Klassifika Fażi 1 – 3
Beneficiary: AP Future Heritage Foundation
Reference number: CIP07-25-7134
Project Title: FHF
Amount awarded: €2,000
The AP Future Heritage Foundation will contribute to social and urban transformation by applying design thinking to the exploration of possible futures of the built environment, rooted in an approach which prioritises sustainability and a new appreciation of heritage. Conceived as a laboratory for new ideas, the Foundation grows from the experience of research-based architecture practice AP Valletta over the past 34 years. By working in collaboration, and with others, they flourish in a continuous effort to push the boundaries of architecture and design in contemporary environments. AP’s expertise and their international network of researchers and professionals underpin ‘the laboratory’ in which the complex issues related to the sustainable development of our cultural and built heritage will be unravelled.
Beneficiary: Marco Calleja
Reference number: CIP30-25-7189
Project Title: From Passion Project to Sustainable Cultural Enterprise: A Strategic Growth Plan for Hoi Polloi Malta
Amount awarded: €2,000
This project will research how Hoi Polloi Malta can transition from a growing grassroots organisation into a sustainable, future-focused cultural enterprise. The focus is on analysing the systems, structures, and creative platforms we have developed across the Academy, Theatre Company, and Creative Hub, and identifying where they can be strengthened, scaled, or redesigned. The research will examine operational bottlenecks, financial limitations, capacity constraints, and the pressures of operating within a small, saturated cultural market. It will also explore new models of innovation, creative entrepreneurship, and community-led development that can support long-term stability. The goal is to map out a strategic pathway that ensures Hoi Polloi Malta can continue to grow its impact, nurture talent, and serve as a resilient cultural ecosystem for Malta’s performing arts sector.
Beneficiary: Music Playground
Reference number: CIP37-25-7205
Project Title: MusicPlayground ~ Malta’s Musicians Digital Ecosystem
Amount awarded: €2,000
MusicPlayground seeks to validate the market viability of Malta’s integrated music community ecosystem. Combining a digital membership platform, cross professional event services, and a physical creative hub (The Playground HQ). Malta’s music scene is fragmented: musicians operate in silos, venues struggle to compete and audiences miss events. No centralized infrastructure exists to connect stakeholders. This R&D phase will investigate four critical questions: (1) What do Malta’s musicians actually need from a community platform? (2) What gaps exist in Malta’s music ecosystem? (3) Is our membership pricing model viable? (4) Which digital features should be prioritized? Research methods include surveys with musicians, music lovers and service providers, it will also include UX/UI group testing our beta platform. Expected outcome: Data-driven insights and market feedback to refine our three-pillar model and inform platform development.
Beneficiary: Manolito Galea
Reference number: CIP39-25-7209
Project Title: Strengthening Malta’s Creative Innovators Sector
Amount awarded: €2,000
To continue meeting the expectations of today’s music and media industry, Lito’s Place plans to upgrade its facilities through the purchase of a hybrid recording console and high-quality mastering hardware. This equipment will integrate smoothly with the studio’s digital setup and allow for more efficient and flexible production. The upgrade focuses on two main goals:
- Bringing the studio’s technical capabilities in line with current international standards.
- Helping position Malta as a practical and appealing option for international artists, producers, and media companies.
Beneficiary: Godfrey Farrugia
Reference number: CIP41-25-7213
Project Title: Virtual Pyrotechnic Lab
Amount awarded: €2,000
The Malta Pyrotechnics Association proposes to research and develop a Virtual Pyrotechnic Laboratory hosted on the Malta Academy of Pyrotechnics website. This innovative platform will simulate pyrotechnic design, testing, and safety protocols in a digital environment, enabling enthusiasts and professionals to experiment virtually without physical risk or resource constraints. The lab will integrate interactive modules for component analysis, ignition sequencing, and environmental impact assessment, fostering knowledge-sharing and compliance with safety standards. By leveraging immersive technologies and data-driven tools, the project aims to modernize pyrotechnic education, reduce material waste, and create a sustainable, accessible learning ecosystem for the Maltese fireworks tradition.
