Five young creatives selected for the 18-month mentorship programme.
Arts Council Malta, in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, has announced the results for the sixth edition of Artivisti, with five young creatives selected to join the 2026 cohort of the 18-month mentorship programme. The programme adopts a youth work approach that places young people’s voices, participation and personal development at its core.
The selected participants are Jenson Elsworth, Shaian Debono, Jade Vella, Jamie Attard Biancardi, and Gianluca Abdilla Castillo. The programme will support the young artists as they continue developing their artistic practice and strengthening their professional skills while exploring the relationship between creativity and social engagement.
Artivisti is an intersectoral collaboration between Arts Council Malta and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ that forms part of a wider portfolio of initiatives with the aim of investing in Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. Besides encouraging further career opportunities, such initiatives also facilitate cultural participation and promote inclusivity. It also recognises young people as active contributors to cultural life, not just participants.
The programme is linked to the implementation of the National Youth Policy and Arts Council Malta’s ongoing strategy. It focuses on giving young people more opportunities to be active in society through creative engagement and development. Outstanding young talent is identified and recognised, while social responsibility is encouraged through arts and creativity. The focus is on creating space for critical thinking, innovation, and practice-based research so as to support transformation through knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and creative exchange. A strong emphasis is placed on non-formal learning, reflection and youth-led processes. Participants are supported to explore their identity, values and role within their communities.
The five chosen participants will embark on an 18-month multidisciplinary mentorship programme. The initiative includes a three-day residency, skills development sessions, mentorship, youth work support, peer exchange, networking opportunities and professional development support. Each participant also joins the Artivisti alumni community and may apply for up to €4,000 towards the implementation of an Artivisti project.
The sixth edition brings together young creatives working across writing, theatre, visual art, architecture, sculpture, design, music, and performance.
Jenson Elsworth: The 25-year-old Maltese artist has developed his practice through writing, dance and storytelling. His artistic approach is shaped by language, self-expression, and movement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenson began sharing his work publicly through Mill-Pinna ta’ Jenson, a platform celebrating the Maltese language through poetry and short stories. He has since collaborated with cultural organisations, taken part in literary competitions and published two books exploring youth, relationships, surrealism, domestic violence, healing, and resilience. Alongside his literary work, he performs and trains in dance and theatre. He also works as a youth and community development worker, where creativity and empowerment remain central to his practice.
Shaian Debono: The 24-year-old actress and drama teacher has been involved in theatre since the age of 11. Theatre has played a significant role in her personal and professional development, and has led her towards a career in drama education. Her experience includes work on stage and on set, with professional theatre companies and community theatre groups. Through this work, she has collaborated with different artists and audiences, strengthening her understanding of theatre as both an art form and a communal practice.
Jade Vella: This Maltese artist, stone sculptor, and designer is completing her final year of the Master of Architecture at the University of Malta. Her practice is shaped by academic study, physical craft and a deep appreciation for Maltese architecture. Jade’s work explores the history embedded in local limestone and connects technical digital tools with traditional hands-on mediums. With professional experience spanning architectural design and curation, Jade served as Exhibition Assistant for the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024, gaining insight into global contemporary art. Her portfolio includes small ornaments, larger architectural features, sculpted balcony railings, custom decorative stonework, relief sculpture, watercolour paintings, and architectural illustrations.
Jamie Attard Biancardi: This young emerging artist runs a practice driven by education, multimedia experimentation, and multidisciplinary interests. His background in painting, printmaking, and ceramics has led him towards deeper explorations of the subconscious. He is interested in art history, both locally and abroad, and is informed by previous work in museums and galleries. His practice brings together social, artistic, and local interests, while combining fundamental education with ongoing experimentation. He continues to engage with a variety of materials, techniques, and ideas, exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to art-making while remaining grounded in his educational and professional experience in the arts and cultural sector.
Gianluca Abdilla Castillo: This aspiring singer-songwriter focuses on original composition, live performance, and musical expression. His passion for singing began at the age of eight in his school choir and developed through classical and contemporary vocal training. His early experiences include leading the children’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors and singing with the Joseph Calleja Children’s Choir and St John’s Co-Cathedral Children’s Choir. More recently, he has focused on songwriting, music production, and performance. He was selected for SongCraft 2025, where he presented original songs at its final showcase. He has also performed as a soloist at Mumenti, Rockwired, and the Kantamagħna Festival, and received the Best Vocal Interpretation award at The Write Note workshop at the Manoel Theatre. He is the founder of Spellbound, a five-piece band that performs across local venues. He aims to continue developing original projects that connect with audiences and communicate meaningful ideas through performance and composition.
The sixth edition of Artivisti sees Arts Council Malta and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continue to support young creatives as they develop their artistic voice and contribute to Malta’s cultural and creative life. The initiative continues to strengthen the link between youth work and the cultural sector, fostering meaningful engagement and social impact through the arts. For more information on the programme visit https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.
