Klassifika Lista 3
Beneficiary: Fabrizio Fenech
Reference number: MCG42-26-9859
Project Title: Support in research and concept writing development
Amount awarded: €3,000
The support from this grant will go towards engaging a writer to adapt a Maltese core memory and tradition into a comprehensive pitch-ready treatment. The finished treatment along with project materials such as character descriptions, loglines, synopsis and research will be packaged together and used as a proposal pitch for further funding applications. This original outline examines a uniquely Maltese cultural custom and dynamic through a universally relatable holiday lens. Centred on the chaotic days of Christmas leading to a multi-generational Christmas day event, the narrative highlights the vibrant complexities of extended Maltese family life and tradition.
Beneficiary: Mikaela Bajada
Reference number: MCG66-26-9989
Project Title: Songwriting Camp
Amount awarded: €2,999
I am applying for the support from the Arts Council Malta for the Songwriting Camp which will be held in South East London and I would be involved as an artist. This four day camp will be held in a recording studio with topline songwriters and music producers as part of the team. During the first three days, the creative process will involve a collection of different original ideas, styles, and sounds for the new three songs. Each day we will try to bring a song to life. On the fourth and last day, these three demos will be recorded in the studio with the help of some music producers. This experience will definitely constitute a significant step in my artistic development by releasing some original songs and may form the first completed component of a debut album.
Beneficiary: Stefan Galea
Reference number: MCG72-26-10033
Project Title: Stefan Galea – Debut EP Project
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project will support the creation and release of my debut EP, bringing together several years of independent work into one focused artistic project. Until now, I have largely self-funded my music and developed my catalogue one release at a time. This EP will allow me to work more deeply on songwriting, production and artistic direction, and to create a body of work that feels connected rather than a collection of separate singles. The project will also give me the space to develop a contemporary pop sound with influences connected to Malta and my own musical identity. Following several Malta Eurovision Song Contest appearances, international songwriting collaborations and my recent publishing agreement with Guesstimate and 830 Music Group, I see this EP as an important next step in building a stronger repertoire, developing my sound further and creating work that can support future releases, live performances and international opportunities.
Beneficiary: Rebecca Mohnani
Reference number: MCG81-26-10082
Project Title: Development of Rebecca Mohnani’s Debut EP: Production of Three Original Tracks
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project will support the development of Maltese singer-songwriter Rebecca Mohnani’s debut EP through the professional production of three original tracks. Building on her independently released debut single, Claude, the wider EP explores the relationship between human emotion and nature, using imagery and processes found in nature as a language through which to tell personal stories. Rooted in intimate piano and acoustic instrumentation alongside atmospheric and cinematic elements, the project will further develop Rebecca’s emerging artistic and sonic identity. Through professional production and recording, session musicians, mixing and mastering, three songs currently in development will be transformed into professionally produced recordings forming part of her debut body of work.
Beneficiary: Aaron Debattista
Reference number: MCG93-26-10144
Project Title: Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Amount awarded: €3,000
Intended to support my development as an artist, the EPK is a carefully and professionally curated collection of digital assets including art, photography, video content and promotional material. The final EPK can be shared across social media and other online platforms. Additionally, I would be able to rely on it to secure paid work and venue bookings in the future.
Beneficiary: Bryan Muscat
Reference number: MCG91-26-10139
Project Title: Scriptwriting Course
Amount awarded: €2,622
The project focuses on the development and audiovisual production of Scriptwriting: From Idea to Performance, a comprehensive 36-session online course exploring the creative and practical processes of writing for stage and screen. Drawing on Bryan Muscat’s professional experience as a scriptwriter, theatre practitioner and educator, the project will transform years of practical knowledge into a structured and accessible learning resource. The course will be produced in both Maltese and English, widening access to scriptwriting training while contributing to the availability of Maltese-language resources within the cultural and creative sector. The Micro Grant will support the acquisition of essential audiovisual equipment required to professionally record and produce the course, together with supporting educational material. The project will also strengthen the applicant’s capacity to create high-quality digital educational content within his professional creative practice.
Beneficiary: Gabriel Gauci
Reference number: MCG97-26-10166
Project Title: Album Recording – Artwork Design and Vinyl Printing & Production
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project forms part of Skald’s new studio album, featuring original songs in the Maltese language and reflecting the evolving sound and artistic identity of the group. The project aims to support the professional design and production of the album artwork, an essential component of the album’s visual identity and promotion across digital platforms. The artwork will complement the music, enhancing its presentation and creating a cohesive visual representation of the band’s creative direction. In addition, the project will fund the production of 100 vinyl copies of the album. These physical editions will be distributed among key collaborators of the band and other relevant recipients, helping to strengthen the album’s reach and preserve the work in a tangible format. The combination of professional artwork and physical vinyl production will contribute to the overall presentation, promotion and dissemination of Skald’s original musical work in Maltese.
