?37 voluntary organisations that contribute to Maltese feast traditions will benefit from a grant of additional funds from the Arts Council Malta in the amount of €344,000, joining the 83 other festival organisations that have already benefited from an investment of €800,000 this year, the Government said in a statement..

It was explained that this has been possible through the Artistic Heritage Scheme administered by the Arts Council Malta, which is issued in two periods during the year so that festival organisations can choose when to apply for the funds according to the best needs of the organisations themselves.

Minister for Culture, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced that the total investment of this scheme for 2025 will exceed €1.1 million.

The Artistic Heritage Scheme provides support to voluntary organisations – such as band clubs, musical societies and fireworks factories – that are active in one of three areas related to the fiesta: instrumental music; health and safety within fireworks factories; and the creation or restoration of semi-permanent fiesta decorations.

The Minister said that the scheme has been designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of these activities, which form an essential part of Malta’s cultural heritage and are protected as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Minister Owen Bonnici explained how Maltese village feasts depend on a wide network of voluntary organisations that work on everything from decorations to musical programmes and fireworks displays. He added that these fill the squares and streets with the colours and community spirit that characterise our cultural heritage.

“Many of these groups work year-round to plan activities linked to their local feast, thus safeguarding practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. The funding provided through this call – which is divided into two periods – reflects the different needs of these sectors and helps them to continue to make their contribution to Malta’s cultural heritage. In this way, we continue to align in a tangible way with the principles embraced by Vision Malta 2050, the country’s unified strategy for the future,” said Dr Bonnici.

Rita Falzon, Director of Funds for the Arts Council Malta stressed that the Artistic Heritage Scheme “confirms the commitment to maintaining and strengthening Malta’s artistic and cultural heritage, built on the work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers.”

She explained that through this scheme, cultural organisations are being given concrete support to continue to preserve and develop their artistic practices in a sustainable manner.

The funding provided will address a wide range of needs in the field of instrumental music, semi-permanent staging, and fireworks production. The projects cover areas such as music education, the modernisation of band club structures, and investments that strengthen the safety and resilience of these organisations.

Other projects cover improvements in training, technology and the working environment, as well as restoration work and initiatives that promote collaboration, professional development and a more sustainable approach to the traditions of the festival.

The full list of selected projects is available by clicking here.

Photo: DOI/Daniel Scicluna

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