Call for Proposals for Training and Project Development
Submission Date and Time: 15th February at noon (CET)
About the Programme
Arts Council Malta is launching a Call for Proposals for Training and Project Development, specifically for the Edinburgh Fringe – The Malta Showcase (2027). This is an initiative designed to support directors, producers and creative practitioners in the performing arts, seeking to expand their networks, and present their work on an international stage. This programme includes a unique opportunity for selected participants to submit their proposal and pitch their work at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2026 for 2027.
This programme aims to provide targeted workshops, group learning sessions, and practical touring exercises, for participants to gain tools to design and execute successful projects. By offering structured mentorship and expert-led training, Arts Council Malta aims to equip artists with the practical tools to navigate the international stage.
An investment in artistic careers, this programme is open to Maltese and/or Malta-based applicants working in theatre, dance, interdisciplinary performance, circus, comedy, music, sound, spoken word and other performing arts. The programme is also a high-profile strategic professional platform for networking with a view to distributing creations from Malta and supporting career development of performing arts professionals beyond Maltese shores.
Participation in this programme is free, however capacity is limited.
The programme will include:
- Practical Labs – in-person workshops led by industry professionals, such as workshops in production for export and touring;
- Mentorship – how to make best use of resources available, press strategy, engaging the industry and marketing;
- Support – Supportive space to discuss challenges, experiment, and build confidence;
- Industry Networking – meeting programmers, festival managers and venue representatives through online meet-theindustry sessions;
- Knowledge Sharing – share and support others in small groups to troubleshoot challenges, further each other’s professional growth as well as contribute sessions to encourage collective problem-solving and future collaboration.
Programme Structure
The Programme is structured over 18 months, and in four phases (listed below), running from April 2026 to September 2027. Should the proposal be selected, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a pitching session for the Fringe in 2026, with the possibility of participating with their own production in the Edinburgh Fringe 2027.
Initial selection | Presentation of proposals and evaluation in Q1 2026.
Phase 1 | Workshop over 4 days from the 25th – 28th April 2026.
Phase 2 | Ongoing support, mentorship and meeting with industry peers in May, June, and July 2026 (two 90-minute sessions per month which will entail industry networking and knowledge sharing).
Shortlisting | Based on performance throughout the Programme up to this point, an expert panel
will review and evaluate the participant’s progress, based on criteria that will be communicated to
the participants during Phase 2. If shortlisted, the participant will be invited to participate in Phase 3.
Phase 3 | Pitching session in Summer 2026.
Further shortlisting | Participants will be able to pitch their developed idea or project. For the pitching
sessions, all associated travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the Arts Council
Malta. Should their proposal be further shortlisted, the participant will be invited to participate in
Phase 4.
Phase 4 | Preparation for the participation in the Fringe in 2027.
Eligility and Selection Criteria
Following the submission of an application, prospective applicants will be invited to an initial selection process whereby they will be expected to present their proposal for consideration and evaluation to an expert panel. ACM is seeking committed Maltese and/or Malta-based directors, producers and creative practitioners who are eager to grow and be part of an enriching experience during which participants will receive training and mentorship to develop and produce work for an international stage.
We welcome eligible applications from directors and producers who:
- Are creative professionals/individual artists, Cooperatives, Voluntary Organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, OR Entities registered with the Malta Business Registry (including companies, partnerships, foundations and organisations/associations) OR Groups, collectives and consortia;
- Are Maltese and/or based in Malta;
- Are developing new work or have an existing project ready for export;
- Wish to expand their knowledge, skills, and international networks;
- Seek professional support in building production strategy, fundraising, and promotional tools;
Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel who will evaluate on the basis of the below criteria:
- Originality, relevance, and artistic merit of the proposed work (20 marks);
- Touring potential and suitability of the project for touring (in scale, adaptability and thematic resonance) (10 marks);
- Consideration of possible audiences and venues (15 marks);
- Readiness, commitment and applicant’s understanding of where they are in their professional journey (10 marks);
- Clear goals for participation in the programme (15 marks);
- Demonstrated understanding of the aims of the programme and commitment to learning and collaboration (10 marks);
- Context and need of how the programme would impact the applicant’s career (10 marks);
- Barriers the applicant faces in accessing touring opportunities (5 marks);
- Applicant’s preparedness to take on this challenge (5 marks).
