{"id":15808,"date":"2026-02-23T10:12:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T09:12:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/?post_type=funding&#038;p=15808"},"modified":"2026-05-21T08:59:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T06:59:01","slug":"the-culture-and-health-platform-fund-for-the-maltese-islands","status":"publish","type":"funding","link":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/funding-and-grants\/the-culture-and-health-platform-fund-for-the-maltese-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"The Culture and Health platform fund for the Maltese islands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <em>CultureAndHealth platform fund for the Maltese islands <\/em>is part of a four-year international initiative aimed at supporting emerging European artists working at the intersection of culture, health, care, and the social sectors. The CultureAndHealth platform is co-funded by the European Union, Culture Action Europe and 14 European partner organisations, including ARC Research &amp; Consultancy as the Maltese partner for the platform. The key benefits of the <em>CultureAndHealth platform<\/em> for artists include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial support for projects that bridge culture and health;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International mobility and increased visibility;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trainings and capacity-building initiatives;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer support and networking opportunities;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showcasing events highlighting artists&#8217; work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the <em>CultureAndHealth platform, <\/em>you can consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cultureforhealth.eu\/news\/recap-of-cultureandhealth-platform-launch-event\/\">online launch event<\/a> video. A collection of projects in the culture, health, and well-being fields can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cultureforhealth.eu\/mapping\/\">CultureForHealth mapping database<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the local platform initiatives, ARC Research &amp; Consultancy, in collaboration with Arts Council Malta (from now onwards referred to as the Funding Entities), are issuing a fund targeting emerging Maltese and Malta-based artists and creative professionals in the intersectoral fields of culture, health, and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme is supported in equal amounts by Arts Council Malta (through funds allocated by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government) and ARC Research &amp; Consultancy (through funds allocated by the European Union).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In line with one of ACM\u2019s overarching themes focusing on care, this fund is a tool to further support the cultural and creative sectors by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nurturing inter-sectoral collaborations at local, national, and international levels to support the intersection between culture, health, and care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fostering an interest in culture, health, and care as an intersection which supports holistic well-being and prosperous societies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploring the positive effects of arts and cultural activities on health and well-being.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting the development of artists and creative professionals committed to exploring this field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitating the creation of projects, programmes, and platforms that enable emerging artists to engage with specific communities, healthcare settings, and\/or challenging health conditions through their artistic practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building and strengthening strategic partnerships, collaborations, and networks, on a national and international level, to enable sustainable opportunities and long-term systematic solutions at the intersection between Culture and Health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valuing and positioning the diversity of artistic and cultural expression, access, and participation as integral to Malta\u2019s wider cultural and creative ecology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This scheme recognises the potential of the intersection between culture, health, and care to support holistic well-being, disease prevention, and care processes, as well as stronger and healthier communities. Whilst recognising the value of all forms of practice and intervention within the field of Culture and Health, this scheme will specifically prioritise artist-led initiatives operating at this intersection. The types of projects which this fund is looking to support are described under the sections \u2018Strand 1\u2019 and \u2018Strand 2\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme, which will be divided into two strands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strand 1 \u2013 International learning mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This scheme will offer the opportunity for emerging artists to engage in international shadowing\/mentoring opportunities to support development and exchange of knowledge for emerging artists in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This strand supports individuals to express their interest in, and receive support for, participation in pre-defined, international learning and networking opportunities within the intersectoral field of Culture and Health, Care, and the Social Sectors.&nbsp;Applicants are invited to choose one of the below opportunities and to clearly justify the rationale for their choice by making direct reference to their practice and their current research interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are details about each mobility opportunity offered. Applicants are required to contact the hosts and discuss their participation in order to obtain a letter of intent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opportunity 1: The Culture and Health Forum in Vienna (Austria) in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the 7th and the 11th of September 2026, the Culture and Health Platform will be organising another conference bringing together partners, stakeholders and creative practitioners working at the intersection between culture and health. The conference will be organised by platform member Arts for Health Austria and will include a range of different activities including networking and exchanges, training, presentations. This platform would be ideal if you are looking to learn more about the current trends in culture and health, if you are seeking to extend your international connections, partnerships and projects and if you are interested in furthering your practice at the intersection of arts and health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More information is available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cultureandhealth.eu\/events\/culture-and-health-forum\/\">https:\/\/www.cultureandhealth.eu\/events\/culture-and-health-forum\/<\/a><br>To get in touch with the host to discuss your potential participation, please contact <a href=\"mailto:marie@cultureactioneurope.org\">marie@cultureactioneurope.org<\/a>. In your subject please clearly indicate that your correspondence is related to the Culture and Health Platform Fund for the Maltese Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opportunity 2: One-to-one shadowing opportunity with Saaramaija Zorawski&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This shadowing opportunity offers a five-day peer-learning experience in Finland, in September 2026, combining observation, participation, and reflective exchange within healthcare and care settings. The programme includes preparation and participation in a group session at a cancer centre, creative development work with mentoring discussions, and a full-day engagement in a care home, concluding with a reflection session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Profile<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Saaramaija \u017b\u00f3rawski is a musician and music pedagogue whose practice blends composition, performance, and participatory methods in hospitals, nursing homes, and community spaces. She works with her self-developed \u00c4\u00e4neen Laulettu (\u201cSung Out Loud\u201d) method, which combines music, creative writing, and artistic expression to support emotional processing and strengthen human connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her recent project at Helsinki University Hospital\u2019s Cancer Center, Saaramaija brought the \u00c4\u00e4neen Laulettu method to young adults recovering from cancer treatments. Through music, writing, and collaborative art-making, participants explored their experiences, reduced feelings of isolation, and created shared meaning during a vulnerable transition in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project also contributes to the development of a music-based workshop model for hospital environments and promotes