The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, announced that seven restoration projects of heritage items in various churches will be funded through the Restoration Financing Scheme.
This scheme is managed by the Malta Arts Council in collaboration with the Department of Restoration and Preservation and was open to cultural and voluntary organizations. In total, these seven projects will receive financial support for the repair, restoration, and conservation of heritage items. This includes both internal and external cultural properties, such as altars, architectural decor, artworks, decorations, and other elements.
"Investments like these demonstrate the importance we place on our cultural and artistic legacy, in this case, the religious heritage. We are committed to continuing to support all those involved in traditional and creative activities. Through these schemes and initiatives, we are further strengthening our cultural infrastructure, in this case, the religious heritage, which is an important part of our collective heritage as the Maltese people," said Bonnici.
The seven projects that will benefit from this scheme are:
- Amateur Enthusiasts of the Lapsi Church, San Ġiljan - Introibo ad Altare Dei: Restoration and Conservation of the Altars in the Old Parish Church of San Ġiljan
- Foundation for the Cultural Heritage of the Archdiocese of Malta - Restoration of the Altar of the Chapel of St. Anne: Jesuit Church, Valletta
- Vittoriosa Historical and Cultural Society - Conservation and Restoration of the Painting of the Altar of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Siġġiewi Heritage Foundation - Restoration of the Painting of the Immaculate Madonna
- Dun Filippu Borgia Society - Restoration of the Clock in the Church of St. Paul, Birkirkara
- St. Andrew’s Musical Society, Luqa - Restoration of the Doors in the Facade of the Church
- Vittoriosa Cultural Heritage Foundation: Restoration of the Processional Statue Base of St. Lawrence
Additionally, Bonnici also announced the launch of a new scheme, the Mobile Artifacts Restoration Financing Scheme, administered by the Malta Arts Council in collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. This new scheme will support applicants who need to restore movable items in churches, such as paintings, textiles, statues, and banners, and is open to voluntary organizations in collaboration with Parish Churches. Applications will close on July 2, 2024.
The Head of Funding at the Malta Arts Council, Rita Falzon, said that through these schemes, the government is assisting in the maintenance and development of the country’s cultural heritage.
For more information and to download the guidelines and regulations for the Mobile Artifacts Restoration Financing Scheme, visit the Malta Arts Council's website at artscouncil.mt.