Beneficiary: Ignix Ltd.
Reference number: CIP42-25-7215
Project Title: Skyfusion: Integrating Drone Technology with Traditional Fireworks for Maltese Cultural Feasts
Amount awarded: €2,000
Ignix Ltd. aims to research the integration of swarm drone technology with traditional fireworks displays to create innovative aerial shows for Maltese village feasts. This project will explore technical feasibility, safety protocols, and creative programming to synchronize drone shows with pyrotechnic displays, offering a modern twist to cultural heritage celebrations. The research will include market analysis, cost modeling for highly subsidized rates to local feast committees, and sustainability planning to ensure accessibility and long-term viability. By combining cutting-edge drone choreography with Malta’s rich fireworks tradition, the initiative seeks to enhance audience engagement, attract younger demographics, and position Malta as a leader in creative event innovation.
Beneficiary: Mireille Estelle Camilleri
Reference number: CIP44-25-7219
Project Title: Kritikarti: Organisational R & D for Structural Sustainability
Amount Awarded: €2,000
Kritikarti is an independent cultural platform producing editorial content, interviews, and public discussions focused on contemporary artistic practice and sector reflection in Malta. Operating outside institutional structures, the platform occupies a space between cultural criticism, public discourse, and creative entrepreneurship. As Kritikarti has developed, a core challenge has emerged: how can a small, independent cultural platform structure itself sustainably, ethically, and professionally within a limited creative economy, while maintaining editorial independence and public trust?
This Phase 1 Research & Development project focuses on assessing and modelling the sustainability of Kritikarti as it currently operates, through structured organisational research, financial modelling, and governance analysis. The project is strictly limited to internal research and development, with no content production or programme delivery supported through this fund. The outcome of Phase 1 will be a clearly articulated sustainability framework, governance model, and short–medium-term operational roadmap, which will inform future implementation and funding phases.
Klassifika Fażi 1 – 2
Beneficiary: Toontuloon Transmedia Initiative
Reference number: CIP15-25-7150
Project Title: Toontuloon Transmedia Initiative
Amount awarded: €2,000
Toontuloon Animation Studio will undertake structured research that will inform an industry-standard ten-year innovation and business plan for Maltese-language animated IP.
Over the research period, we will conduct preliminary business planning, initial SWOT analyses, skills gap analyses, industry mapping, research on local and international markets (Eurimages, Annecy, etc), audience research, and competitive research, amongst several activities. This work will explore the development of transmedia opportunities for our original animations, including digital and board games and cross-platform storytelling. We will study how to improve the global scalability potential of the Maltese animated IP.
We will map the development of an Animation School/Course through collaborations with ACM. Additional areas of study will include immersive technologies (AR, XR, VR), blockchain-based games, and the concept design for “Toon Nights Malta,” a hybrid animation festival featuring screenings, training, and creative industry engagement.
Beneficiary: Teatru Salesjan
Reference number: CIP19-25-7164
Project Title: TS Membership: A Community-Powered Platform for Emerging Artists
Amount awarded: €2,000
The beneficiaries will research the development of a membership-based creative platform at Teatru Salesjan that functions as a subscription model for theatre in its broadest sense. The central idea is to explore how a community membership system can generate sustainable “risk capital” that supports emerging artists, particularly young musicians and performers who need access to space, equipment, audiences, and developmental support. This research will analyse audience behaviours, feasibility, digital infrastructure, and the operational conditions required to transform TS into a community-powered incubator. The study will map the value chain, financial model, and social impact of shifting from ticket-driven income to a membership-driven ecosystem that redistributes risk away from artists and towards a supportive community base. The outcome will guide TS in building a scalable platform that strengthens cultural rights, improves labour conditions, and expands access to artistic experimentation.
Beneficiary: Creative Health Malta
Reference number: CIP22-25-7170
Project Title: Creative Health Malta Initiative
Amount awarded: €2,000
Creative Health Malta (CHM) was set up in order to fulfill wider goals that could not be achieved as a freelance practitioner: sustainable long-term goals, connection with international partners and opportunities, to develop and deliver innovative projects bridging arts and health, cultural heritage and nature, and conduct advocacy.
