Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535569
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 MAY 2025 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Artist association questions lack of transparency in awarding of Mark Camilleri's €25,000 contract Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association questions how €25,000 fee for former Book Council chairman Mark Camilleri's publishing house to draw up report for Arts Council Malta was determined THE Malta Entertainment In- dustry and Arts Association has questioned the lack of trans- parency over the awarding of a €25,000 contract to Mark Camilleri's Dar Camilleri. "The lack of transparency in the awarding of this contract, particularly the absence of a public call or open selection process, has prompted valid concerns from our members and the wider community," the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) said. MaltaToday revealed earli- er this week the former Book Council chair turned media house owner and blogger, was awarded a €25,000 contract to draw up a report for Arts Coun- cil Malta. An Arts Council Malta spokesperson confirmed Dar Camilleri will be tasked with preparing a report on Com- mercialising Malta's Culture Industries and Tapping Private Capital. In a statement on Tuesday, the MEIA questioned what criteria were used to assess Dar Camill- eri's suitability to lead such a significant assignment, wheth- er other individuals or organi- sations were considered or con- sulted, and how the €25,000 fee was determined and accounted for within the Council's budget. "While we understand that public entities may, under spe- cific circumstances, issue di- rect orders, these are bound by criteria and must be justified by clear reasoning, such as the absence of viable alternatives, exceptional expertise, or urgent need. Based on the information currently available, it is unclear whether such conditions apply in this case," it said. The artist association said concerns are further echoed by sector stakeholders, who have expressed frustration at the current procurement environ- ment. "Tenders related to reports in relation to creative work are rare, and when issued, are of- ten awarded based on the low- est price, undermining both quality and sustainability. This dynamic is leaving small, spe- cialised operators struggling to compete, while others are awarded behind closed doors," the MEIA insisted. The association insisted as a sector that depends on trust, openness, and merit-based op- portunities, "we believe it is in the public interest for Arts Council Malta and Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government to offer clar- ity on this matter." Former Book Council chairman Mark Camilleri's (inset) Dar Camilleri was awarded a €25,000 contract to draw up a report for Arts Council Malta