The applicant should be the legal representative of the organisation. Please make sure that you provide the Voluntary Organisation number of your organisation, and that you identify the person/group of people leading the project, as applicable.
The Voluntary Organisation must be based in Malta or Gozo and operating in the Maltese islands. Applicants must qualify as one of the following:

• Cultural organisations, in localities around Malta and Gozo, enrolled as Voluntary Organisations – including, but not limited to, band clubs, associations, and foundations.
• Enrolled Voluntary Organisations promoting and preserving cultural heritage (whether tangible or intangible) in a locality or region in Malta and Gozo.

Click here to download guidelines and regulations applicable for the scheme.

Click here to download the template of the application form (this template is only for information purposes, applications need to be submitted through the system)

Application Deadline: 28th January 2025

Ranking Order

Beneficiary: Assoċjazzjoni Rotunda

Reference number: RFS38-25-5052

Project Title:  Conservation and Restoration of 18th century Gilt and Polychromed Baptisimal Font (Battisteru)

Amount awarded: € 14,998

The conservation and restoration of this 18th century Battisteru previously pertaining to the old Xewkija Parish Church and currently located in a prominent place in the Rotunda Parish Church, will help restore this artefact, which is in a poor overall condition, to its former glory and grandeur highlighting its ornate Baroque style together with its artistic and religious significance.

The intricate craftsmanship reflects the skill of artisans who sought to blend religious significance with artistic beauty, transforming functional objects into works of art. The proposed restoration and conservation interventions aim to reinforce the Baptismal Font’s structural stability, ensuring structural preservation. Furthermore, holistic methodologies used will aid in recovering as much as possible of the original and in improving its aesthetic value. Also, as part of the Xewkija Rotunda Parish Church, a structure of immense architectural significance in itself, this font is emblematic of the Knights of St. John’s era, when religion and art flourished. The Restoration Funding Scheme grant will help to restore and preserve this cherished piece of the parish’s identity for the present day community and future generations.

Beneficiary: Soċjeta’ Mużikali Santa Katarina V.M. Żurrieq

Reference number: RFS12-25-4993

Project Title:  Restawr ta opra fil-Knisja Arċipretali ta’ Santa Katarina V.M

Amount awarded: € 15,000

The goal of this project is to restore the artwork “The Mystic Marriage of St.Catherine”, a painting created by Francesco Zahra and found in the Parish Church of St.Catherine in Żurrieq, to its original condition while preserving its historical and artistic integrity. The painting is in a dire need of conservation, the artist’s palette is greatly muted and concealed by thick layers of grime and foreign deposits, throughout the years the painting has suffered from deformations and markings in the canvas support, and this restoration will ensure that it can be preserved for future generations to appreciate. The successful restoration of this painting will result in a piece that retains its artistic value while correcting any physical damage, allowing for its continued display and preservation in optimal condition. The restoration process will be carried out by Amy Sciberras Conservators Centre Ltd, a team of experienced conservators ensuring the highest standards of preservation. This project would not have been possible without the support of Arts Council Malta, their commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage has made this vital restoration a reality, and we are deeply grateful for their contribution to this important work.

Beneficiary: Konfraternita ta’ l-Immakulata Beata’ Verġni taħt it-Titlu ta’ Lourdes

Reference number: RFS15-25-5001

Project Title:  Restawr u Konservazzjoni tal-Altar ta’ l-Agunija u l-Madonna ta` Lourdes fil-Knisja Parrokkjali tal-Qrendi: Proġett ta’ Valur Storiku u Spiritwali

Amount awarded: € 14,950

This project centres on the restoration and conservation of the altar dedicated to The Agony and Our Lady of Lourdes, located within the Parish Church of Qrendi. As one of nine altars of unique historical and spiritual significance in the church, this intervention seeks to preserve its original features while safeguarding its structural, religious, and aesthetic integrity. The conservation process will involve thorough cleaning using non-ionic detergents, followed by compatibility tests to ensure the safety of materials. Loose marble fragments will be carefully reattached using conservation-grade adhesives, and cracks or unstable sections will undergo pre-consolidation to enhance stability. Advanced cleaning techniques, both mechanical and chemical, will address discoloration and ingrained stains on the marble surfaces. Open mortar joints will be filled with fine conservation-grade mortar, while missing or damaged sections of marble will be meticulously restored by an expert marmista (stone mason). In the final phase, a protective coating will be applied to safeguard the marble against future deterioration, with minor chromatic integrations performed to minimize the visual impact of restoration work. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Restoration Funding Scheme 2025, which supports the preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage. By conserving this altar, the project not only upholds its artistic and historical value but also enhances its accessibility and spiritual significance for the community. This restoration ensures the altar remains a lasting testament to Malta’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Beneficiary: Association of St. Mary of Jesus, Valletta

Reference number: RFS21-25-5019

Project Title:  Conservation and Restoration of the Sacristy Painted Ceiling at St. Mary of Jesus Church (Ta’ Giezu), Valletta

Amount awarded: € 15,000

This project comprises in the conservation and restoration the wooden vaulted ceiling of our Church Sacristy. Restoring the painted ceiling vault will not only preserve an essential part of Malta’s artistic heritage but will also enhance the sacristy’s significance as a key area within the church. This project aligns with the importance of safeguarding spaces that inspire devotion and reflect the church’s rich historical and spiritual legacy, ensuring they remain accessible and meaningful for future generations. The restoration will allow visitors, drawn by the Miraculous Crucifix, to fully appreciate the beauty and sacredness of the sacristy, further enriching their experience of this cherished church.

Beneficiary: Żabbar Parish Church

Reference number: RFS37-25-5051

Project Title:  Restoration of the altar painting of Saint Francis of Assisi by Francesco Zahra

Amount awarded: € 14,514

This project will entail the restoration of the altar painting by Francesco Zahra depicting Saint Francis of Assisi.

Beneficiary: Ħbieb tat Tempju Sant Elena

Reference number: RFS10-25-4989

Project Title:  Bell restoration

Amount awarded: € 15,000

The project involves the full documentation, conservation and restoration of the historic bronze bell known as L-Ghawdxija at the St. Helen Parish church. This bell is very important since it was built in 1776 by Gioacchino Trigancce which were the founders of the Knights of Malta and was paid for by Vincenzo Borg Brared (please refer to the historical part). The latter is better known for his role in the uprising against the French occupation. Due to its current bad state urgent structural and metallurgical works are needed that will be addressed through an engineering company and which works will be fully co-ordinated by a warranted conservator.