Applicants may be:

• Creative professionals/individual artists
• Groups, collectives and consortia
• Voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Strand 1 is open to creative professionals, voluntary organisations, groups or cooperatives active in the arts or students already undergoing formation in a creative or artistic field. In the case of students, the programme proposed must be in line with their studies, however, it must not substitute or form part of their formal or informal formation programme. The beneficiary of the grant must be 18 years and over.

Strand 2 is open to outstanding young artists who; by the date of the result notification are between 8 and 17 years of age; are already undergoing formation within an artistic or creative field. The programme they are applying for must be in line with and complement such formation programme. Young creatives under the age of 18 will require a consent form signed by their legal representative clearly indicating the name and ID number of at least one parent or legal guardian.

Click here to download guidelines and download application template for Strand 1 and Strand 2.

Apply here.

Application deadline: 4th March 2025

Ranking Order Strand 1

Beneficiary: Angela Bettoni

Reference number: TDS129-25-5183

Project Title: ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival: danceWEB Scholarship Programme for further training in contemporary dance and performance

Amount awarded: €2,000

Angela has been selected for the prestigious danceWEB Scholarship Programme, a 5-week residency taking place every summer at the ImPulsTanz Vienna international Dance Festival. A group of approximately 50 young professional dancers and choreographers get to experience an intense multinational further training programme in the field of Contemporary Dance and Performance. An artistic mentor, whose work has a major impact on the development of contemporary dance on an international level, guides the scholars. This year’s mentor is Raja Feather Kelly from New York. Since its creation in 1996, about 1,600 young professional dancers and choreographers from 89 countries have taken part in danceWEB. This unique opportunity will enable Angela to get closer to her dream of becoming a recognized professional dancer with Down Syndrome. By participating in lyrical, experimental and somatic workshops and watching performances, she hopes to gain new technical skills and develop ideas on integrating movement into storytelling.

Beneficiary: Matthias Camilleri

Reference number: TDS155-25-5335

Project Title: Circus and Clown Training in Canada – Professional Development of Matthias Camilleri

Amount awarded: €2,000

The project is centred around a visit to Canada. Matthias’s objective of the trip is to expand his skill set in the disciplines of clowning and circus (with particular focus on his current circus specialities: chinese pole, straps, handstands and acro-dance). He would be doing this through attending various workshops, individual private classes and intensives with various notable and renowned industry professionals within these spheres. A few amongst these individuals would include Chase Jeffels (actor, clown and comedian, offers training in Lecoq method), Paige Allerton (actor and director, clown, mask and human comedy specialist), Jorge Padilla (National Circus School of Canada chinese pole and acrobatics coach), Mathys G. Matte (chinese pole artist and coach) and William Bonnet (National Circus School of Canada straps coach).

Beneficiary: Alan Sciberras Narmaniya

Reference number: TDS113-25-5084

Project Title: Mastering the Bel Canto Technique

Amount awarded: €2,000

A 15-hour, intense, one-to-one, vocal singing masterclass with Mr. Sherman Lowe – one of the most sought-after experts of operatic singing in Europe – through the use of the Bel Canto technique handed down through both the Garcia-Marchesi and Lamperti traditions. This will help the participant understand how the physical and emotional states affect the singing voice and rectify any negative impact. This work is in preperation for an audition tour for casting agencies and international opera houses of the highest standard.

Beneficiary: Roberta Micallef

Reference number: TDS127-25-5173

Project Title: Learn with the Masters – Textile Traditions of Kutch

Amount awarded: €2,000

Roberta Micallef is a designer, seamstress, and educator behind KEEP – a textile project with sustainability and slow fashion as its guiding principles. KEEP is threefold: handmade, made-to-measure clothing; an alterations and repairs service; and textile workshops. The beneficiary will attend a 22-day traditional textile course in India at the Somaiya Kala Vidya Textiles Institute. Somaiya Kala Vidya, the first design school for artisans in Kutch, India, was founded by Judy Frater, former curator at The Textile Museum and author of Threads of Identity, an award-winning book studying the embroidery and adornment of the nomadic Rabaris from a historical and anthropological point of view.

