Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici today presided over the presentation of €180,000 in funds to 21 band clubs. This was the result of an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government through a competitive process administered by Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Association of Maltese Bands. By means of this competitive process, 21 band clubs were ultimately chosen.
Minister Bonnici explained how band clubs are voluntary organisations that play an important role in our communities, both through teaching music as well as through the added value which they provide to our villages and communities. It is for this reason that the need to provide funding for artistic projects arose.
Minister Bonnici explained how this financial aid will result in positive developments in musical societies that vary from restoration of décor, paintings, and music as well as improving the level of musical education. All this has the aim of allowing band clubs to further contribute towards culture and cultural heritage in Malta.
The societies that will benefit from this scheme are: Banda l-Unjoni, Luqa; Banda Santa Katerina, Żurrieq; Banda La Vittorja, Mellieħa; Banda Re Ġorġ V, Mqabba; Banda Peace, Naxxar; Każin San Gabriel, Balzan; Żejtun Band Club, Żejtun; Sant’Elena Band Club, Birkirkara; Banda San Ġużepp, Għaxaq; Banda Sant’Anna, Marsaskala; Banda Stella Maris, Sliema; Banda Birżebbuġa, Birżebbuġa; Banda Madonna tal-Ġilju, Mqabba; Banda Sta Marija, Għaxaq; La Stella Victoria, Għawdex; Banda San Leonardo, Kirkop; Banda San Lawrenz, Birgu; Għaqda Mużikali L’Isle Adam, Rabat; Banda Victory, Naxxar; and Banda Sta Maria, Żebbuġ, Għawdex.