Creative Industries Malta: A Growing Hub for Culture, Innovation, and Fashion
Global Development Malta at Red Yellow Blue (RYB)
Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago with a rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a vibrant player in the global creative industries. The country’s creative sector spans art, design, film, music, digital media, fashion, and cultural tourism, playing a significant role in both economic growth and national identity.
The Maltese government has recognized the potential of the creative economy, implementing initiatives through Arts Council Malta and Malta Enterprise to support local talent and attract international investment. With its Creative Economy Strategy, Malta aims to position itself as a hub for creativity and innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and cultural exchange.

One of Malta’s standout events in the creative sector is Malta Fashion Week and Awards. Held annually in the capital city, Valletta, this high-profile event celebrates local and international fashion talent, spotlighting designers, models, and creatives from across the region. The event has become a significant platform for promoting Malta’s fashion industry while connecting it to global markets and trends.
Malta’s film industry has also gained international acclaim, with its stunning landscapes serving as backdrops for major productions like Game of Thrones and Gladiator. The Malta Film Commission actively promotes the country as a filming destination, offering tax incentives and support to global studios.
Design and visual arts are flourishing, with initiatives like the Valletta Design Cluster and Malta Design Week showcasing local and international talent. Valletta—designated the European Capital of Culture in 2018—continues to be a focal point for art exhibitions, festivals, and creative collaborations.
The growing digital and gaming industries further highlight Malta’s adaptability in the creative economy. The country has become a hub for iGaming and digital innovation, attracting global companies and creating opportunities for local creatives.
With its blend of cultural heritage, modern innovation, and events like Malta Fashion Week, the country’s creative industries are thriving. Malta continues to position itself as a small yet dynamic contributor to the global creative economy.
Arts Council Malta (ACM)
Previously known as the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts (MCCA), Arts Council Malta (ACM) is the national agency for development and investment in the cultural and creative sectors. Its central task is that of effectively funding, supporting and promoting the cultural and creative sectors in Malta.
> artscouncilmalta.org
Arts Council Malta’s Annual Report for 2019 is published
Published on Monday 6 July 2020
ACM’s first bilingual annual report is here.
> artscouncilmalta.org/news/arts-council-maltas-annual-report-for-2019-is-published
Economy
high-income, EU-member European economy; diversified portfolio; euro user; dependent on food and energy imports; strong tourism, trade, and manufacturing sectors; high North African immigration; large welfare system; educated workforce
Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta’s economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.
Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession. In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the euro zone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year.
Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors, though EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the measures could have a significant impact on those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of both air and cruise passenger arrivals.
Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Increasingly, other EU and European migrants are relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low.