Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1506448
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 AUGUST 2023 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Every year, a scheme is launched for lo- cal councils, financed by the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Gov- ernment. This scheme assists local coun- cils to organise cultural activities in lo- calities across Malta and Gozo. This year, 49 Local Councils from Malta and Gozo benefitted from financing of a package of €800,000 through the 2023/2024 An- nual Cultural Activities Scheme. The funds, shared by 49 local xouncils, will provide financial assistance in the organisation of high-quality cultural events as they become more innova- tive, sustainable and further encourage the creativity of citizens that participate. Apart from this, the funding will ensure greater accessibility and comfort so the activities can be enjoyed by everyone. Year after year, in the cultural sector, Government has continued to invest in such schemes to encourage more local- ised activities. This investment demon- strates the focus and work of Govern- ment to encourage active and collective, public participation in the heart of our localities – culture is a strong driver of sustainable development of a country. This is because of the specific contribu- tions that culture makes in terms of so- cial inclusion, economic development, environmental sustainability, peace and tranquility, and security. Across all of our localities there are so many talented people who voluntarily work to share their artistic skills with the rest of the community, and the work of local councils facilitates this sharing at the highest level. Local xouncils are a central fulcrum for this social impact to occur. This is why it's important that Local Government continues to push for a more unified society that is accessible for everyone. Essentially, a society that collectively builds itself up, leads to a better quality of life for all. Another goal of these cultural activi- ties and our continuous commitment to invest in these activities is the promo- tion of our culture, and the unique her- itage of Maltese localities and traditions. These include both traditional cultures as well as more contemporary cultures. Several of the activities that are being staged every year are activities related to religious holidays such as Christmas. However, there is a range of other activ- ities that reach more diverse cultures. There are also activities that touch on themes such as nature, gastronomy and music. For yet another year, collaboration and joint efforts have been ongoing be- tween the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and Local Councils to continue shaping the culture and iden- tity of the Maltese and Gozitan people. Half-way through this year, we have already had a number of localities that staged various activities including; • Honey the kids goes Summer in San Gwann; • 'Festa Fjuri 2023' in Iklin; • Connecting Through Culture in Ta' Xbiex; • 'Ħġejjeġ ta' San Gwann' in Isla; • 'Wirja Agrarja' in Ħad-Dingli; • 'Lejla Rnella' in Kalkara; • 'Beer Festival' in Sannat; For more information on the various cul- tural activities in the localities for the rest of this year see the table on this page. 49 local councils benefit from the Annual Cultural Activities Scheme