20 applicants have been chosen to participate in a professional training program designed to prepare them for the challenges that come with international touring.
Arts Council Malta has launched a new initiative focused on internationalisation where for the first time, Malta will be given the opportunity to present its own showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Through this initiative, directors, producers and performing arts practitioners will have a unique training opportunity to be better prepared for touring.
The program was designed to offer more than one opportunity; it will provide a structured, professional, development framework over a period of 18 months.
The initiative garnered much interest from the sector, receiving 30 applications and a wide range of projects. All the projects went through an evaluation process with 20 applicants progressing to the next stage of the process.
Dr. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government said, “This initiative clearly demonstrates how the electoral commitments behind Strategy 2030 are already being put into practice. We promised we would create stronger, international opportunities for artists and Maltese, cultural practitioners, and this program is a clear example of how this commitment is leading to real opportunities.”
“This initiative isn’t being carried out in isolation. Our commitment to internationalisation is being implemented over various sectors of arts and culture in a way that reflects the range and ambition within the actual sector. Apart from initiatives in the performative arts, Malta is also participating in the Gwangju Biennale, the Venice Biennale, and the London Design Biennale. Eurimages has also opened up new opportunities in the film industry. All this reflects not only the direction of Strategy 2030, but also of Malta Vision 2050, which direction places international reach, collaboration and cultural mobility at the heart of Malta’s future development.”
Arts Council Malta’s CEO, Dr Luke Dalli said, “This program’s launchpad are ideas that have the real potential of being turned into productions and stories that travel across our borders. Out of 30 applications all of which had a vision, we selected 20 which will now be entered into an intense program lasting 18 months designed to take them from the concept stage to concrete, international opportunities. This not only serves as an exercise of participation but it is an investment into the growth of artists and the development of their potential. Through this initiative, we are creating a clear pipeline – from idea to development and international exposure, culminating in the 2027 Malta Edinburgh Fringe Festival Showcase. We measure success not only through those reaching the final stages but also through the opportunities made along the way. This is a long-term commitment towards our artists’ careers and towards Malta’s presence on an international stage.”
Annabelle Stivala, Head of Arts Council Malta’s Internationalisation Directorate, said, “This program was designed to address the needs of the local sector. We carried out a detailed analysis of the challenges being faced by the local industry and we used the insights gained as the foundation of this training program. In this way, we can provide our artists with the tools they require to grow and succeed. For this reason, the program includes workshops, mentoring, networking within the industry and peer exchanges. The initiative will offer a space where participants will get the support they need to work on challenges they face, test out their ideas and strengthen their projects all the while gaining more confidence in growing their international presence and development. The Council not only supports further preparation for international opportunities but is also creating a framework for participation at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival through a pitching session for the chosen projects. The end goal is for artists to present their work confidently throughout the entire 2027 edition.”
The 20 applicants selected so far will take part in a range of workshops consisting of production training for exporting and touring. These workshops will be led by industry professionals. The projects that will be chosen for the final stage will go through to a pitching session held by an evaluation board consisting of experts in the field.
Towards the end of the program, Arts Council Malta will enter into discussions with program creators, festival managers and site representatives to identify which projects can be chosen to represent the Maltese delegation in 2027. The applicants who are not chosen for the pitching session will still be given the opportunity to participate in an internship scheme at the festival.
Please visit Arts Council Malta’s website for more information on this initiative on www.artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.
