The Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has successfully completed the acquisition process for the premises of the Anici Socio-Musical Society in Qormi. These premises now form part of a collection of seven buildings also occupied by various other Musical Societies. These include the premises of the Marija Regina Musical Society Marsa A.D.1977, the Stella Levantina Musical Society in Attard, the Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonika Sagra Familja in Kalkara, the Santa Liena Band’s Każin Society Duke of Connaught’s Own in Birkirkara, the Antoine de Paule Musical Society in Żejtun, the Stella Maris Musical Society in Sliema, and the headquarters of the San Pietru fil-Ktajjen Musical Society in Birżebbuġa. These properties, now under government ownership, serve as the main operating venues for these societies.
Additionally, the Ministry, through the Maltese Arts Council, is currently negotiating with the private owners of four premises belonging to other Musical Societies. These twelve societies were at significant risk of eviction due to legal issues concerning pre-1995 rent laws.
Minister Owen Bonnici highlighted the Government’s proactive efforts to preserve these musical societies, which play a vital role in Maltese cultural festivities in each community. He stressed the substantial benefits that Maltese feasts bring to the country and emphasized the importance of these Musical Societies continuing to operate and remain accessible to their respective communities.
Minister Bonnici reaffirmed the Government’s decision to intervene and purchase the clubs at imminent risk of eviction, considering it a crucial step in enhancing the cultural sector, especially after UNESCO’s recent recognition of the Maltese Feast as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Albert Marshall, Executive Chairperson of the Maltese Arts Council, expressed that through this government purchasing process, volunteer leaders can now focus more on their cultural mission at the heart of the communities they serve.
The premises of the Anici Socio-Musical Society in Qormi were acquired with a total investment of €700,000.
Overall, the Government expects to invest a total of €19 million, including the amount already invested in acquiring the eight properties mentioned and the funds to be disbursed once the final contracts for the remaining four properties are finalized.
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