One of the largest projects currently in the pipeline for Festivals Malta is the development of the Arts and Culture Hub in Marsa, a landmark investment aimed at strengthening Malta’s cultural infrastructure through a dedicated space that blends heritage, creativity, education, and innovation.

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The Arts and Culture Hub will house the Carnival Workshops, the Music Rehearsal Spaces Hub (previously known as the Rock Hub) and a Dance Hub. The Carnival zone will feature a reception and orientation centre, a museum dedicated to Carnival’s heritage, workshop spaces focusing on health and safety, float building, and costume design, as well as a parade ground  that can host Carnival activities, installations, and exhibitions. A recreational area will also welcome visitors and participants alike.

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The Carnival zone will serve as a home for Carnival artists and participants, offering spaces to develop and showcase their creative work, while also providing an engaging educational experience for students, families, professionals, and other visitors.

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The space will also include the Music Rehearsal Spaces Hub, a modern facility for musicians and performers. It will feature rehearsal spaces, an indoor theatre with a standing capacity of 400 for live shows and showcases, and workshop and recording rooms where local artists can hone their talents. The site will also accommodate Festivals Malta’s new offices and meeting spaces, creating a central hub for all of the agency’s operations.

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The Hub will also include three Dance studios coupled with ample performance spaces for dancers to showcase their works. 

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The Hub’s vision is built on six core principles that define the experience it offers to the community. Hosting museum and exhibition spaces that celebrate Carnival’s artistic heritage;

Celebrating cultural festivities and performances on the parade ground; Sharing knowledge through interactive workshops and educational initiatives; Highlighting both emerging and veteran artists through open-air showcases; Partnering with local and European cultural networks through collaborative projects; and regenerating the cultural landscape of the Southern Harbour area in Marsa.

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Through these six aspects, the Arts and Culture Hub will create a vibrant ecosystem of creativity, where Festivals Malta can continue to foster artistic excellence and preserve cultural heritage in new and dynamic ways.

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The purpose behind the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub is to establish a professionally managed, community-oriented space that benefits not only artists but also the broader public, who will be able to immerse themselves in Malta’s rich Carnival traditions. Beyond its cultural and educational value, the project will contribute to Malta’s thriving tourism industry while supporting skill development, lifelong learning, and heritage preservation.

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A symbol of cultural regeneration in its own right, the Marsa Arts and Culture Hub will bridge tradition and innovation, serving as a national centre for creativity and expression; a place where Malta’s artistic spirit can continue to evolve, inspire, and bring people together all year round.