the integration of arts-based approaches into healthcare. Saaramaija\u2019s work highlights the potential of music to nurture well-being, support mental health, and build community in clinical settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get in touch with the host to discuss your potential participation, please write to: <a href=\"mailto:saaramaijapauliina@gmail.com\">saaramaijapauliina@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opportunity 3: One-to-one shadowing opportunity with Rita Winde and Joanne Thede<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This shadowing opportunity offers a three-day learning visit to Sweden (Helsingborg) in autumn, provisionally September. The selected artist will observe and participate in arts-in-care practices, including attending a workshop in an elderly home, learning about local methods and materials, meeting artists and cultural spaces, and visiting regional art institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Profile &#8211; Rita Winde:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rita creates participatory projects that invite collective reflection. With this project, she develops painting workshops for people with dementia, their families, and staff, exploring how art can change interactions in care settings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rita\u202fWinde is a Swedish painter and performance artist based in the south of Sweden. She earned her MFA from Valand Art Academy and works between studio and public spaces to explore society, history and relations. In projects such as edithforce, she creates participatory experiences that provoke questions like \u201cWhy is it the way it is?\u201d and \u201cWhat can we do?\u201d Her visual and performance work invites audiences into shared processes and encourages reflection and collective engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Develop painting workshops involving people with dementia, staff, and family members. She wants to explore how interactions between people change when artistic creation is introduced into a residential facility for individuals with cognitive impairments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Joanna Thede:<\/strong><br>Born in 1969, Joanna Thede has lived half of her life in a small old fishing village called R\u00e5\u00e5 south of Helsingborg in Sweden. She also lived 4 years in Tanzania as a child and in France, Denmark and Scotland as a young adult. Joanna Thede studied languages and art history before entering Glasgow School of<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Art where she graduated from the Sculpture Department in 2003. She has also attended fine art courses at Malm\u00f6 University and University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm. Since 2003, she has been working as an artist, mainly with light installations and has made several public art works. During this time, she has also worked with art classes for children and youth, and with art in hospitals. Joanna Thede has received several grants from The Swedish Arts Grants Committee and from Nordic Culture Point. She has exhibited in Scotland, Ireland, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, Germany, Hungary and India as well as in the Nordic countries, and is represented also in Tanzania and South Africa by private collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get in touch with the host to discuss your potential participation, please write to: <a href=\"mailto:joannathede@gmail.com\">joannathede@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strand 2 \u2013 Project Implementation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This scheme offers emerging artists the possibility to propose projects, led by emerging artists in this field, promoting the improvement of the quality of life and cultural access in healthcare or social care settings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This strand will support projects and\/or programmes which bring together professionals and organisations across the arts, health, and social sectors that aim at supporting creative projects designed to deliver health and well-being benefits. Projects could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Participatory art programmes for people experiencing physical and mental illnesses, as well as projects that focus on prevention, in diverse settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arts in healthcare environments, including projects designed to enhance healthcare environments and support the well-being of staff and patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Productions in healthcare settings: which could include performances, installations, and exhibitions that support general well-being and highlight health-related issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artist residencies in healthcare or social care settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practice-based research activity.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The projects shall look into integrating new artistic practices\u2014or strengthening existing programmes\u2014within local communities and established structures, to foster long-term connections and sustainability. They shall also look at developing the work of the emerging artists involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The partnering healthcare or social care entity\/organisation needs to be contacted prior to the application stage. The host needs to sign a letter of intent to be submitted with the application. The partnering organisation cannot be a\/another cultural entity, but specifically needs to be a healthcare or social care entity\/organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of Strand 2, applications submitted may:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Form part of a wider project\/body of work;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be self-contained projects;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consist of a series of projects within a programme of activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In line with ongoing strategy and with ACM\u2019s commitment to support the arts, adopting a sustainable and accountable approach to public investment, ACM draws applicants\u2019 attention to the following, in line with its ongoing strategy:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the development of their application, applicants are required to follow the guidance provided in the <a href=\"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/resources\/\">Right to Culture \u2013 Resource Pack<\/a>, with particular regard to community engagement and the adoption of a rights-based approach to their work. The resource pack is aimed at increasing awareness with regard to inclusivity, and at supporting the implementation of cultural rights in day-to-day practice.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When proposing their operational and programming activities, applicants are also required to consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/resources\/\">Charter for the Status of the Artist<\/a>, to ensure acceptable and decent working conditions for artists and practitioners in cultural and creative sectors, embracing artistic freedom, accessibility, formal\/informal\/non-formal skill recognition, decent socio-economic conditions, non-discrimination and equity, ethical considerations, and adherence to intellectual property rights and international labour law. The Charter for the Status of the Artist is meant to provide a dynamic frame of reference for any legislation, policy, or initiative which directly or indirectly impacts artists and cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that any action is aligned with the ultimate long-term vision of elevating the status of artists in Malta in line with their tangible value to society.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The CultureAndHealth platform fund for the Maltese islands is part of a four-year international initiative aimed at supporting emerging European artists working at the intersection of culture, health, care, and the social sectors. The CultureAndHealth platform is co-funded by the European Union, Culture Action Europe and 14 European partner organisations, including ARC Research &amp; Consultancy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":15809,"template":"","funding_category":[24],"class_list":["post-15808","funding","type-funding","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","funding_category-closed-for-applications"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funding\/15808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funding"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/funding"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funding\/15808\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15810,"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funding\/15808\/revisions\/15810"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"funding_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artscouncilmalta.gov.mt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funding_category?post=15808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}