37 voluntary organisations which contribute to traditional Maltese feasts will benefit from a another Arts Council Malta funding grant to the tune of €344,000 so that these join another 83 feast organisations which have already benefitted from an investment of €800,000 during this year.
This is thanks to the Artistic Heritage Scheme administered by Arts Council Malta, which is issued twice a year so that feast organisations can choose when to apply for funds according to when it is most suitable for their needs.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced that, as such, the total investment of this scheme for the year 2025 now exceeds €1.1 million.
The Artistic Heritage Scheme assists voluntary organisations—such as band clubs, musical societies, and fireworks factories—which are active in one of the three feast-related sectors: instrumental music; health and safety within fireworks factories; and the creation or restoration of semi-permanent feast decorations.
The scheme was set up so as to increase the long-term sustainability of these activities which form an essential part of Malta’s cultural heritage, and which are safeguarded as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Minister Owen Bonnici explained how Maltese feasts depend on a wide array of voluntary organisations which work on all that is needed, from decorations, to musical programmes, to fireworks displays. He added that these organisations fill our squares and streets with colours and the community spirit which characterises our cultural heritage.
“A lot of these groups work throughout the year to plan activities related to their locality’s feast, and thus they safeguard practices which have long been passed on from previous generations. The funding that is given through this call—which is split into two separate periods—reflects the different needs of these sectors and assists them in continuing to implement their contribution towards Malta’s cultural heritage. In this manner, we continue to align in a tangible manner with the principles set out in Vision Malta 2050, the country’s united vision for the future”, Dr Bonnici stated.
Arts Council Malta Director of Funds Rita Falzon insisted that the Artistic Heritage Scheme continues to confirm the sustained commitment for the maintenance and strengthening of Maltese artistic and cultural heritage, as built on the work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers. She explained that, through this scheme, cultural organisations are being given concrete assistance in order to continue preserving and developing their artistic practices sustainably.
The granted funding will address a wide range of needs in the sectors of instrumental music, semi-permanent decorations, and fireworks production. The project cover fields such as musical education, the modernisation of band clubs’ structures, and investments which strengthen the security and resilience of these organisations. Other projects cover improvements in training, technology, and work environments, as well as restoration work and initiatives which promote collaboration, professional development, and a more sustainable approach towards feast traditions.
The full list of the selected projects is available at: https://artscouncil.abcnow.xyz/en/funding-and-grants/artistic-heritage-scheme-3/.