There are already many exciting ideas, or dreams, however whereas my creative and artistic skills are vast, my business development and management skills are quite the opposite. The method I gravitate most towards at the moment is innovation canvas, mapping out all the ideas, all the elements at play that include strengths and weaknesses, steps, risks and resources, partnerships needed, financing, promotion, optimising processes, AI, internationalisation etc. I imagine I would also need some sort of timeline for achieving all the goals and to help me focus my energies correctly. And most of all, I would welcome the advice of a business-savvy mentor.
Beneficiary: Franciska Stefania Kovessi
Reference number: CIP28-25-7187
Project Title: iCare4 you too – Creative Movement Method for Caregivers
Amount awarded: €2,000
The iCare4 you too project is a dance-based initiative supporting caregivers of individuals living with mental illness. It began during the In Place of War programme and was seed-funded through Arts Council Malta’s CASE Malta scheme, enabling eight pilot sessions with the St Jeanne Antide Foundation. Strong engagement in this early phase led the Foundation to secure additional sponsorship from HSBC to extend the sessions. The project combines guided movement with simple cognitive tasks, including numeracy challenges, sequencing, and pattern-recognition exercises, to enhance mental wellbeing, cognitive focus, and stress relief for participants. Phase 1 focuses on refining and strengthening the method, expanding it to additional organisations, and preparing educator-training pathways to enable broader delivery. By integrating dance with cognitive engagement, it offers caregivers a supportive tool to build resilience, manage stress, and improve overall wellbeing, while creating a scalable programme that can reach more caregivers in diverse community settings.
Beneficiary: Aidan Somers
Reference number: CIP34-25-7201
Project Title: AISO Artist Incubator
Amount awarded: €2,000
Aidan Somers, representing AISO Academy, will research a lean, Malta-wide Incubator for Emerging Solo Artists—a hybrid model combining group learning, 1:1 mentorship, and right-sized showcases.
Over two months, we’ll validate the Incubator’s problem-solution fit and delivery model through desk research, 25–35 stakeholder interviews (artists, mentors, venues, councils), a short online survey, and a rapid financial model.
We’ll benchmark fair fees and contracts per the Charter for the Status of the Artist and test a two-track structure (cohort + 1:1). Outputs: needs analysis, service blueprint, draft curriculum outline, pricing & subsidy scenarios, partner list, risks/mitigations, and a Phase-2 roadmap. This pre-incubation de-risks the pilot, aligns with ACM’s innovation and professionalisation objectives, and readies AISO to scale responsibly.
Beneficiary: Malta Music & Performing Arts Complex
Reference number: CIP36-25-7203
Project Title: MMPAC – International Exchange & Collaboration Grant
Amount awarded: €2,000
This project will research and develop a new international exchange model that empowers Maltese creatives to co-create innovative cultural projects with global partners. The initiative will prototype a framework where each Maltese participant collaborates with at least one international organisation, artist, or creative hub, enabling shared research, hybrid artistic development, and cross-border testing of new ideas. By exploring digital tools, co-creation methodologies, and collaborative production workflows, the project aims to generate a replicable system that strengthens Malta’s international cultural links while fostering experimentation and innovation in the local ecosystem. The outcome will be a validated exchange blueprint, pilot collaborations with selected partners, and a practical toolkit that creatives and organisations in Malta can use to launch sustainable international projects. This research will support sector growth, mobility, and innovation aligned with the goals of the Creative Innovators Fund.
Klassifica Fażi 1
Beneficiary: Ramona Depares
Reference number: CIP02-25-7088
Project Title: Palk.mt
Amount awarded: €2,000
A comprehensive digital hub for the theatre community, connecting emerging and experienced artists and practitioners, while providing a digital bank of educational material.
