The Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, through Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Malta Band Clubs Association has launched a new fund for the purchase of musical instruments by local band clubs.
"The fund will further strengthen the work done by local musical societies, to promote music amongst our communities and aid them with the acquiring and education of instruments. This is yet another electoral promise fulfilled," said Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici during the fund launch. Owen Bonnici referred to the ongoing activities these musical societies hold to keep culture and traditions alive.
"Such initiatives by musical societies make the art and culture sector accessible to everyone and provide a perfect gateway to new musicians to explore their talents. Therefore, it is essential that we further strengthen musical education within our communities" he continued.
This fund sees to the co-financing of an instrument which is to be bought for the use of a musician/s registered with the applying society. The fund may cover up to 85% of the total project cost, and the project proposal must include a detailed and realistic educational programme, including the name and experience of the tutor with the projected learning outcomes. The list of eligible instruments under this scheme is the piccolo, oboe, cor anglais, bass clarinet, bassoon, baritone saxophone, E-flat trumpet, flugelhorn, bass trombone and the double bass.
The registered musician/s must have at least 2 years of playing experience in the same family of the musical instrument being proposed for co-financing and/or 3 years if opting for a different family of the instrument. The musician shall be expected to appear in front of a panel and audition to determine their good level of competency. The proposed project needs to have innovative, professional and creative traits when it comes to the teaching and implementation of it. The application is to also take into consideration the long-term sustainability of the project, including the scope and benefits.
Proposals are to be submitted on the www.vofunding.org.mt portal by the 3rd of December at noon. Any applications after this deadline will not be accepted by the system.