An Arts Conservation Centre was inaugurated at the Mosta Technopark today by the prime minister.
Dr Gonzi said the centre, set up as a private venture with EU financial assistance, will enable the people to better appreciate Malta's rich cultural heritage.
The new centre is a joint venture involving PrevArti, which is specialised in art works restoration, and SalviArti which disinfects works of art using eco-treatments.
The centre is housed is 700sqm of factory space. Apart from disinfestations and restoration works, it also offers educational courses in various art subjects including iconography, history, restoration techniques, conservation and restoration, authentication, preservation skills, care and maintenance.
In comments after being shown around the premises, Dr Gonzi said that 570 companies in Malta had benefited from schemes of the European Regional Fund in the past two years with an investment of €78 million.