Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1453707
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 FEBRUARY 2022 6 CULTURE Culture Heritage Schemes for 2022 launched as part of the €7 million investment in funding for the arts AS part of the €7 million in- vestment in the creative and culture sectors for 2022 by Arts Council Malta, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera and Arts Council Malta (ACM) Director Fund- ing and Strategy Mary-Ann Cauchi unveiled the details about the Culture Heritage schemes which include 3 spe- cific calls aimed at supporting local traditional culture. The 3 schemes are the Health and Safety Standards in Fire- works Factories, Artistic Fi- nancing for Feast Associations and the Support for Local Band Clubs. These 3 calls are in- trinsically tied to the Govern- ment's commitment towards the support of traditional cul- ture in its various forms. Past beneficiaries of these calls have all showed great commitment towards the preservation of traditional arts within their respective communities whilst fostering a sense of national identity through culture. During the press conference, for which a number of past beneficiaries where present, Minister José Herrera empha- sised on the need to continue supporting and safe-guarding local traditions, not as a means of just preserving history but as evolving ecosystem which fosters talent on a local and na- tional level. "The work done by countless volunteers who ded- icate their life towards tradi- tional elements of our culture, especially those that surround the Festa Maltija deserve the full support of our govern- ment", said Minister Herre- ra. "Their commitment is the backbone of a wider culture ecosystem which has and still is producing artists of talent, notwithstanding the positive psychological effect local tradi- tional celebrations bring to our communities", continued Min- ister Herrera. Arts Council Malta (ACM) Director Funding and Strategy Mary-Ann Cauchi outlined the investment allocated for these calls and the guiding princi- ples through which funding is granted. "Arts Council Malta is truly commitment towards assisting the whole spectrum of our creative and cultural sectors. The guiding princi- ple behind these calls is that everyone should have an equal opportunity at experiencing arts and culture, hence why throughout the year we sought to strengthen investment in traditional arts and culture too", said Cauchi. In 2022, the total funding al- located towards the Cultural Heritage Strand is close to half a million euro. Three sepa- rate calls will open during the coming months. The first call focusing on Health and Safety Standards in Fireworks Fac- tories is now open. The sec- ond call focusing on Artistic Financing for Feast Associa- tions opens on 21 June. The third scheme will open during the fourth quarter of this year. The call for applications for each scheme opens online for around 6 weeks, each with its own distinctive deadline. Fur ther details about these calls and specific guidelines can be found on ar tscouncil.mt or by get ting in touch with Ar ts Council Malta on 2334 7230, on weekdays, bet ween 09:00 and 16:00, or via email on fundinfo@ ar tscouncil.mt. Arts Council Malta (ACM) Director Funding and Strategy Mary-Ann Cauchi Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera attended the press conference