NBC Welcomes Its New Team Members

The National Book Council (NBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its team: Celine Portelli and Ivania Attard, who will both serve as Managers. Both appointments form part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its operations and expand its capacity to deliver cultural and literary initiatives of national importance.

Both Portelli and Attard will officially join the NBC staff complement from 3 November 2025. They will be overseeing high-profile projects and events, contributing to the National Book Council’s 2025–2030 strategy, and ensuring the effective implementation of its programmes and initiatives, the Malta Book Festival and the National Book Prize being chief among them. 

Portelli is a Malta-based art historian and creative professional, whose work experience includes roles in both public procurement and cultural project management, including coordination of international projects such as Malta’s participation at the Venice Biennale in 2024. She has also contributed to strengthening Malta’s cultural presence abroad through collaborations with EUNIC – the European Union National Institutes for Culture – and assisted the coordination and implementation of projects across various clusters including London, Vienna, Berlin, Ankara, Doha, and Cairo.

Ivania Attard recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Malta, having previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in the same field alongside Psychology. Throughout the years, Attard has gained varied professional experience across roles that combine communication, organisation, and public service,  including positions in administrative assistance, client relations, and coordination within both public and private institutions.  

National Book Council Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri welcomed both new appointments, stating that “the addition of Celine and Ivania marks an important step in ensuring the Council remains dynamic, efficient, and forward-looking in its mission to promote Maltese literature and support the local book industry”.

Camilleri also expressed appreciation for outgoing manager Jasmine Bajada, who stepped down from her post last September after two years in her role. “Jasmine was a diligent and pro-active part of our team, applying her rich knowledge of literary culture to the necessary practical work required from the Council, playing a crucial part in the smooth implementation of our projects and operations. We wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavours,” Camilleri said.

Portelli and Attard will be joining the NBC team during a crucial period of the year, as the Council is just days away from the opening of this year’s edition of the Malta Book Festival.