Beneficiary: Matteo Caruana Bond

Reference number: TDS145-25-5307

Project Title: Summer intensive acting training at Acting Studio

Amount awarded: €2,000

I am applying for funding to attend the Film & Television Acting Intensive at the Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles, a prestigious institution rooted in the teachings of Stella Adler, one of the most influential acting teachers of all time. Unlike other methods that rely heavily on personal emotion, Adler’s approach emphasizes imagination, text analysis, and intellectual engagement, a technique that shaped actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro. Her book The Art of Acting was monumental in the development of my acting approach and helped me massively as an actor. With this fact in mind, it is easy to understand how this training program specifically would be of great benefit to me.

Beneficiary: Francesca Bartolo

Reference number: TDS152-25-5326

Project Title: Opera Caledonia – Vocal Studio Course

Amount awarded: €2,000

Opera Caledonia’s Vocal Studio Course offers a comprehensive and supportive environment dedicated to the personal and artistic development of each participant. The course is designed for singers at various stages of their careers, providing them with tailored opportunities to improve and refine their vocal technique, expand their repertoire, and prepare for professional auditions or performances. Through this intensive program, each singer will work closely with a faculty of distinguished vocal coaches, répétiteurs, conductors, and industry professionals to achieve their artistic goals.

Beneficiary: Lea Ellul Sullivan

Reference number: TDS150-25-5321

Project Title: International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague

Amount awarded: €2,000

Lea Ellul Sullivan is an 18-year-old ballet dancer currently training full time at Elmhurst Ballet School in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. As she prepares for a professional dance career, she seeks training opportunities, such as the International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague, led by renowned instructors like Daria Klimentova, Christopher Powney and Ernst Meisner. This intensive will help improve her technique and artistry, whilst also providing vital exposure to industry professionals. Supported by Malta Arts Council, Lea is committed to representing Malta on international stages, contributing to the country’s cultural landscape as a ballet dancer.

Beneficiary: Angela Cassar

Reference number: TDS116-25-5091

Project Title: Laia Abril Workshop

Amount awarded: €2,000

The Laia Abril Workshop offers a unique opportunity for creatives to advance their visual storytelling and narrative development skills under the mentorship of internationally acclaimed artist and educator Laia Abril. The programme focuses on exploring socially relevant themes through a combination of research-driven methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Participants will engage in collaborative exercises, receive personalised feedback, and develop strategies for transforming investigative and archival materials into impactful visual projects.

Beneficiary: Elena Gatt

Reference number: TDS123-25-5149

Project Title: Masterclasses Course for Trumpet

Amount awarded: €1,000

This masterclass course is part of the IMMF Festival, which takes place every year in Chiaramonte Gulfi, Sicily. The masterclass course includes 6 sessions with 2 renowned trumpet professors being Professor Reinhold Friedrich and Professor Kristian Steenstrup, with the special collaboration of the international acclaimed piano player Ms. Eriko Takezawa. The aim of this course is to improve my trumpet skills and technique and develop my musicianship as a whole.

Ranking Order Strand 2 

Beneficiary: Michela Caruana
Reference number: TDS210-25-5122
Project Title: Musical Theatre Training Course
Amount awarded: €835

The project will allow the young Maltese based artist to expand their artistry in Musical Theatre at the West End in London. The 7 days training will be led by West End professionals and will consist of training in drama, singing and dance. Daily masterclasses by professionals are also part of the week-long course. At the end of the course the student will perform her Musical Theatre debut showcase at ‘His Majesty’s Theatre’ in the West End with the rest of the group. The student will use the teaching methods and skills acquired from this international Musical Theatre training for her personal growth as a musical theatre artist but also to the benefit of her performing arts summer school students in 2026. The young artist will also document the experience on a daily basis in the form of a reflective journal which will then be submitted to the Arts Council for their perusal.