This call is competitive and will be evaluated by a panel of sectorial experts according to established criteria. As specified above, each criterion is allocated a number of specific marks. In order to be considered for selection, project proposals have to obtain a minimum of 60 marks.
Arts Council Malta will select evaluators on the basis of their independent and professional experience. The evaluators will present an assessment on each of the proposed productions, indicating the relevant ratings awarded. The evaluation session and participation decisions depend on the quality of the submitted proposals as well as the availability of government funds to sustain this Programme.
Participation Requirements
Throughout the programme, mentees must:
- Commit to the programme throughout the entire duration;
- Travel when required;
- Respect session time;
- Prepare work, questions, drafts, tour plans, or other work-in-progress and materials as required in advance;
- Respect cohort members’ work and backgrounds;
- Acknowledge the support of the programme through social media while the programme is ongoing and in future documentation or touring materials.
For Phases 1 and 2 specifically, mentees will be expected to attend at least 80% of training and workshop sessions, which will be in person, locally.
Should mentees accede to Phase 3 and/or 4, additional terms and conditions will apply, based on the selected proposal, as is appropriate for the possibility of pitching and performance at the Fringe, including but not limited to additional site-specific adaptations, rehearsal preparation, press strategy meetings, and venue requirements.
Submitting the Application
Follow these steps to apply:
- Read these guidelines and regulations very carefully.
- Check whether the proposed idea can be addressed by this scheme.
- Follow this link to the online application system.
- For those who do not have a profile, kindly create one with Arts Council Malta by clicking on ‘Register’ and filling in the details. Applicants are required to register a profile on the ACM’s CRM at least two weeks prior to the deadline of the call.
- From the open calls section, select the online application for the scheme that is applicable.
- Follow the instructions step by step. Fill in all the required information from the online application including the budget and attach the supporting documentation.
- Submit the application. An automatic acknowledgement will be sent by the system. If this is not received, contact us on [email protected]
In order to be complete, applications must include:
- Contact Details of Main Applicant;
- Artistic Biography or Company profile and Portfolio;
- VAT Certificate;
- Motivation Letter (800 words):
- Including: the reason why this application should considered for the Programme, why export is important for the proposed project at this stage, as well as a description of export goals.
- Declaration of Commitment, signed by the applicant;
- Development Goals (500 words):
- Including: the type of mentoring desired, and how will this experience contribute to the applicant’s work and overall professional development.
- Project Proposal:
- Description of the work to be exported, its tourable potential from an artistic and production perspective (500 words);
- Technical specifications and touring rider, listing any foreseen adaptations that may need to be made for a specific venue. If the proposed work is still in development, a preliminary/indicative draft would be considered. Although a mandatory document, this is for guidance purposes only and will not form part of the core evaluation process;
- Estimate production budget for the touring performance in Edinburgh, barring any adaptations that will need to be made for a specific venue. If the proposed work is still in development, a preliminary/indicative draft would be considered. Although a mandatory document, this is for guidance purposes only and will not form part of the core evaluation process;
- High-quality audio and video recording of the proposed work;
If the performance work has not been created at the time of application, a detailed file outlining all development stages to date must be included.
- Video links (preferred) or portfolio materials demonstrating recent work. For works-in-progress, rehearsal videos, script drafts, mood boards etc are acceptable. (Audiovisuals up to 5MB may be uploaded directly in the application form. Larger files these may be provided as a shareable link)
- If applicable, a most recent Good Standard certificate of Registration. This document is renewed annually by the Malta Business Registry and is proof of compliance;
- Any additional information and/or attachments that support the application.
Application Timeline
Deadline for Applications:
15 February 2026, noon (CET).
Presentations: Applicants will be invited to a pitching session.
Selection: Final selections will be announced in March 2026.
Click here to download the guidelines and click here to download the application template.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- Applicants can submit more than one application under the same call. However, only one of the applications can be selected per edition of this call.
- The submissions are evaluated by a panel of experts. In the case of a high amount of submissions, the panel reserves the right to shortlist at initiation stage.
- The expert panel maintains the prerogative to forego the selection of any submissions should they not meet the requisite standard of quality.
- For any additional information or queries on this call, please get in touch with us on [email protected].