The Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government has definitively concluded the process of purchasing the headquarters of the Anici Socio-Musical Association of Qormi.
This property joins seven buildings occupied by other Musical Societies, i.e. the headquarters of the Marija Regina Marsa AD1977 Musical Society, the headquarters of the Stella Levantina Musical Association of Attard, the headquarters of the Circolo San Giuseppe Philharmonic Sacred Family of Kalkara, the seat of the Club Santa Liena Band Duke of Connaught’s Own of Birkirkara, the seat of the Antoine de Paule Music Society of Paola, the seat of the Stella Music Society Maris of Tas-Sliema and the seat of the San Pietru Music Association in the Chains of Birżebbuġa which now the Government is the owner of the main building from which these societies operate.
At the same time there are four seats of other Musical 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. He reiterated that the Government is aware of the significant benefits that arise from the contribution that Maltese festivals give to the country, and stressed that it is crucial that these Musical Societies continue to function and remain accessible to their respective communities.
Minister Bonnici 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 -Maltese Holiday as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The Executive Chairperson of the Maltese Council for the Arts, Albert Marshall said that through this process of purchase by the Government, the voluntary directors can now focus more than ever on their cultural mission at the core of the communities in which they live.
The seat of the society of the Anici Socio-Musical Association, Qormi was acquired with a total investment of €700,000.
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 eight mentioned properties and the amount to be released considering the four the other properties for which a final contract has yet to be made.
Photos: DOI, MHAL
