26 voluntary organisations involved in the field of pyrotechnics have benefitted from funding to the tune of EUR 170,000 to increase Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Factories. The fund, managed by Arts Council Malta, facilitates investment to further strengthen the infrastructure of these factories so that volunteers can work in an increasingly safer environment. Each eligible project is awarded up to €5,000.

“This fund, which was launched in 2018, has proven essential to continue strengthening our traditional cultural and creative sector,” stated the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici during the award ceremony.

“One also should note that these organisations, which work on a voluntary basis, are always coming up with innovative ways on how to intertwine our traditions with modern creations and through this fund, we are also ensuring that a safer environment is created for the pyrotechnicians who apply their skills in fireworks factories,” he said.

Fireworks factories are present in many towns and villages on the Maltese Islands and serve as a pinnacle for Maltese festas. Local fireworks culture dates back several decades and is considered as a local touristic cultural attraction, forming part of Maltese cultural heritage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director Funding and Strategy Mary Ann Cauchi made reference to Arts Council Malta’s Strategy2025 and its goals, including “to support and promote the conditions in which Malta’s cultural and creative sectors can flourish. Such funds support local communities and help them grow in a sustainable manner. Arts Council Malta also strives to advocate the promotion of access to cultural heritage.”

This fund supports benefitting voluntary organisations to invest in equipment and gear to improve safety, machinery, and tools to increase production safety, invest in health and safety education resources, invest in the infrastructure and restoration of fireworks factories and to support efforts in strengthening cooperation on a European level.

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