Beneficiary: Gabrijel Cordina
Reference number: TDS226-25-5315
Project Title: Austrian Master Classes
Amount awarded: €2,000

This project involves participation in the Austrian Masterclasses (AMC) at Zell an der Pram Castle, Austria, where musicians can enhance their skills through a comprehensive, individualized programme. Over the course of a week, students will stay at the castle, dedicating their days to lessons and practice. Tutored by professors from the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, participants receive daily individual lessons in solo classes, and ensemble lessons tailored to their instruments in chamber music classes. The programme also includes stage training, piano coaching, and ensemble lessons. All classes are open for observation, and participants have free access to pianos and practice rooms. Additionally, rhythm training and sight-reading sessions for pianists are provided. The masterclasses culminate in internal workshop concerts, with a final concert featuring selected participants, providing a platform to showcase their progress and talent. Students will also have the opportunity to interact and collaborate during breaks, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Beneficiary: Kellyann Spiteri
Reference number: TDS219-25-5286
Project Title: The 28th International Piano Festival in Poland – Summer Course and Competition
Amount awarded: € 1,800

The 28th International Piano Festival “Summer in Chopin’s Homeland” will take place between the 21st July and 1st August 2025. The festival comprises lessons, masterclasses, as well as a competition. Participants will also perform in concerts, including a concerto performance with the Festival Chamber Orchestra. These events are based in Nałęczów, Malachowski Palace and Kazimierz Dolny, Poland.

Beneficiary: Emma Kate Mifsud
Reference number: TDS233-25-5346
Project Title: Vienna International Pianists Academy Masterclass
Amount awarded: € 1,700

The Vienna International Pianists Academy Masterclasses are a week-long project for young pianists to gain a unique performance experience. They work on a prepared program and also learn new pieces and techniques to enhance their levels. These Masterclasses offer a comprehensive program for young pianists to develop their imagination, grow individually, and learn together with other pianists from around the world.

Beneficiary: Noa Ng
Reference number: TDS201-25-5024
Project Title: Summer School Intensive
Amount awarded: € 1,665

In participating in this initiative, the beneficiary will have the opportunity to be coached by the world-renowned names of the Dutch National Ballet. The course provides training in classical ballet, pas de deux, solos and repertoires that specifically align with the company and the principal dancers. Besides physical lessons there will also be several one to one mentoring sessions on what to expect from being a company member and conversely, what is expected of the beneficiary by the company.

Application deadline: 8th July 2025

Ranking Order Strand 1

Beneficiary: Charlene Galea

Reference number: TDS109-25-6115

Project Title: Anfibia Training Program: ‘Cracks of Narratives’

Amount awarded: €2,000

This project supports participation in Anfibia, an eight-month interdisciplinary performance programme at DAS in Bologna, Italy, running from October 2025 to May 2026. Anfibia brings together international artists to explore the intersections of physical theatre, voice, film, sound, and digital media. Through workshops, mentorship, and performance laboratories, it fosters new performative languages and culminates in a public performance shaped by independent research. Emphasizing hybrid forms and experimental methodologies, the programme encourages site-specific work, immersive environments, and long-durational formats. The training and networks developed at Anfibia will inform the applicant’s own long-durational piece, Cracks of Narratives, planned for late 2026. Beyond personal development, Anfibia offers a space for artistic exchange, critical reflection, and collaborative practice, with an emphasis on contributing to local arts ecosystems. It enables artists to build international connections while reimagining performance’s role in contemporary society through socially engaged, boundary-pushing work.

Beneficiary: Lou Ghirlando

Reference number: TDS124-25-6229

Project Title: “The Body in the Room” A Bespoke Embodied Mentorship Intensive in Eating Disorder Dramatherapy

Amount awarded: €2,000

This project is an immersive, in-person professional development intensive designed to support and deepen the applicant’s dramatherapy practice with clients experiencing eating disorders — a client group the beneficiary have worked with for over 12 years. The applicant will travel abroad to work face-to-face with her dramatherapy supervisor, Mary Franklin Smith, who specialises in eating disorders. On the first day, the beneficiary will shadow her in clinical practice, observing two client sessions to gain rare, real-time insight into her therapeutic approach. The following two days will be dedicated to one-to-one mentorship, offering space to reflect on clinical work, expand her creative strategies, and explore therapeutic nuance in depth. This specialist, embodied support — away from the applicant’s regular working environment — will help renew and strengthen her clinical practice, artistic engagement, and professional development. It is a vital opportunity to step beyond the screen and into a co-creative space of learning, reflection, and supervision.

Beneficiary: Marvic Baldacchino

Reference number: TDS130-25-6237

Project Title: Opera Affinity Festival: Opera and Vocal Program

Amount awarded: €2,000

A professional development opportunity to participate in the 2025 OperAffinity Young Artist Program in Italy, an intensive week of vocal coaching, performance, and career mentoring with leading opera professionals and institutions.