The platform will be scaled to include three pillars, each complementing the other:
PILLAR 1 – Education
Accessible learning through expert-led content, including:
- in-depth guides
- instructional videos
- infographics & checklists
Eg – A guide to navigating sensitive topics in theatre
PILLAR 2 – Collaboration/Mentoring
The creation of a searchable databse of theatre professionals, with the eventual integration of an AI-chatbot, using GPT AI Power or AI Engine, to create a basic mentor-matchmaking function. The aim is to develop this as an educational project in collaboration with MCAST.
PILLAR 3 – Documentation
- Documenting Malta’s theatre scene through journalism that captures a shared cultural memory and strengthens the sense of community within the sector. Including:
- Deep dives into key topics
- Knowledge sharing interviews
- Historical documentation
Beneficiary: Andre Mangion
Reference number: CIP04-25-7109
Project Title: Iktibhieli.com
Amount awarded: €2,000
Many people have compelling stories to tell but lack the professional writing skills to share them effectively. This business concept bridges that gap by connecting individuals with untold narratives to experienced writers who bring those stories to life. We intend to offer a collaborative service where clients engage with professional writers to develop, refine, and publish their narratives across multiple formats; books, memoirs, essays, and digital media.
Rather than the traditional publishing model where writers create first and seek readers, we invert this dynamic: we identify people with stories, facilitate meaningful creative partnerships, and deliver finished, publication-ready products. This model empowers individuals to establish their own lasting legacy while creating a diverse revenue stream for writers, editors, designers, and publishers. By bridging supply and demand, we establish a sustainable platform that serves both storytellers seeking permanence and creative professionals seeking stable work.
Beneficiary: Culture Venture
Reference number: CIP08-25-7141
Project Title: The Creative Incubator
Amount awarded: €2,000
Culture Venture aims to research and prototype the Accelerating Creative Businesses programme; a modular framework that merges cultural entrepreneurship, incubation, and acceleration tailored to Malta’s creative ecosystem.
The research phase will map local cultural entrepreneurial needs, benchmark international best practices, and test the viability of a hybrid learning model that blends in-person workshops with online international mentoring.
This groundwork will inform the future development of an integrated programme supporting early-stage creative entrepreneurs through ideation, business validation, and internationalisation. The project will identify innovation pathways that empower creative professionals to turn cultural ideas into viable businesses, fostering sustainability, employment, and export potential within Malta’s creative economy.
Beneficiary: Zoe Camilleri
Reference number: CIP14-25-7149
Project Title: Zowij.Makes
Amount awarded: €2,000
I aim to research and develop a sustainable sourcing model for my small fashion brand Zowij.Makes, which handmakes garments from pre-loved and reclaimed fabrics. Currently, all materials are sourced locally through thrifted textiles, a method that is increasingly limiting in both quantity and consistency. To grow sustainably, I need to identify reliable suppliers of second-hand, reclaimed, or deadstock fabric that align with my brand’s environmental values. This project will investigate regional and international supply chains, assess their environmental and ethical standards, and explore partnerships with textile recycling centres, mills, and deadstock distributors. The goal is to establish a dependable, scalable, and fully traceable sourcing strategy that supports circular fashion while allowing my business to expand its offerings responsibly.
Beneficiary: Lisa Gwen Chetcuti
Reference number: CIP17-25-7154
Project Title: CHE studio & gallery CHE | an incubation and exhibition space for sculptors and artists working in three dimensions
Amount awarded: €2,000
This exercise will use the Creative Project Canvas, together with market and sector analysis, to explore how the scope and activities of Funderija Artistika Chetcuti may be expanded. The foundry is a unique space within an industrial estate, currently home to a single sculptor and bronzesmith who works on commissions for third-party artists. However, the wider space remains significantly underutilised.
Through this research exercise, we will examine how areas within the foundry may be transformed (possibly but not limited to) studio space for artists working in three dimensions. The exercise will also assess demand, user needs, and potential uptake through targeted consultations, surveys, and comparative analysis of local studio availability.
The long-term vision, informed by this exploratory phase, is to develop an artist-in-residence structure with the potential for international engagement.
