The Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government concluded the purchase of the seat of the Marija Regina Marsa AD1977 Musical Society. It joins five other Musical Societies, that is the headquarters of the Stella Levantina Musical Association of H’Attard, the headquarters of the Circolo San Giuseppe Sacred Family Philharmonic of Kalkara, the headquarters of the Santa Liena Banda Society Duke of Connaught’s Own of Birkirkara and the headquarters of the Antoine de Paule Musical Society of Paola and the headquarters of the Stella Maris Musical Society of Tas-Sliema, which the Government now owns. principal of the Society.
At the same time there are six seats of other Music Societies that the Ministry, through the Maltese Council for the Arts, is in an agreement with their private owners. These twelve Societies were at serious risk of eviction due to the legal situation linked to the pre-1995 rent laws.
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici explained how the Government took the initiative to save these musical societies which are the foundations of the Maltese festival in every community. While he emphasized the Government’s belief in the significant benefits that come from supporting Maltese festivals, he stressed that it is crucial that these Music Societies continue to function and remain accessible to their respective communities.
The Minister interpreted the Government’s decision to intervene to buy the clubs that were at imminent risk of eviction as an important one for strengthening the cultural sector, especially considering the recent recognition by UNESCO of the Maltese Festival as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The seat of the Marija Regina Marsa Music Society AD1977 was acquired with a total investment of €250,000. In total the Government is expected to invest a total of €19 million considering the amount that has already been invested in the acquisition of the six properties mentioned and the amount that must be released considering the six properties the other for which a final contract has yet to be made.
Director for Corporate Affairs of the Maltese Council for the Arts Eric Fenech Sevasta stated, “This investment is one of a series of investments made to ensure that the Maltese identity and traditions remain alive and continue to be given life in our communities.”
