Whilst addressing a press conference on the 2021 Budget measures related to his Ministry, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera stated that this Budget confirms the government’s commitment to continue creating wealth and to offer a vision of a robust future for our country.
He reiterated that this budget has taken into account everyone’s needs, including artists and those working in the cultural and creative sectors.
“The government has not only maintained its investment in the areas of national heritage, the arts and local government, but has even increased its investment in all these sectors,” reiterated Minister Herrera.
Minister Herrera stated that this government is in fact addressing the needs related to national heritage. In this Budget, there has been an increase of around one million euros in capital and current votes of Heritage Malta, which will go directly to the restoration and improvement of the experience of our museums. He explained that the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has been given an increase in its allocation, which will go towards further tools and resources to preserve the heritage of our country. Additionally, the Directorate of Restoration will be given the necessary investment to continue with its projects. Works will also continue next year to complete the National Archives project.
Minister Herrera stated that €31.7m have been allocated to the funding programmes and initiatives of Arts Council Malta, as well as to its public cultural organisations; a 13% increase over the 2020 budget, whilst €3.5m were voted for cultural projects targeting Valletta as part of the Valletta Cultural Agency.
Minister Herrera explained that in this Budget there is a direct allocation of €1m for a new cultural aid fund in response to the impact of the pandemic on the cultural and creative sectors, as well as revisions in the Wage Supplement so that the most economically affected sectors are benefiting from this supplement. “We will continue to strongly support the cultural and creative industry to recover and move forward,” stated Minister Herrera.
“The 2021 Budget has once again shown how much local governments are valued by this government. The government has maintained its commitment to increase direct financing in local councils by €2.5m overall, which represents an increase of more than 5% over 2020. This will continue to help local governments to continue to grow and provide valuable work for our residents and communities,” stated Minister Herrera.
Minister Herrera explained that, in addition to the aid provided since the beginning of the pandemic, there will also be a special fund of €200,000, in order to continue helping to reduce potential risks where necessary, without reducing the levels of services provided by our councils.
The Minister continued that work is underway for the digitization of the local councils and regions and the strengthening of the regions, as well as on the cleanliness of our streets with an allocation of €5m.
