Our hearts are with you

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.)

It's Notte Bianca tomorrow in Valletta, and this year, it is more vibrant and inclusive than previous editions - all of which were extraordinary successes.

The streets of Valletta will be bustling with cultural and artistic creativity, offering quality entertainment for everyone. Valletta's majestic palaces and historical buildings will be open to the public. This year's event will feature 350 artists participating in over 70 projects.

Notte Bianca is now an annual event and is an integral part of Malta's cultural calendar, strengthening ties between local communities and reinforcing cultural identity.

Thanks to Festivals Malta, Notte Bianca has grown over the years and is now a household name not only locally, but also internationally. Tourists are visiting this magical event in increasing numbers. While providing quality entertainment to its thousands of visitors.

Best platform 

Notte Bianca also serves as an excellent platform for our local artists and creators, who use this annual opportunity to showcase their talents.

The Valletta commercial sector also benefits greatly from this event, with cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets experiencing substantial activity.

Majestic palaces 

Among the attractions tomorrow evening are the majestic palaces and museums that open their doors to the public, who always enthusiastically appreciate Malta's exceptional heritage.

Right to culture

In what was a very short but fruitful visit in Barcelona, I attended UNESCO's MONDIACULT 2025 where I had the opportunity to participate in a discussion about cultural rights. 

I believe that in the same way that our forefathers established the right to free and quality education, the right to free and quality health care, we must also establish the right of universal access to culture. 

Culture embodies all that is positive and good in the actions of society. We want that good to reach each and every person independently of one's social status, race or religion. 

Of course this debate carries with it the other side of the coin which is the rights which creatives should enjoy.  We have promulgated the Charter of the Rights of Artists, introduced a preferential tax rate and we will keep doing more and more. 

Unique patrimony

Last week, I addressed the 30th anniversary of the Valletta Convention, a cornerstone of European archaeological policy and heritage management. This Convention, formally known as the European Convention for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, has played a key role in safeguarding Europe's rich archaeological legacy for three decades. Malta, a nation with a deeply rooted cultural heritage, is a shining example of this legacy.

Rich history

I spoke about the numerous major archaeological landmarks that testify to our rich history - The Ggantija, Mnajdra, and Hagar Qim temples, for instance, are a global gem, and an extraordinary testament to our ancient civilisation and its ingenuity.

Beyond Ggantija, Malta and Gozo are dotted with formidable fortifications that date back hundreds of years, standing as enduring symbols of our resilience and strategic importance through the ages.

Heritage 

This Labour government recognises the importance of preserving this invaluable heritage. We are investing heavily in Malta's cultural assets, with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage leading the charge.

New challenges

The principles of the Valletta Convention continue to be highly relevant today, guiding us in addressing new challenges such as climate change, urban development, and technological change. They remind us that heritage is a shared responsibility-one that requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to conservation.

Labour cares 

Labour cares, it always does. A few days ago, my colleague, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, announced a new kind of leave for couples whose babies are admitted into the Neonatal & Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU) for treatment.

Both parents will benefit from this new leave, and it will place no additional burden on employers.

This measure was not listed in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto, but because we are a government that listens, as soon as we became aware of the increasing difficulties that parents face when they go through this challenging experience, we took action, as we always do, to make people's lives better.

Palestine

The Ministry and Arts Council Malta teamed up and hosted "Qalbna Magħkom" ("Our Hearts With You") last Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta.

It was a demonstration of solidarity with Palestine a few days after Prime Minister Robert Abela, on behalf of Malta and its people, recognised the State of Palestine. That was a historic event and a major step forward for the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

We care 

Malta has always been at the forefront in promoting a two-state solution, whereby Israelis and Palestinians coexist in peace and harmony.

It is, of course, a tall order, and change will not happen overnight, but it was an important step forward. "Qalbna Maghkom" featured multidisciplinary performances by local and Palestinian artists to promote peace and unity. It was well attended, and it was a beautiful experience. Our commitment towards the Palestinian cause remains steadfast.