The financial viability and sustainability of local band clubs around Malta and Gozo

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on a study I made, about a group of Maltese non-profit organizations, which are the band clubs. The aim of these band clubs is that to enhance music culture in Malta, by organizing the external celebrations of the feast of the towns and villages around Malta and Gozo. Nowadays around Malta and Gozo there are 90 bands, of which 80 are located in Malta, and 10 in Gozo. The question behind this dissertation was, 'do you see the club doing well (in terms of finance) in 20 years time?' The answer would be that it would be difficult to just skip to a conclusion and give a proper answer. The dissertation's main objective is to research and analyze the current financial situation in one of Malta's oldest cultural clubs and provide any recommendations which would help the club's financial position, providing better future sustainability and viability. Clubs have been in existence for the past one hundred fifty years, where they have been capable to survive in periods of crisis and wars. Band clubs are facing income and expenditure problems, where the expenditure throughout the years has been increasing while the income is quite stable. Is the Government or Curia helping in the viability and sustainability of band clubs? The initial chapters deal with the definitions of clubs and band clubs. The historical background and passage throughout the times of bands throughout Malta and Gozo, is reviewed by means of detailed research. The idea was that to give a better understanding to vi what lead, to the financial position which band clubs face nowadays. With the use of interviews and questionnaires I was able to find a good perspective on which to analyze the present financial situation faced by band clubs. Later on recommendations are given, providing possible assistance to band clubs in terms of better management of their expenditure. As a conclusion I mentioned possible EU contributions to enhance music in Malta and different proposals for EU funding, which band clubs can avail themselves of. Giving the opportunity to trainees to take musical experience abroad, by the use of intensive programmes is another initiative which should help band clubs in achieving their main aim of fostering music education.