Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544245
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 APRIL 2026 CULTURE National Book Council launches subsidy scheme for printed books THE National Book Council (NBC) has launched the Subsidy Scheme for Printed Books, which it said would provide crucial sup- port to publishers and other in- dustry stakeholders in the wake of the increases in paper costs that have beset the industry over the past years. The NBC said that between 2021 and 2022, a substantial number of publishing entities – three out of four (75%) – expe- rienced a substantial increase in book production costs. Notably, 16.4% of respondents attributed 100% of these increas- es to the increase in paper costs. These findings emerged from a Survey of Publishing Entities is- sued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The full annual budget for the paper subsidy stands at €50,000, and funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Only books published between 1 Janu- ary 2026 until 15 December 2026 are eligible. The subsidy covers up to 40% of the total amount, up to €2,000 on each receipt/proof of payment. NBC Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri said that the sub- sidy offers much-needed support during a delicate time for the publishing sector, with the NBC once again stepping in to help the industry through considera- ble financial assistance, aimed at mitigating costs involved in the publishing of books. He further added that the scheme forms part of the NBC Five-Year Strategic Vision, launched in 2025, and which binds the Council to work hand- in-hand with all relevant stake- holders to successfully imple- ment all of its deliverables. Applications for the scheme are to be submitted via Submittable. The terms and conditions may be found here. axis_ announces the opening of a new contemporary art space in Malta AXIS_ is a new contemporary art space launching in April, con- ceived as a space for critical artis- tic engagement and international dialogue. Why axis_? axis_ emerges from a shared in- tention to create a contemporary art space capable of contributing meaningfully to current artistic discourse. While Malta's cultur- al and artistic ecosystem con- tinues to expand, axis_ seeks to introduce a platform defined by conceptual clarity and sustained vision. The gallery is structured through a dual model: operational management providing continu- ity and development and artistic direction shaping the overall ar- tistic vision and programme. This structure allows axis_ to remain both grounded and adaptable as it evolves. Maria McKenna, co-founder of axis_, reflects on the evolving role of heritage spaces. Maria explains that "the future of heritage lies in how we inhabit it, not simply how we preserve it." She notes that "across Malta, conversations around heritage are evolving," and that "the ques- tion is no longer only about how we preserve, but how we activate: how spaces can contribute mean- ingfully to contemporary cultural life." Within this context, Ma- ria explains that "axis_ emerges from this position: as a platform that connects past and present through living artistic practice, creating continuity." As she describes, it reflects "a belief that cultural spaces must remain active, responsive and engaged within the wider land- scape." About the Team The team behind axis_ com- bines strategic and artistic exper- tise. The managerial structure, led by Mario Cassar, Maria Mc Kenna and Marie Cassar (co-founders of the gallery), provides operational stability and long-term develop- ment, while the artistic direction led by Elyse Tonna, defines the artistic and strategic vision and related conceptual framework and artistic programme. This dual structure ensures that the gallery maintains both institutional clar- ity and curatorial and artistic in- tegrity. Beyond exhibitions, axis_ aims to cultivate a sustained network of collaborations across the Medi- terranean and Europe. By working with artists, curators, writers and institutions operating in adjacent contexts, the gallery seeks to posi- tion itself within a wider ecology of exchange. This outward-look- ing orientation is essential to its identity: axis_ is not conceived as a self-contained space but as a node within a larger field. Where is axis_? Situated in Malta at an inter- section of European, North Af- rican and Middle Eastern tra- jectories, the gallery occupies a location that is both locally embedded and internationally connected. Located in The Butler's House beside Villa Bologna in Attard, the gallery occupies a site histor- ically defined by adjacency. Once a space structured by hi- erarchy and support, the build- ing now becomes a place for critical reflection and artistic de- velopment. Rather than treating its architectural context as an overarching concept, the artistic vision for axis_ understands the site as a point of departure: a lo- cation embedded within Malta's layered histories, yet positioned within broader Mediterranean and global conversations.