Beneficiary: Owen Caruana

Reference number: TDS103-25-6025

Project Title: Writer, Engineer, Producer in the Home Studio

Amount awarded: €1,337

Owen Caruana is enrolled in Writer, Engineer, Producer in the Home Studio, a 12-week online course by Berklee College of Music, the world’s largest online music education platform.

Building on previous experience from an introductory Berklee course, this training will significantly enhance his technical and creative skills. Using a practical, mentor-led, peer review approach, he will produce and release one of his original compositions during the course. The training will directly improve the quality of his music, benefiting his band Bennie Blue, which has already surpassed 50,000 Spotify streams, and boosting future collaborations.

This course is essential in reaching his long-term goal of becoming a full-time, professional music producer. By refining his skills, building networks, and achieving a recognized certification, he will strengthen his contribution to Malta’s music scene and increase his capacity to collaborate with international artists and producers.

Beneficiary: Nicole Bugeja

Reference number: TDS116-25-6183

Project Title: Primary Certificate in Performance Coaching

Amount awarded: €405

This intensive two-day course based workshop covers the theory and practice of performance coaching applied to work and personal contexts. It takes a cognitive behavioural approach. Participants will have the opportunity to practise coaching skills and techniques in small group work. Some of the topics included are the structure of a performance coaching session, assessing current performance, awareness and taking responsibility, reducing interference, overcoming psychological blocks, the coach as a catalyst, goal setting and goal theory, eliminating the discrepancy between actual and desired performance, competence, developing performance confidence, performance as a measure of behaviour, overcoming the perils of perfectionism, performance enhancing thoughts, performance improvement plans, tackling troublesome thoughts, keeping focused. Handouts and a manual are provided. For the purposes of skills training, participants should be prepared to discuss one problem in small group work.

Beneficiary: Higan Lisboa

Reference number: TDS134-25-6246

Project Title: Screenplay Workshop – Solace23

Amount awarded: €1,904

This workshop is designed to help all those people within the film industry who want or need to work with scripts, particularly regarding content and development potential, e.g. script consultants, producers, film fund decision makers, commissioning editors, sales agents and distributors.

Beneficiary: Alexine Sammut

Reference number: TDS123-25-6227

Project Title: Professional Development in Children’s Book Illustration

Amount awarded: €1,721

Malta-based illustrator and author Alexine Sammut, founder of Tikka Tikka Creative, will advance her practice through three acclaimed online courses from The Good Ship Illustration: Find Your Creative Voice, Picture Book Course and The Business Course. Delivered by industry luminaries Helen Stephens, Tania Willis and Katie Chappell, these programmes have empowered over 1,200 creatives worldwide to secure agent representation and publishing contracts. Through focused modules, Alexine will refine a distinctive visual voice, master picture-book structure and workflow, and adopt sustainable business strategies covering marketing, pricing and client relations. This targeted training will accelerate development and publication of her forthcoming children’s-book series on building with alternative materials. Armed with new digital resources and an international network, she aims to establish a thriving career in children’s-book illustration, amplify Malta’s natural heritage in global literature and balance her creative ambitions with parenthood.

Beneficiary: Francesca Mercieca

Reference number: TDS110-25-6126

Project Title: 5-day upholstery restoration with Polly Waite

Amount awarded: €1,909

This course will enable Francesca to deepen her practical knowledge of textile up-cycling and seating re-upholstery through structured one-to-one tuition in Cornwall. This tutor, Polly Waite – a member of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishing with 15 years of experience in the field as well as an educator with the Good Life Centre in London will open the opportunity to learn the interlinking techniques of different materials that revolve within reupholstering. Over Francesca’s recent involvement in community-based projects and sustainability-focused initiatives such as The Repair Café and the Boomerang Festival’s Temple Stage. Francesca’s agenda to sustainability and craft within both conventional and unconventional materials would evolve in more designs with a training opportunity like this. Especially since the methodology in the workshop and the skills can inspire more eco-friendly awareness and practice in her design work locally.

