The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici, Arts Council Malta, and the Department of Restoration and Preservation have announced the list of projects awarded funding under the Restoration Financing Scheme. Through this initiative, 14 projects will receive a total investment of €190,000 in financial support for the restoration and conservation of immovable cultural heritage.
The fund was open to cultural and voluntary organisations requiring support for the conservation of internal or external cultural property within parish churches, including items such as altars, apertures, architectural decor, gilding, paintings, or decorative surfaces.
"Investments like the Restoration Financing Scheme are a testament to the importance we place on our cultural and artistic heritage. Our commitment to supporting those involved in traditional activities and creative practices was part of our electoral promise. Today, we are continuing to fulfill this promise with a substantial investment," Minister Owen Bonnici said.
"Through these schemes and initiatives, we are further strengthening our cultural infrastructure with a more robust mechanism that safeguards the dynamic development of all cultural and traditional elements that identify the Maltese people," Bonnici concluded.
"These projects demonstrate how rich and varied our artistic heritage is," Executive Chairperson of Arts Council Malta, Luke Dalli, said. "From Baroque masterpieces to more contemporary architectural expressions, they also remind us of the vital role local communities and voluntary organizations play in protecting this heritage. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Arts Council Malta to safeguard and preserve the cultural heritage that forms an essential part of our identity as a people."
Rita Falzon, Head of Funds at the Council, added, "This scheme was specifically designed to address real needs identified within the sector, particularly where conservation work requires specialized expertise and long-term maintenance planning."