and how Malta’s transitional culture therefore merits a policy which takes on an interdisciplinary approach. Informed by specific cultural firsts for Malta, including the National Cultural Policy Malta 2011 and Valletta 2018, which were fundamental starting points in providing a concrete structure, this dissertation explores why a shift towards a more interdisciplinary approach towards cultural policy is needed to compete with today’s socio-economic times. A focus is also placed on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the cultural and creative sectors, and how a post-pandemic era also warrants a shift in the perspectives of the future of cultural-policy making. Finally, a set of proposals which highlight the above are made based on the working document of the National Cultural Policy Malta 2021.