Addressing a press conference with the theme of Malta, Certainty and Stability (Malta, Ċertezza u Stabbiltà), Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that for next year’s budget, the government will be investing more than €60 million to strengthen the artistic and cultural sector of our country. 

There will be an emphasis on more projects which the families of Malta and Gozo can enjoy though new cultural spaces which highlight our national heritage. 

The Minister addressing the conference at the Valletta Design Cluster, which is a family-oriented regenerated building. He said that there will be more restorations pertaining to historical buildings across the islands. 

Among these projects, the balconies and the sculpture garden for the contemporary art space in the San Salvatur Floriana zone will be complete so that the public will have four acres of open space to utilise. 

This is but one of 25 other restoration projects planned for 2024, with a capital investment of €3.35 million. 

The projects also include the restoration of the Victoria Lines, the Jesuit Church in Valletta, works on the front of the Ġieżu Church front and the Lunzjata Chapel in Siġġiewi. 

The Minister also highlighted the restoration of the Grand Master’s Palace and the Guardamangia Villa. The Planning Authority have issued the necessary plans to allow the restorations of the latter. 

During the same press conference, the minister also kicked off the Culture Pass, through which local students can undergo a cultural and artistic experience whilst also pushing art professionals to create new works for a younger audience. 

The Minister highlighted how throughout the past five years, 171 productions were held and showcased to around 156,000 students. 

The Minister took the opportunity to salute all the workers of the Public Broadcasting Services in the wake of it’s 60th year of television broadcasting. He praised the workers and the ongoing work aimed at modernising the modus operandi of the station. Dr Bonnici said that, throughout next year, the cultural and creative platforms will be further strengthened. 

‘We have the mission of continuously improving the local cultural and creative industries onto an international scale’ said the Minister. 

‘For the first time in our country’ history, Malta will be participating in the London Design Biennale so as to act as an example of our cultural and creative forces.’

Bonnici also emphasised how the government will continue to recognise the voluntary work in musical societies and those tied with local feasts. The work in Valletta will also continue through the allocation of €3.6 million through events such as operas, environmental festivals and gastronomical festivals, artistic installations and other events which will attract all types of people. 

With the allocation of €5 million, a calendar of festivals will be produced, aiming at tackling all genres of art and thus place value on quality. ‘When one takes care of art and culture, one would be taking care of the soul of an entire country’ said the Minister. 

#MaltaDaily