The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici launched the call for investment in cultural associations. This call, administered by the Maltese Council for the Arts, was launched for the second time with the aim of creating a partnership with local voluntary organizations that are active and focus on the cultural and creative sectors. This will be done over a period of three years.
In this program €300,000 is being invested every year, for a total of €900,000 over a period of three years. Through this investment over three years, the organizations can develop and grow, while delivering the objectives of the 2025 Strategy of the Maltese Council for the Arts.
“As a government, our aim is to contribute to art and culture through such programs and schemes that ensure continuous growth and more stability in the sector,” said Minister Bonnici during the launch. “The investment in cultural associations and the previous program saw almost €3 million from its beginning until now and it is thanks to initiatives like this that we can continue to support, work and strengthen in the sector”.
The program was introduced as the Cultural Partnership Agreement scheme in 2016 and was re-launched as Investment in Cultural Organizations for the Years 2020-2022, where 13 voluntary organizations benefited directly from this scheme, including Moveo, Fondazzjoni Gabriel Caruana, Salesian Theater and Kinemastik. There were three other organizations that were given support on the same level through an agreement between the Maltese Council for the Arts and the Cultural Agency for Valletta, so that the investment through this program is maximized.
The Director Funds and Strategy within the Maltese Council for the Arts, Mary Ann Cauchi, referred to the aspects of this program that directly address the strategic goal of the council for creative professionals and communities . “The program accentuates the investment and nurturing of different artistic and cultural expressions, the strengthening of international cultural relations and emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration as a contribution towards the sustainable development of our country. In addition, this helps strengthen the operation of the organization and continues to go hand in hand with our goals of the 2025 Strategy”.
Investment in Cultural Organizations – Malta has two branches, one for investment in organizational development and another for investment in festivals, programs and regular events.
More information and guidelines about this program can be found and downloaded from www.artscouncil.mt under the funds and opportunities section or by calling 23347230. The deadline for applications is on Tuesday 18 October 2022 at noon. Only voluntary organizations with a Maltese address and which are registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Associations can apply.
