As part of the €7 million investment in the creative and culture sectors for 2022 by Arts Council Malta, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera and Arts Council Malta (ACM) Director Funding and Strategy Mary-Ann Cauchi unveiled the details about the Culture Heritage schemes which include 3 specific calls aimed at supporting local traditional culture.

The 3 schemes are the Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Factories, Artistic Financing for Feast Associations and the Support for Local Band Clubs. These 3 calls are intrinsically tied to the Government’s commitment towards the support of traditional culture in its various forms. Past beneficiaries of these calls have all showed great commitment towards the preservation of traditional arts within their respective communities whilst fostering a sense of national identity through culture.

During the press conference, for which a number of past beneficiaries where present, Minister José Herrera emphasised on the need to continue supporting and safe-guarding local traditions, not as a means of just preserving history but as evolving ecosystem which fosters talent on a local and national level. “The work done by countless volunteers who dedicate their life towards traditional elements of our culture, especially those that surround the Festa Maltija deserve the full support of our government”, said Minister Herrera. “Their commitment is the backbone of a wider culture ecosystem which has and still is producing artists of talent, notwithstanding the positive psychological effect local traditional celebrations bring to our communities”, continued Minister Herrera. 

Arts Council Malta (ACM) Director Funding and Strategy Mary-Ann Cauchi outlined the investment allocated for these calls and the guiding principles through which funding is granted. “Arts Council Malta is truly commitment towards assisting the whole spectrum of our creative and cultural sectors. The guiding principle behind these calls is that everyone should have an equal opportunity at experiencing arts and culture, hence why throughout the year we sought to strengthen investment in traditional arts and culture too”, said Cauchi.

In 2022, the total funding allocated towards the Cultural Heritage Strand is close to half a million euro. Three separate calls will open during the coming months. The first call focusing on Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Factories is now open. The second call focusing on Artistic Financing for Feast Associations opens on 21 June. The third scheme will open during the fourth quarter of this year. The call for applications for each scheme opens online for around 6 weeks, each with its own distinctive deadline.

Further details about these calls and specific guidelines can be found on artscouncil.mt or by getting in touch with Arts Council Malta on 2334 7230, on weekdays, between 09:00 and 16:00, or via email on [email protected].