MAPCo-Re: The Malta Association of Professional Conservator-Restorers

17/07/2026

We are pleased to announce that Mr. James Licari has been elected to represent the sector responsible for the Environmental protection and improvement, including the protection of animals, culture, arts and national heritage within the Civil Society Committee (CSC) of the MCESD - Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. This appointment follows his nomination through the Malta Association of Professional Conservator-Restorers (MAPCo-Re). He has served previously in this role since May 2022.

He will be supported in this role by Dr Evelyn Pullicino, representing the Friends of the National Archives of Malta (FNAM). She has also served on the CSC for the previous mandate and they are well in synch to represent their sector to the best of their abilities.

Congratulations to Dr Evelyn Pullicino and Mr. James Licari on this well-deserved recognition and appointment.

13/07/2026

A project carried out by ASC Conservation Centre of a titular painting by the French artist Antoine de Favray (1706-1798) found at the Chapel of Our Lady of Manresa, at Casa Manresa in Floriana.

The conservation and restoration of this signed and dated masterpiece was carried out under the direction of lead conservator Amy Sciberras.

16/06/2026

MAPCo-Re would like to proffer its warmest thanks to Sue Hampton (co-founder and physiotherapist at The Physio Factory) for a fantastic continuous professional development session on ergonomic practice in conservation-restoration! That was a truly informative session tailored to injuries sustained by conservators at the workplace, and how they can be mitigated against through good practice, exercise, and equipment. Many warm thanks again, Sue! And thank you to all members and non-members who attended!

06/06/2026

UPCOMING CPD! ✨ERGONOMIC PRACTICE in Conservation-Restoration✨

06/06/2026

The MAPCo-Re: The Malta Association of Professional Conservator-Restorers (MAPCo-Re) extends its sincere congratulations to the Honorable Dr. Malcolm Paul Agius Galea on his appointment as Minister for Arts, Culture, and National Heritage.

As the dedicated professional 'Medics' of cultural heritage, we welcome this appointment with great optimism, given the minister's profession as a family doctor. Based on the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding our nation’s cultural assets, we kindly suggest that the Ministry consider consulting with the relevant professional association, MAPCo-Re, on matters related to the conservation and preservation of our heritage. Additionally, we would be pleased to offer our expertise and support in the appointment of professional representatives to the Warrant Board, ensuring that decisions are informed by specialized knowledge.

We look forward to working together with the Minister in advancing our shared goal of preserving Malta’s rich cultural legacy.

31/05/2026

Proset lil Din l-Art Helwa tax-xoghol siwi u r-reslijenza taghhom ghal-protezzjoni tal-wirt kulturali Malti 🥳

03/05/2026

STATEMENT:

Legal responsibility and Professionalism towards safe guarding our national Cultural Heritage

MAPCo-Re wishes to formally express its serious concern regarding the Facebook post published on Dr Owen Bonnici’s official public page on the 30th of April, 2026.

We wish to address the intervention carried out on the wall painting at the Zurrieq Parish Church. Contrary to the Minister’s description as “restoration work,” we consider that the intervention constitutes a complete repainting of the original artwork rather than a genuine conservation or restoration process. MAPCo-Re respects the artistic integrity of the original work; however, we must emphasize that such intervention appears to deviate from the accepted professional parameters established by international conservation-restoration standards.

It is concerning that, despite the Minister’s responsibility in issuing warrants to qualified conservator-restorers, there seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the distinct roles and ethical obligations of a 'conservator-restorer' versus an 'artist.' The approach adopted in this case does not align with the ethical principles outlined in the internationally recognized standards of our profession, nor with the provisions enshrined in Maltese legislation, including the Cultural Heritage Act, which the Minister himself contributed to drafting.

It is important to clarify that the primary task of a conservator-restorer is to preserve, conserve, and respect the integrity of original artworks, not to recreate scenes according to personal artistic interpretation. The intervention carried out has resulted in the complete repainting of the original painting, with little to no trace remaining of the original work, which raises significant concerns regarding the preservation ethics and legal obligations under Maltese law.

We wish to remind the Minister that the profession of Conservator-Restorer is a regulated and warranted profession under Maltese legislation. It is unlawful to undertake conservation or restoration works on cultural heritage assets without the appropriate warrant issued by the competent authorities.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully call upon the Minister Dr. Bonnici, the Superintendents of Cultural Heritage (SCH), the Warrant Board for Conservator-Restorers, the Catholic Cultural Heritage Commission (KPKK) and the Arts council (for providing the funding) to review this case and provide public clarification regarding the professional standards and legal responsibilities involved. We trust that this matter will be given due attention to uphold the integrity of Malta’s cultural heritage and the standards of our profession.

03/04/2026

The loss of cultural heritage worldwide is of alarm. Whether it is due to war or in cases of other countries - lack of sensitivity towards one's heritage -, this remains unacceptable and highlights the importantce of the heritage protection for the sake of the people's belongingess and connection to their ancestors.

Some of the country’s most precious historic sites and buildings are in need of major repair following bombing by Israel and the US