A 45% increase in investment through a financing scheme specifically aimed at Maltese festivals
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici launched the Artistic Heritage Scheme which provides financial support of €700,000 to three aspects of the Maltese festival: the band clubs, the firerooms, and parties’ associations. This funding scheme will be managed by the Maltese Council for the Arts and the funding for this year has increased by 45% compared to previous years.
Minister Bonnici explained that this initiative is inspired by the Government’s willingness to continue to strengthen and invest in the Maltese and Gozitan festivals that are so sought after by the public and the tourists who visit us. He said that the way this year’s scheme was structured, will make it possible for every festival in every locality in Malta and Gozo to be given financial aid and thus spread as much as possible financial support that this scheme must deliver.
“Through this new and strengthened investment we are making sure that all the band clubs, all the firehouses that work on a voluntary basis, and all the associations of setting up parties all receive aids that give them courage to continue to evolve and contribute to the unique Maltese identity in our communities,” stressed Minister Bonnici.
He reminded that the Maltese festival is now also an intangible world heritage according to UNESCO and this puts more burden on the authorities to ensure that this beautiful heritage continues to move forward.
The Director for Funds and Strategy for the Maltese Council for the Arts Mary Ann Cauchi stated that the 2025 Strategy that moves this sector forward places all artists and professionals, including those who work in ‘traditional or local environment, at the heart of its efforts.
“We want to strengthen the diverse social and cultural fabric that we have and we want to promote participation in the communities, even when it comes to traditional roots and local identities,” said Cauchi and explained that the initiative that is being launched today has a role essential in this work.
The Head of Funding for the Maltese Council for the Arts Rita Falzon stated that the three areas of funding support a diversity of artistic and cultural expression that covers an endless number of disciplines and traditions. At the same time, said Falzon, with such measures they are incentivizing more professionalization within the sector.
The projects that get the funds can recover 100% of the eligible costs, with the band clubs entitled up to a maximum of €8,000 per project, while the firerooms and associations of the scaffolding -parties can request up to €5,000 in funds.
Among the eligible projects for band clubs are those that invest, among others, in music training and education, restoration, investment in technological installations and collaborations with band clubs. other bands, among others. Projects from the associations of festive decorations can include, among others, any object related to the design and manufacture of festive decorations such as statues, as well as educational initiatives and socio-cultural events. Firehouses can obtain investment, among others, in safety equipment and machinery, educational resources, infrastructure, restoration works, and collaborations with other local and European firehouses.
The three areas of funding will be open twice during 2024, with the first deadline being 2 April 2024, while the second one will be 8 October 2024.
For more information visit https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt/pages/funds-opportunities/schemes-2024/l-schema-ghall-wirt-artistiku/ .
