Arts Council Malta — overseen by Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government — awarded a €5,000 fund to 28 fireworks factories each to improve safety practices in pyrotechnics, according to a press statement by the government’s Department of Information (DOI). The funding scheme is running for the second year.
“This fund is a clear example of how this Government is committed to strengthening our traditions and customs, which form an intrinsic part of our identity,” said Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici during the ceremony.
“Through such a project we are not only making this aspect of our culture more accessible, but we are also safeguarding this tradition, whilst also ensuring the safety of the volunteers who are creating these formidable works of art,” the minister added.
The fund provides each fireworks factory with the opportunity to improve its infrastructure so that volunteers are given a safe working environment both during manufacture and during the lighting up of the fireworks. Through this fund, the factories can also invest in resources which will aid them in improving the quality of the local pyrotechnic product and its security, the DOI press statement says.
“The Malta Arts Council is making a strong statement through this fund – that the Council believes in the safety and art of our firework workers and the safety of their workplace,” said Albert Marshall, the Chairman of Arts Council Malta.
Each fireworks factory will also receive a First Aid Box to install in the factory, and a member of the factory is to attend for a First Aid Course organised by the Malta Red Cross in collaboration with Arts Council Malta.