Beneficiary: Sarah Camilleri

Reference number: TDS118-25-6212

Project Title: The Maker’s Pattern

Amount awarded: €2,000

The Maker’s Pattern: through this project Sarah Camilleri – a local sewist and maker – is proposing the completion of the 3-week short course ‘Womenswear Pattern Cutting Intensive Short Course’ which is offered at the London College of Fashion. Pattern-cutting, often described as the architecture of fashion, is the process of creating templates (patterns) that serve as blueprints for constructing a garment. Under the guidance of a seasoned designer and pattern cutter, the training is designed to equip participants towards setting up a creative business based on fashion design. Participants will train in the development of technical skills in both foundational and advanced pattern cutting that are central to fashion design and garment construction. By participating in this course, Sarah aims to build the technical confidence and a professional toolkit required to independently lead creative projects and move closer to establishing her own fashion brand.

Beneficiary: Andreas Muscat

Reference number: TDS106-25-6066

Project Title: Sculpture artistic recidency

Amount awarded: €1,724

Artistic training and apprenticeship done in Florence at Bertrand Godefroy studios.

The training will be to sculpt a portrait from life and prepare the sculpture to be made in bronze.

Ranking Order Strand 2

Beneficiary: Marianna Micallef

Reference number: TDS208-25-6050

Project Title: Training and Performing in the Musical Carousel with the National Youth Music Theatre

Amount awarded: €1,935

Marianna Micallef has been cast as Louise in Carousel with the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) in the UK. This highly selective training and performance opportunity brings together emerging talents from across the UK and Europe. Through intensive rehearsals and performances led by professional creatives, this project will develop performance skills within a professional theatre setting. It represents a unique opportunity for international artistic development, cultural exchange, and growth as a performer.

Beneficiary: Jeanine Marie Gatt

Reference number: TDS204-25-6030

Project Title: Ateneo Danza ENBS Experience Week & International Cecchetti Summer School – ITALY

Amount awarded: €1,994

The beneficiary has been selected to attend an intensive training week with the English National Ballet School in collaboration with Ateneo Danza, held in Forlì, Italy from 18th to 23rd August 2025. This exclusive program offers high-level instruction in Ballet, Repertoire, Pointe Work, Body Conditioning, and Contemporary Dance, led by expert faculty from one of the world’s foremost ballet institutions. Entry was by photographic selection, and the applicant is proud to have been chosen among the international applicants aged 11–20. Immediately following this, the beneficiary will also be participating in the International Cecchetti Summer School at the same venue from 25th to 30th August. This back-to-back training opportunity will allow Jeanine to further strengthen her classical technique, artistic expression, and physical conditioning. Both courses are instrumental in enhancing the applicant’s performance abilities and preparing her for future auditions, pre-professional programs, and long-term career development within the professional ballet industry.

Beneficiary: Chloe Holland Attard

Reference number: TDS217-25-6221

Project Title: International Ballet Intensive Week and YGP Masterclasses

Amount awarded: €2,000

Chloe Holland Attard is a14-year-old ballet student currently training full-time at Tring Park School for the Vocational Arts and seeks to continue to improve her technical ability and artistry in ballet. She aims for a professional career in dance and she seeks training opportunities that offer a dynamic approach to classical ballet including contemporary dance skills which are required skills in today’s dancer. This blend of dance characteristics are central to the Elmhurst summer intensive and the YGP Malta International Summer School, and will continue to shape Chloe as a versatile dancer. Supported by Malta Arts Council, Chloe is committed to representing Malta on international stages, contributing to the country’s cultural landscape as a ballet dancer.

Beneficiary: Francesca Marie Micallef

Reference number: TDS206-25-6041

Project Title: Performance and Popular Music Summer Courses

Amount awarded: €2,000

The RNCM Popular Music Summer School is a three-day intensive for aspiring artists. Working with RNCM faculty, it provides a conservatoire-level experience focusing on real-world performance, vocal and instrumental skill refinement, composition, arrangement, and contemporary production. Artist development insights and a culminating live performance make it ideal for those eyeing higher education in popular music, fostering individual expression and collaboration.The Leeds Conservatoire Summer Academy’s Performance pathway offers a residential opportunity for sixth-form students. Reflecting Leeds’ modern approach, it expands musical horizons across popular, jazz, and classical genres. Students improve technical skills, improvisation, and ensemble playing using state-of-the-art facilities. Uniquely, it offers production studio experience, either performing or behind the desk. This course inspires and challenges, preparing young musicians for future education or careers in the fast-paced music industry.