07/04/2022
The Social Causes Fund and Heritage Malta have launched a new publication entitled Celebrating Music: a selection of good causes. This book sheds light on the restoration of 12 organs in Maltese and Gozitan churches that have benefited from funds for social causes.
At a press conference, the Principal Permanent Secretary, Mario Cutajar, in his role as Chairman of the Social Causes Fund, announced that more than €381,000 had been distributed for the restoration of these organs since 2014. The funds have made it possible for these unique instruments, some dating back to the 18th century, to be saved and not collapse.
The book sheds light on the history of each organ, detailing its particular specifications, even technical ones, and the restoration process carried out or needed. This publication is the first of its kind in this field.
Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri said that the Social Causes Fund increases by about €1.7 million each year, and in the last six years this fund, which amounts to €10 million, was used for social-related projects that are continuing to enhance Malta’s heritage. Minister Schembri explained that the Social Causes Fund comprises of unclaimed monetary prizes and part taxes tied to gaming activities.
Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana explained that these investments strengthen our country’s cultural and religious heritage and therefore the identity of the Maltese and Gozitans. “But apart from this, through this publication, we are strengthening the credentials that the Maltese and Gozitan people have in their embrace of the country’s resources because we are giving a transparent account of how public funds are being spent on investments that continue to strengthen the Maltese and Gozitan heritage,” said Minister Caruana.
The organs mentioned in the book are located in the Churches of Bormla, Gudja, Għajnsielem, Ħal Lija, Imsida, Paola, Sacro Cuor Tas-Sliema, Ħal Tarxien, Birgu, Xewkija, St Francis of Assisi in Valletta, and the Monastery of St Peter in Mdina.
This is the second publication that the Social Causes Fund has launched, after publishing the book Conserving Art in November 2021 covering art restoration and conservation projects supported by this Fund.
Both publications bear witness to the work of the Social Causes Fund.
The new book is going on sale in the coming days from the Heritage Malta online site and at main bookshops.
