€1 Million Boost For Malta’s Cultural Heritage As 2025 Artistic Legacy Scheme Projects Announced
The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, has announced the list of applicants for the Artistic Legacy Scheme 2025. An unprecedented €1 million has been allocated for the 2025 edition, with the first call awarding €800,000 in grants to 83 applicants to support the Maltese festa. A second call will be launched later in August.
Now in its second year, the scheme has been a resounding success since its inception, attracting a significant number of applicants. For this reason, an additional €300,000 was added to the original €700,000 budgeted in the initial call — marking a substantial 43% increase in funding.
During the press conference, Minister Bonnici praised the invaluable work carried out by voluntary organisations linked to festas, such as band clubs, festa decoration groups and firework associations. He assured those present that the government remains committed to supporting and safeguarding these traditions.
“Year after year, we continue to increase our investment in these community-led initiatives, thereby fulfilling our electoral promise to protect our cultural identity. We are doing so through solid, tangible investments that help our creative sectors flourish sustainably. Traditions such as the festa, protected by UNESCO, are a core part of our intangible cultural heritage, as are fireworks displays – both deeply embedded in our cultural fabric. We are committed to ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive,” the Minister stated.
The funding is aimed at voluntary organisations focused on festa instrumental music, health and safety in fireworks factories or semi-permanent festa decorations, enabling them to finalise relevant projects. Such initiatives, which bring art and culture to the heart of communities, are a priority under Strategy 2025, the country’s cultural strategy currently nearing its final stages of implementation.
“Our journey to strengthen Malta’s cultural heritage and resources continues in line with the principles established in Strategy 2025, the country’s cultural strategy. These kinds of initiatives have made it possible for us to provide continuous, sustainable support while also enhancing accessibility to traditional events so they can be enjoyed by all members of the community. In this way, we will continue to safeguard the artistic and cultural diversity of the Maltese Islands, while promoting heritage-driven regeneration,” Mary Ann Cauchi, Chief Operations Officer (Funding & Strategy) at Arts Council Malta, said.
For more information about the Artistic Legacy Scheme and other funding opportunities, please visit the website.