Nominations have been opened for the 2026 edition of the national awards for the arts and creative sectors in Malta, known as Premju għall-Arti (Arts Council Malta).

The awards are for artworks, projects, productions, initiatives and other artworks presented to the public during the period 1st September 2025 to 31st August 2026.

Nominations are being accepted for the first time, but there are no predetermined award categories. Rather, it will be Arts Council Malta’s own decision, made after a review of all eligible submissions, which categories will be included in the awards programme.

The awards give national recognition to artists, organisations and projects that are doing a service to the cultural landscape of Malta, said Arts Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea.

The nominations process allows for feedback from the sector and the public on works that have positively influenced, inspired or contributed to cultural life in communities, or initiated new ones.

Executive chair of Arts Council Malta, Luke Dalli, said he hoped to have everyone “involved in the process” to increase the visibility of the diversity of artistic activities taking place in Malta.

“We believe artistic excellence comes in many forms and this edition will accurately represent the quality, diversity and creativity of the artistic production taking place in Malta,” he explained.

Council communications director and awards manager Maria Angela Vassallo said the fixed categories would be dropped as they would better align with the arts scene today.

Nominations can be made by a member of the public, artists, producers, promoters, cultural organisations, public entities and private organisations. Self-nominations are also welcome.

These guidelines and nomination form can be found on the website of the Arts Council Malta. The deadline for nominations is noon on September 1.