Performing arts school Centrestage Malta said its name was included in a petition demanding the resignation of Culture Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea without the company’s consent.

“We would like to clarify that our company's name Centrestage Malta signed in petition as Centrestage by an unauthorized, anonymous individual was included among the signatories without our knowledge, consent or authorisation,” it said.

“We wish to make it clear that we did not sign the declaration, nor did we give permission for our company's name to be used in connection with it.”

The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) presented its petition, with some 3,400 signatures, calling for Dr Agius Galea’s resignation to Prime Minister Robert Abela yesterday.

Centrestage’s name was initially included as one of the signatories but its name was subsequently removed following clarification with the MEIA.

The MEIA is calling for the resignation of Dr Agius Galea following his recent comments about the arts industry, which it said led to an “unprecedented loss of confidence within the sector”.

Dr Agius Galea said his wording could have been better but that he will assume responsibility by working harder for the sector.