The Malta Society of Arts (MSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Archives of Malta (NAM), marking the beginning of a significant collaborative project to preserve, organise and make accessible the MSA’s extensive archival collection dating back to its founding in 1852.
The signing took place on August 1 at the MSA’s headquarters in Valletta. The agreement was formalised by Charles Farrugia, national archivist and CEO of the National Archives of Malta, and Roderick Camilleri, acting president of the Malta Society of Arts.
To mark the occasion, Farrugia presented a copy of his publication Maltese Archives… my choice to Camilleri. The book will now form part of the Malta Society of Arts’ Melitensia collection.
The partnership between the MSA and the NAM signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding Malta’s cultural memory. The archive of the MSA contains a wealth of documents that reflect over 170 years of artistic, educational and social history. Through the MoU, the two institutions aim to ensure the professional preservation and accessibility of this collection for the benefit of researchers, artists and the wider public.
The collaboration will begin with an assessment of the MSA’s archival holdings and a study of its administrative history in order to establish an effective structure for the archive. This initial step is essential in identifying distinct record series and understanding the original context in which documents were created.
To implement the project, the MSA is issuing a call to engage dedicated long-term volunteers to oversee the archival work. NAM will provide expert training to the volunteers in archival processing, records management and preservation, including hands-on sessions held at the National Archives’ facilities in Rabat and at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta.
As part of the process, NAM will guide the MSA in producing a high-level archival description, reviewing existing catalogues and assigning a reference code system. Special attention will be given to audiovisual materials and digital content, such as photographs and files currently stored on cloud platforms, with NAM advising on best practices for long-term preservation and access.
The project also includes planning for future digitisation initiatives, with NAM offering guidance on strategy and sustainability to ensure that digital records remain accessible and preserved over time.
To apply or learn more on how you can become a volunteer, please visit www.artsmalta.org/event/CallVolunteers/. Deadline to apply is September 5.