Extension of Centre for Art & Crafts & Crafts Development Centre
What is this project about?
The need to increase the facilities at the Gozo School of Art and Craft to offer new courses to students in Gozo had long been felt. Through the inclusion of this project in the Structural Funds Programme, this requirement is now being met. The project also involves the construction and setting up of a Crafts Development Centre within the premises of the Gozo School of Art and Craft. This incubation centre will provide the technical, logistical and management support for those people who wish to start their own business in the crafts sector.
A study on the certification and authentication of Gozo local crafts has been undertaken, whilst work on the extension to the school and the new crafts incubation centre have started. The incubation centre will allow Gozitan people to start their own crafts business by offering floor space within the incubation centre, tools and management support. In addition, tourists will be able to visit the incubation centre to view the crafts. This incubation centre will give the tourists the opportunity to see the typical Gozitan crafts being manufactured. The project is aimed to increase employment opportunities for Gozitan people, to preserve the skills and art of craftsmanship and to have an added attraction where tourists can admire and purchase the typical Gozitan craft products. The end result is to increase employment in Gozo and to strengthen the tourism industry which is a pillar of the Gozitan economy.
To complement the above, another project is being financed through the European Social Fund where the Gozo School for Art is offering courses to the Gozitan people to enhance their craft skills.
Who will benefit?
The extension to the school will provide extended services to the students of the school thus enhancing their skills and creativity in the crafts sector.
The incubation centre will also allow those Gozitan people who wish to start their own crafts business by offering floor space within the incubation centre, tools and management support. In addition, tourists will be able to visit this centre in order to view the typical Gozitan crafts.
How much is being allocated to the project?
€ 867,611
How is the project progressing?
Infrastructural works on the extension of the school and the incubation centre have commenced. The new equipment is being purchased and the study on the certification and authentication of Gozo local crafts has been undertaken.
Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006.
Project part-financed by the European Union - European Regional Development Fund.
Co-financing rate: 75% EU:25% Government of Malta.
