Malta’s Beloved Band Clubs Protected From Eviction With New Initiative
The Maltese government has purchased six band clubs to prevent them from being evicted by property owners who wanted their properties back.
The government spent a total of €6 million on the acquisitions, with Culture Minister Owen Bonnici stating that the action would safeguard musical societies for the future.
The news was announced by Bonnici after the country’s old rent laws, on the basis of which the band clubs were being rented out, were declared unconstitutional by the court.
This set a precedent which would have seen the musical societies out on the streets if taken to court. Bonnici explained that the government had reached an acquisition agreement with the club premises owners of six band clubs, namely Stella Maris Band Club – Sliema, Anici Banda & Social Club – Ħal Qormi, Socjeta Fil. GM Fra Antoine De Paule Banda Kristu Re – Paola, Circolo San Giuseppe Sagra Familja – Kalkara, La Stella Levantina – Ħ’Attard, and Marija Regina Band Club – Marsa.
The process of acquisition has been concluded for Stella Maris Band Club, while with regards to the other properties, a promise of sale has either been signed or is in the process of being signed with the respective owners following the reaching of a formalised agreement as to the conditions of the sale.
Bonnici clarified that the €6 million spent was not an indication that these six band clubs were all worth the same amount, but varied in price. The acquisitions were made through various means, including through the commitment to purchasing premises that are presently being used by the band clubs so that a long-term assurance of tenancy can be provided.
Bonnici also stated that while they are still in the process of finalising several deals, they will publish the individual figures as they relate to specific band clubs with the termination of the entire process.
He also mentioned that the government is committed to promoting a social element within the band clubs to strengthen community-led initiatives aimed at inclusion, learning, and preserving traditional skills related to the village feast.
The Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman, Albert Marshall, said that the Arts Council Malta has an intrinsic role in safeguarding elements of the country’s artistic and cultural heritage, and through these acquisitions, they are addressing one of Strategy 2025’s goals, which is to invest in and foster diverse artistic and cultural expression.
The Band Club Management Board, under the direction of James Pearsall, was founded within Arts Council Malta to provide consistency and prompt attention to this effort and is currently in charge of administering the acquisition-related matters.
Further discussions are being held with other band clubs that are facing a similar eviction threat. While the government seems determined to help and assist these band clubs, they must also protect the government’s interest to ensure a just and fair income results from the investment.
Bonnici emphasized that the government wanted this project to be an exercise in fairness, treating band clubs, their owners, and the taxpayer in a fair manner.
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