Seven restoration projects will be financed by the Arts Council Malta through a €90,000 scheme
Seven restoration projects on niches, paintings and organs will be financed by the Arts Council Malta through a €90,000 scheme.
Among the seven projects, there is a niche of Santa Maria that dates back to the 19th century in the parish church of Qrendi, a painting by the popular Baroque artist Francesco Zahra in the parish church of Tarxien, and an organ.
The scheme is the Restoration Financing Scheme, which has been running for three years.
This scheme is being carried out in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate and provides financial assistance for the restoration and conservation of internal and external cultural property items that have existed for at least 50 years or more.
Bonnici praised the initiative and said that it is an important step to address a niche in the cultural sphere.
“It is important to continue to conserve the remains of our past, and through a scheme like this we can continue to preserve the rich history of our country to serve as a platform for the future. This scheme is also a perfect example of all the work the government is doing to continue to strengthen the cultural and creative sector in all its areas,” said Bonnici.
“One of the objectives for the 2025 Strategy of the Maltese Council for the Arts is to ‘invest in and increase diverse artistic and cultural expression.’ Not only are we addressing this goal through this scheme, but we are also safeguarding the promotion and protection of access to historical heritage,” said the director for the Malta Arts Councils Mary Ann Cauchy.
The Director of restoration Norbert Gatt said that this scheme is another method where the Directorate, with the support of the Maltese Arts Council, can help the Maltese heritage sector.
He said that this scheme, together with the restoration scheme for local councils, ensures the largest range of restoration projects in the communities.