Another Musical Society Property Facing Imminent Eviction Risk Is Saved
The Maltese Government recently acquired the headquarters of the Marija Reġina Marsa Musical Society A.D.1977, marking a significant move to preserve national heritage and cultural traditions.
This acquisition, part of a larger scheme to safeguard Musical Societies at risk of eviction, saw the government investing €250,000 in the Marsa society’s headquarters. This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain and protect the vibrant cultural life that Musical Societies contribute to Maltese communities.
The Marija Reġina Marsa Musical Society’s headquarters now joins a group of properties that have been saved under this scheme, including notable societies such as the Għaqda Mużikali Stella Levantina of Ħ’Attard and the Soċjetà Mużikali Stella Maris of Tas-Sliema, among others.
In total, the government has purchased six properties, with agreements in place for another six, demonstrating a substantial commitment to the cultural sector.
This initiative falls under a wider government strategy led by the Ministry for National Heritage, in collaboration with the Maltese Council for the Arts.
The scheme aims to address the precarious legal situations faced by many Musical Societies due to pre-1995 rental laws, which put them at severe risk of eviction. By securing these properties, the government ensures that these societies can continue to function and remain accessible to the community, reinforcing the cultural fabric of Malta.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasised the government’s dedication to preserving the Maltese festa tradition, a cornerstone of local culture recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The acquisition of the Marija Reġina Marsa headquarters is part of a projected €19 million investment in the cultural sector, highlighting the significant role that Musical Societies play in the communal and cultural life of Malta.
Eric Fenech Sevasta, Director for corporate affairs of the Maltese Council for the Arts, praised the investment as a critical step in keeping Maltese identity and traditions vibrant and alive within communities, ensuring the continuation of Malta’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
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