Malta’s traditional band clubs play an important role in the community, and in recognition of this, the fund to strengthen their work has been renewed for the second year in a row.
A minimum sum of €150,000 has been allocated to the band club fund for 2018. It is managed by Għaqda Każini tal-Banda and Arts Council Malta, within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, and supports various initiatives proposed by band clubs in Malta and Gozo.
These initiatives can range from the restoration of historical objects housed in the band clubs’ premises, to supporting the training of musical conductors and teachers at tertiary level.
The fund also aims to support collaborations between band clubs and the implementation of innovative projects to expand the band clubs’ activities both in Malta and abroad.
Each band club can apply for a project costing €5,000 or €10,000. Grants will cover 85 per cent or 75 per cent of the project expenses respectively. Profit-making projects are not eligible.
“Local band clubs work tirelessly to strengthen the country’s music culture while safeguarding our cultural traditions. All of this work is done on a voluntary basis—we felt that it should be supported,” said Arts Council Malta Executive Chair Albert Marshall.
The fund is open to all band clubs in Malta and Gozo which are registered as voluntary organisations and are compliant with the Voluntary Organisations Act by the closing date for applications. Eligible band clubs also need to be active members of the Għaqda Każini tal-Banda according to its statute.
All the eligible applications will be evaluated by a board of evaluators according to established and published guidelines.
Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from www.artscouncilmalta.org. An information session will be held in May 2018. Completed applications must be submitted by 15 June 2018 at noon.
