The property used by the Anici band club in Qormi has been bought by the government for €700,000, in the latest of a list of deals to protect those facing eviction.

Having purchased the property, the government can now lease it back to the band club, allowing it to continue its operations as a local cultural centre, the culture ministry said. 

The Anici band club. Photo: Emma Borg

So far, €19 million has been spent buying premises rented by band clubs in an effort to keep the culture alive.

Many band clubs faced an existential crisis after a series of court judgments declared that rent laws dating back to 1995 breached owners' rights to enjoy their property.

The government intervened by ‘saving’ twelve band clubs from eviction, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said, noting that there could be more.  

Bonnici said the Qormi property had been purchased through the people’s taxes so it would open its doors to different groups of people.

Inside of the bandclub Photo: Emma Borg

Inside the band club Photo: Emma Borg

Inside of the band club Photo: Emma Borg

Inside of the band club Photo: Emma Borg

Arts Council Malta, which manages the acquired properties, has set up the Band Clubs Acquisition and Management Unit to safeguard the long-term interests of the social band clubs and the government.

James Pearsall, who heads the unit, outlined the importance of inclusivity and transparency at a news conference on Thursday.

“The band club is no longer just for the people of Qormi; it is now for everyone… The governance of the band clubs needs to be as transparent as possible, not how it was before. We have to remain transparent, that is the only way we will achieve sustainability. “