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3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 NOVEMBER 2025 CULTURE Culture Directorate and Malta Society of Arts sign MoU for Artist in Residence 2025 THE Culture Directorate and the Malta Society of Arts (MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), mark- ing a significant collaboration for the Artist in Residence 2025 programme, launched by the Culture Directorate earlier this year. This agreement reinforces the Directorate's commitment to fostering artistic innovation, cultural dialogue and interna- tional exchange. Under the MoU, the Malta So- ciety of Arts will open its histor- ic premises in Valletta to host a series of workshops, perfor- mances and exhibitions as part of the Artist in Residence pro- gramme. The MSA's venue will serve as a creative hub where artists from Malta and abroad can experiment, collaborate and present their work with- in an inspiring and supportive environment. The partnership also underscores the value of in- ter-institutional cooperation in strengthening Malta's cultural ecosystem. The residency theme for 2025, Pax Kultura, provides a plat- form for reflection, innovation and connection – exploring the intersection of art, culture and peace. Through this initiative, Malta aims to position itself as an artistic hub that uses crea- tivity as a bridge for dialogue, democracy and mutual under- standing. Six international artists will arrive in Malta in the coming months to engage with the local scene and build lasting collabo- rations. The Artist in Residence programme will offer space for creative exploration and foster meaningful encounters between local and international prac- titioners, further establishing Malta as a crossroads of cultural exchange. "Thanks to this robust new partnership, the Malta Society of Arts is expanding its artistic horizons, establishing a con- sistent creative hub for greater engagement and output," notes Mr. Roderick Camilleri, Acting President of the Malta Society of Arts. "This agreement strength- ens the institution's dedication to promoting the arts and foster- ing vital connections. The MSA remains committed to providing a conducive environment for ar- tistic experimentation, empow- ering creators to connect with the community, forge bridges between diverse groups and contribute to Malta's cultural ecosystem." Alexander Farrugia, Director of the Culture Directorate, says: "It is with pleasure that the Di- rectorate of Culture enters into this agreement with the Malta Society of Arts – a principal and prestigious centre of Maltese culture with a long and impor- tant history that remains highly relevant today. The Directorate has several new initiatives, and the MSA has been a key partner in their implementation. This Memorandum of Understand- ing highlights further collabora- tion to continue strengthening Maltese culture." The signing of this MoU rep- resents a forward-looking step in Malta's cultural landscape, paving the way for new artistic exchanges and partnerships. By joining forces, the Culture Di- rectorate and the Malta Socie- ty of Arts reaffirm their shared mission to nurture creativity, foster cultural understanding and promote Malta as a dynamic centre for contemporary artistic expression. For more information about the Malta Society of Arts please visit www.artsmalta.org or www.facebook.com/maltasoci- etyofarts. For more info about the Culture Directorate, please visit www.facebook.com/Cul- turedirectorateMalta. Maltese comedian Steve Hili embarks on European tour MALTA'S very own Steve Hili, the only Maltese per- son to ever become a full- time professional stand-up comedian in the UK, is tak- ing his comedy to Europe this month — with perfor- mances confirmed in Vien- na on Nov 20th and Prague on Nov 21st and 22nd. This European tour marks the next step in Steve's ev- er-growing comedy career, as he builds up towards a major new show set to de- but in Malta in 2026. Steve, known for his naughty, playful, high-en- ergy comedy, has already made audiences laugh all over the world — from the UK and Europe to Australia – where he has performed at The Comedy Store in Sydney, one of the world's most iconic comedy ven- ues. His performances are a unique blend of Maltese mischief, international flair, and razor-sharp banter with his audiences. "This tour is not just about performing abroad," says Hili. "It's about flying the Maltese flag on the in- ternational comedy stage— and proving that Maltese humour should be experi- enced by the world!" With this tour, Steve Hi- li continues to cement his reputation as Malta's most successful and distinctive comedic exports. To find out more about the tour go to www.stevehi- li.com and to find out when his big Malta show is hap- pening join his mailing list. The project is supported by Arts Council Malta. "Crude... Hilarious and eye-opening... Perfect" – VoiceMag "The Energ y of a dog who needs to be taken out" – Vice "Sterling Work" – The Guardian "Like a hippy Energiser rabbit with new batteries" – WeekendNotes