The Gozo Actrion Group Foundation have made guidance notes availabe for the submission of applications for funding Measure 413.3 under the heading ‘Quality of Life: Craft Sector Support.’
This measure falls under the PROJECT category under Priority Axis 4 of Malta’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007 – 2013, and is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and falls under the responsibility of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA).
The total budget allocation under this call is capped at € 80, 000, out of which 80% will be financed through public funds – whereas the 20% has to be financed by the applicant.
The eligibility start date of Measure 413.3 is the date of launch, which is today, Monday, the 9th of January 2012, the Gozo Action Group Foundation will accept applications under this Measure as from 16th of January 2012 and the deadline for submission of applications is noon, Friday 17th of February 2012.
Applications have a fee of €50 and can be obtained from the same foundation’s office situated at ‘2’ ‘Il-Mall’ Triq Gorgio Borg Olivier Street, Victoria Gozo.
Contact details are as follows: Gozo LAG – Telephone: 21566216 – E-mail: manager@leadergozo.eu [1] Katya Scicluna Manager Gozo Action Group Foundation
Measure 413 : Quality of life – Action Crafts
Rural areas contribute to the cultural and natural diversity of the Maltese Islands, and offer a unique landscape that is much sought after by both locals and foreign tourists. This is even more so in a country where as a result of the high population density and limited land space, rural areas offer a means of escape and tranquility compared to the stresses and chaotic environment associated with urban centres. Rural villages possess a wealth of cultural and archaeological heritage that gives them a distinct character to the urban and more modern environment. Rural areas are in fact becoming increasingly popular as a residential destination; however, the employment base of the vast majority of residents of rural localities is still within the urban areas. Therefore, economic activities that maximize the potential of the rural heritage and that capitalize on this heritage for economic purposes are few, if any. The major issue is therefore not one of a risk of depopulation of the rural areas, but rather of the absence or limited economic activities in these areas, both in terms of number and variety.
Gozo’s unique traditions contribute to its distinctiveness and the strategy identifies the need to preserve and enhance Gozo’s unique character.
The role of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds is considered to be of the utmost importance in the Gozo Local Development Strategy. Of particular importance, as identified in the context of the development of the Strategy, are those sectors that are based on human skills, such as the Crafts.
Scope and Objectives of this Measure
The scope of this Measure 413 – Action 413.3 – Craft Sector Support will provide assistance to the craft sector in Gozo. This includes assistance for innovation and marketing projects from craft makers or group of crafts makers and businesses that are active in the field.
Support shall be applicable to actions that encourage the improvement of crafts in Gozo , making the region more attractive. Thanks to the action, localities and surrounding areas will be enhanced through these kinds of initiatives, which in return shall create an increased awareness of local rural resources and the need for their conservation, for future generations and for an improvement in the quality of life for all. Thus this action will generate further tourism demand in Gozo, especially in shoulder months by providing adequate promotion to initiatives that will serve as an attraction to Gozo.
In the last few years Gozo has developed a number of initiatives based on the revalorization of local intangible heritage such as folk activities, traditions, local food and much more , especially in shoulder months.
All of these events are aimed at stimulating tourism demand on the island and thus address sustainability of tourism sector.
This action – 413.3 – will support measures to promote and enhance product distinctiveness for Gozitan traditional hand made products and activities.
The craft sector is vulnerable to competition from imported products. Production of local crafts requires specific skills and due to the nature of the sector it is often not efficient. This action seeks to improve the competitiveness of this sector by funding initiatives such as innovative production ideas, training in human skills, and marketing.
The Malta Crafts Council Act XXI of 2000 defines Craft as an art, skill, or trade practiced by a person or persons in the manufacture of artifacts and other products generally reflecting the traditions and heritage of the Maltese Islands and generally requiring in its manufacturing a greater input of human skill than of machinery.
In fact, the Schedule annexed to L.N. 158 of the Maltese Craft (Constitution) Order, (2001) lists 46 different categories of arts, skills, trades and industries which are considered as Maltese crafts.
However, it is important to note that for this action agricultural products are not eligible since the GAGF has its own action for such products.
In order to be eligible for support under Measure 413.3, applicants must demonstrate how the proposed project will improve the quality of their products and/or reduce costs of production and/or enhance marketing efforts and training as well as if it will have a positive impact on rurality as it will enhance the rural characteristics of Gozo, in particular its tangible heritage, as an attractor for specific tourism niches.
Type of beneficiaries
The beneficiaries eligible for funding under Measure 413.3 are individual craft makers / groups /businesses, recommended by a craft body, organisations and associations which must all be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Full details of Measure 413.3, can be downloaded here [2].