Three funding schemes amounting to €500,000 have been launched which are specifically aimed for Maltese feasts.

The three funding schemes – namely the Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Factories Fund, the Artistic Financing for Feast Associations Scheme, and the Fund to Strengthen Cultural Work done by Band Clubs – are managed by Arts Council Malta, with the latter being co-managed with the Ghaqda Nazzjonali Kazini tal-Banda.

“Such initiatives form an essential part in the strengthening of our local traditions, as we keep on improving accessibility within the sector,” stated Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and the Local Government Owen Bonnici during the launch.

“In this way we are building on our past and investing towards the future of these traditions. We are ensuring that we highlight and substantiate the important role band clubs, fireworks factories and feast associations have in our communities,” said Minister Bonnici.

Executive Chair for Arts Council Malta Albert Marshall stressed that, “The vision of Arts Council Malta’s Strategy is to have art at the heart of our country’s future whilst continuing to invest and foster diverse artistic and cultural expression to continue to strengthen our country’s creative and cultural ecology.”

The Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Factories Fund facilitates investment to further strengthen the infrastructure of these factories so that volunteers can work in an increasingly safer environment.

The allocation for this year is €170,000 and each eligible project can be awarded up to €5,000. This call is currently open, with a deadline on the 21st of March, at noon.

The Fund to Strengthen Cultural Work done by Band Clubs is managed in collaboration with the Ghaqda Nazzjonali Kazini tal-Banda.

The allocation for this year is €160,000 and each eligible project under Category A can be awarded up to €6,750 and each eligible project under Category B can be awarded up to €10,800.

This fund aims to support various initiatives proposed by the band clubs, especially since they have a very vital role in our communities and also serve as one of the main points of entry for engagement with the arts.

The Artistic Financing for Feast Associations Scheme recognises the importance of Maltese feast decoration associations, cultural associations and social associations which work voluntarily in fostering, protecting, and strengthening cultural traditions in our country.

The allocation for this year is €140,000 and each eligible project can be awarded up to €10,000

For more information on Arts Council Malta’s funding schemes, please click here.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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