In a continued effort to preserve Malta’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has entered into promise-of-sale agreements with the owners of five additional premises utilised by musical societies. This move comes as these societies face an imminent risk of eviction due to the legal complexities surrounding pre-1995 leases. With this latest development, the total number of band clubs receiving assistance has risen to 11.
The primary objective of these promise-of-sale agreements is to facilitate the government’s acquisition of these properties, allowing them to serve as official premises for the band clubs under new fair rent terms to be paid to the government. These five properties will join a previously announced list of six premises, disclosed in March of this year.
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted the importance of this ongoing initiative, particularly in light of the Maltese festa’s recent inscription as Intangible Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO.
He emphasised that through these acquisitions, the government is ensuring just and fair treatment for both the property owners and the band clubs themselves. Upon acquisition, these properties will be incorporated into a portfolio managed by a dedicated section within Arts Council Malta, overseeing various band club premises.
These efforts align with the goals outlined in the ACM Strategy for 2025, focusing on investing in and promoting diverse artistic and cultural expressions while preserving Malta’s rich traditions. Dr Bonnici stated, “We are committed to protecting band clubs due to their profound cultural and social importance. We aim to enhance their contribution to fostering a more creative and inclusive society.”
Arts Council Executive Chairman Albert Marshall explained that one of the main goals of Arts Council Malta’s Strategy 2025 is to advocate for and provide for community-led opportunities to engage in arts and culture, and thanks to this initiative, the Council is instrumental in bringing about this ambitious and beneficial project for the protection of precious cultural practices.
The government’s investment in the final acquisition of these five properties amounts to €10,397,000. This amount is combined with the sum of €5.8 million, representing the acquisition of the six buildings announced earlier in March of this year.
The promise of sale agreements was formalised for the following properties:
– St. Mary Band Club of Mosta
– St. Peter in Chains Band Club of Birzebbuga
– 12th May of Żebbuġ Malta
– St. Andrew Society of Lija
– St. Helen Band Club (Duke of Connaught’s Own) of Birkirkara
Earlier this year, agreements were successfully reached with the owners of the following properties:
Maria Regina Band Club of Marsa
Stella Levantina Band Club of Attard
Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonica Sagra Famiglia of Kalkara
Anici Band Club of Qormi.
In the case of two properties, Stella Maris (Sliema) and Antoine de Paule Band Club (Paola), the process is complete and finalised.
