Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Dr. Owen Bonnici, Arts Council Malta and the Restoration and Preservation Department have announced the list of projects which have received funding under the Restoration Funding Scheme whereby 14 projects will receive a total of €190,000 in investment as financial support for the restoration and conservation of immovable cultural heritage.
The fund was open to cultural and voluntary organisations requiring support in the conservation of internal or external cultural property within parish churches, such as altars, doorways, architectural décor, gold-plating, as well as paintings and decorative surfaces.
Minister Dr. Owen Bonnici stated, “Investments such as the Restoration Funding Scheme are testament to the importance we give to our cultural and artistic heritage. Our commitment to supporting those involved in traditional activities and creative practices formed part of our electoral promise. We are here today holding true to our promise through the provision of substantial investment.”
“Through these schemes and initiatives, we continue to strengthen our cultural infrastructure through a more robust mechanism that supports the dynamic development of all the cultural and traditional elements that characterise the Maltese,” concluded Dr. Bonnici.
Arts Council Malta’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Luke Dalli said, “These projects are testament of our artistic heritage’s richness and variety. From baroque works of art to more contemporary architectural expressions, these projects also remind us of the important role that local communities and voluntary organisations carry out in protecting this heritage. This initiative reflects Arts Council Malta’s continuous commitment to protecting and preserving cultural heritage that forms such an essential part of our Maltese identity. ”
Arts Council Malta’s Director of Funds, Rita Falzon said, “This scheme was purposefully created to address the real needs identified within the sector, especially where conservation work requires a specialised knowledge and long-term maintenance planning.”
For more information and to see all the projects that received funding, please visit Arts Council Malta’s website at www.artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.
