Preserving Melodies: Government Secures Musical Society Headquarters
Conclusion of another process of purchasing premises of another musical society, which was at risk of eviction, is marked by the finalisation of the sale agreement of the premises of the Society of St. Andrew in Ħal Lija.
The Ministry for National Heritage, definitively concludes the process of purchasing the premises of the Society of St. Andrew in Ħal Lija, thereby bringing the total number of premises of musical societies, for which the Government has definitively concluded the purchasing process, to ten.
This property is part of several other buildings occupied by different musical societies, including the headquarters of the Marija Reġina Musical Society of Marsa A.D. 1977, the Stella Levantina Musical Society of Ħ’Attard, the San Giuseppe Circle Philharmonic Society of the Holy Family of Kalkara, the Każin Santa Liena Banda Duke of Connaught’s Own Musical Society of Birkirkara, the Antoine de Paule Musical Society of Raħal Ġdid, the Stella Maris Musical Society of Tas-Sliema, the San Pietru fil-Ktajjen Musical Society of Birżebbuġa, the Anici Socio-Musical Society of Ħal Qormi, and the Santa Marija Philharmonic Society of Mosta, of which the Government is now the owner of the main building from which these societies operate.
Simultaneously, two other properties, from which other musical societies operate, are subject to conventions between the Ministry, through the Malta Arts Council, and their private owners. All twelve of these societies were at serious and urgent risk of eviction due to the legal situation related to pre-1995 rent laws.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasised that musical societies in our villages and towns play a crucial role in nurturing cultural development and social progress among families. He highlighted that often activists within musical societies spearhead initiatives that promote the arts, education, environmental conservation, and social welfare in various communities.
“These societies heavily depend on the spaces they occupy to effectively carry out their work in the heart of communities. Therefore, eviction not only seriously jeopardises their operations but also threatens their existence. Musical societies are a crucial element in the organisation and main service of the respective feast,” said Minister Owen Bonnici.
“Hence, it was essential that we take proactive measures to protect clubs like the headquarters we acquired today. Our work is not only to salvage the capacity and talent of these people, but we must also continue to sustain the fundamental values of diversity and cultural expression for a future richer in culture,” he concluded.
The Society of St. Andrew in Ħal Lija was acquired with a total investment of €3,600,000. In total, the Government expects to invest €19 million, taking into account the amount already invested in the purchase of the ten properties mentioned and the amount to be spent when final contracts are made regarding the other two properties.
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