Teatru Salesjan in Sliema, which is currently undergoing major renovation works, has received a much-needed financial boost by the Planning Authority’s Development Planning Fund towards the project’s completion.
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia who explained that the authority, through a €92,000 grant will be covering the expenses associated with the restoration of all apertures surrounding the building, maintenance works on the façade, including the two stone balconies, and the renovation of the ornamental metal works along the existing garden along the theatre’s side.
The upgrading of the theatre will ensure that the place is elevated to a more professional space for practitioners and that it becomes a more comfortable environment for audiences of different abilities, age groups and mobilities.
The project, which is currently in progress, was introduced by Executive Director of Teatru Salesjan Fr Charles Said, in the presence of the PA’s Development Planning Fund Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar and Mayor of Sliema Anthony Chircop.
“Investing in culture and the arts is important as it supports quality of life, and our vision for the Development Fund is precisely this. We are investing in improved quality of life and the wellbeing of families, citizens and residents, not only through environmental projects but also through social and cultural ones, while continuing to protect our built heritage”, said Minister Farrugia.
Chairperson Vincent Cassar stated that, “The support we are giving for the structural and renovation works which are taking place within this theatre will translate into an impactful benefit for the community of Sliema. Teatru Salesjan has become a hallmark for giving communities ownership over their own work and introducing innovative ways to make the arts closer to the people. It is not surprising that last year they were awarded the ‘Premju tal-President għall-Kreattività”.
“We have an obligation not only to safeguard our built heritage but a to provide spaces where future communities can integrate and build better relationships through exciting projects such as this”, he concluded.