Acquisition Of The Soċjo-Mużikali Anici Band Club In Ħal Qormi
The Ministry for National Heritage, conclusively concludes the process of acquiring the band club of the The Soċjo-Mużikali Anici Society of Ħal Qormi.
This property is acquired along with seven buildings occupied by other Musical Societies, namely the band club of the Marija Reġina Marsa Musical Society A.D.1977, the band club of the Stella Levantina Musical Society of Ħ’Attard, the band club of the Circolo San Giuseppe Philharmonic Society of Sagra Familja in Kalkara, the headquarters of the Santa Liena Band Duke of Connaught’s Own Musical Society of Birkirkara, the band club of the Antoine de Paule Musical Society of Raħal Ġdid, the band club of the Stella Maris Musical Society of Tas-Sliema, and the band club of the San Pietru fil-Ktajjen Musical Society of Birżebbuga, with the government being the main landlord from which these societies operate.
At the same time, there are another twelve band clubs of other Musical Societies where the Ministry, through the Maltese Arts Council, is in agreement with their private landlords. These twelve societies were at serious risk of eviction due to legal issues related to pre-1995 rent laws.
Minister Bonnici explains that the Government took the initiative to save these musical societies, which are the backbone of Maltese festivities in every community, as they believe in a future with more culture in our streets and towns. While emphasising the significant benefits derived from the contribution of Maltese festivities to the country, he stressed the crucial importance of these Musical Societies continuing to function and remain accessible to their respective communities. He highlights the Government’s decision to intervene to purchase the venues that were at imminent risk of eviction as an important step towards strengthening the cultural sector, especially considering the recent recognition by UNESCO of the Maltese Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“Through this government acquisition process, the volunteer leaders who oversee our clubs are being relieved of the anxiety and tension of eviction threats so they can focus more than ever before on their cultural mission at the heart of the communities they serve,” said Albert Marshall, Executive Chairman of the Maltese Arts Council.
The band club of the Anici Social-Musical Society of Ħal Qormi was acquired with a total investment of €700,000.
Overall, the Government is expected to invest a total of 19 million euro when considering the amount already invested in the acquisition of the eight mentioned properties and the amount to be spent when final contracts are made for the remaining four properties.
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