Arts Council Malta, within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, recently launched a new funding programme that will focus on improving safety and infrastructure in fireworks factories. This will help strengthen the sector as well as make it more popular.
This fund was announced by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici who stressed the importance of safety during work done at fireworks factories. The spectacular displays that light up our skies are renowned for their high level of artistry and creativity. However, not everyone is aware of the hard work involved behind the scenes to ensure a smooth outcome.
“Our pyrotechnic industry is made of talented artists who contribute to our local, cultural product with fireworks displays that attract the interest of many locals and tourists. We believe that this sector should be supported to continue growing since it is an important element of our traditions,” Dr Bonnici said.
This fund is being launched before the start of the festa season to kickstart this increase in security. This sector is well loved by Maltese and Gozitans alike, most of whom eagerly await their feast each year, as well as by those who enjoy the result of this hard work.
The fund, which will be offering financial support to Maltese fireworks factories working on a voluntary basis, will allocate grants to improve infrastructure so that volunteers can work in a safer environment. The aim is to improve safety both during the manufacturing process as well as during the letting off of fireworks.
A total of €170,000 have been allocated for this year. Eachfireworks factory can benefit from a €5,000 grant, all of which can be put to infrastructural use. If allocated to current expenses, these cannot exceed 40 per cent of the requested amount and must also be related to safety.
Malta Arts Council chairman Albert Marshall said that fireworks and artistic skills that go into their manufacture are not only an integral part of our culture but often lie at the very heart of the community.
Community exchange is one of the five strategic focuses running through Arts Council Malta’s Strategy 2020, the council’s five-year plan for the cultural and creative sectors.
To qualify for this fund, fireworks factories are required to come up with ideas and proposals on how they can achieve the upgrade; on how they can invest in the infrastructure of the fireworks factories; in machinery and tools that facilitate the manufacture of fireworks and make the process safer; in equipment which improves safety during the letting off of fireworks; in training resources related to the safety of fireworks, as well as on fostering better collaboration between fireworks factories.
The fund is open to licensed fireworks factories registered as voluntary organisations. In the case of fireworks factories forming part of band clubs, the band club needs to be registered as a voluntary organisation.
All eligible applications will be evaluated by a board of evaluators according to established and published guidelines.
Applications will be available from the Arts Council Malta in Valletta or from www.artscouncilmalta.org from tomorrow. Completed applications need to be received by hand by April 30 at noon.