Beneficiary: Nicole Parnis
Reference number: MCG79-26-10070
Project Title: Music Video Production
Amount awarded: €2,027
The project consists of a narrative music video for I Miss You, an original hard techno track by Maltese DJ and music producer IDEALIST. Combining electronic music with cinematography and visual storytelling, the project explores themes of emotional attachment, external validation and personal freedom. The project seeks to highlight the importance of self-expression and personal freedom in a culture increasingly shaped by digital connection and the need for validation from others.
Beneficiary: Thea Aquilina
Reference number: MCG94-26-10150
Project Title: Songwriting & Production Project
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project involves travelling from Malta to London for a two-day intensive songwriting and production experience with a professional music producer and songwriter. The project will consist of two dedicated songwriting sessions, during which 2 original songs will be written and developed collaboratively. The purpose of travelling from Malta to London is to facilitate direct collaboration within an international music environment, providing the opportunity to explore new songwriting techniques, creative approaches and production styles. The project aims to encourage artistic development through international collaboration while creating original music that can reach audiences beyond Malta. Following the London sessions, the songs will undergo professional production, recording and finalisation before being released on digital music platforms. Overall, the project aims to create new original music while facilitating international creative exchange, professional development and greater opportunities for Maltese music to reach international audiences.
Beneficiary: Ivan Lucas
Reference number: MCG99-26-10218
Project Title: U Bqasjt Għaddej
Amount awarded: €2,992
An album containing original songs penned by Composer Mark Spiteri Lucas with Paul Ellul, Prof. David Aloisio, Joe Chircop and Joe Julian Farrugia as authors. The songs in question are songs which I took part as a singer in various festivals. Also included are 2 songs which are a tribute to the late Joe Cutajar a prolific singer in addition to another song as a tribute to my uncle the late Godwin Lucas. All of these are in our native language which I am so proud to use in my original songs.
Klassifika Lista 2
Beneficiary: Martin Caruana
Reference number: MCG02-26-9761
Project Title: Ocelot Debut EP
Amount awarded: €3,000
Ocelot is an instrumental contemporary jazz/fusion trio featuring drummer Martin Caruana, bassist Luigi Busuttil, and guitarist Jason Spiteri. The band is embarking on its debut studio project, a 5-track EP of original material. This work is an exploration of contemporary jazz and fusion, blending diverse musical influences into a distinct, experimental sound. To elevate the creative vision, Ocelot will collaborate with selected guest session musicians and vocalists, incorporating layered instrumentation to further enhance the project’s sound.
Beneficiary: Kyra Lautier
Reference number: MCG19-26-9781
Project Title: Billy’s Game: A Saw Parody!
Amount awarded: €2,550
Billy’s Game: A Saw Parody! is a 50-minute-long theatrical adaptation of the horror film Saw (2004). What started as a form of escapism through horror films and a necessity for artistic expression to process inexcusable global atrocities became an innovative concept that elevates Malta’s admiration for parody and satire. Billy’s Game maintains an eco-friendly development process by constructing the props and set pieces entirely from recycled cardboard. Additionally, all costume pieces are personally and ethically sourced by members of the production. Written and directed by Kyra Lautier, Billy’s Game aims to encourage its audience to embrace whatever terrors they face with the ability to laugh directly at it.
Beneficiary: Ella Pullicino
Reference number: MCG82-26-10087
Project Title: Peach Talk Album Launch
Amount awarded: €3,000
Peach Talk is an independently developed neo-soul band releasing its debut album. The live launch, being held at Teatru Salesjan, will bring the album to life through its first-ever live performance. From writing and recording to mixing, the album has been created entirely by the members of Peach Talk — Ella Pullicino, Zack Camilleri, and Simon Andersen. The launch will take place in an intimate setting, with the audience close to the musicians and the focus placed on the groove, soul, and musicality of the band — souls coming together to experience soul music. Alongside a full live band, an acoustic opening support act will introduce the evening before Peach Talk performs the album live for the first time
Beneficiary: Maria Griscti Soler
Reference number: MCG69-26-10024
Project Title: Exploring Digital Engraving and Handcrafted Silver Jewellery
Amount awarded: €3,000
Exploring Digital Engraving and Handcrafted Silver Jewellery is an artistic exploration of how digital laser engraving can be integrated with traditional jewellery-making techniques to create highly personalised and unique silver pieces. The project will experiment with combining laser engraving with both traditional silversmithing and silver clay, exploring how different materials, textures, forms and handmade surfaces respond to digital engraving.
A key focus will be the creation of personalised jewellery incorporating meaningful elements such as handwriting, drawings, symbols, words and other visual expressions of individual identity and personal stories. Through my own experimentation and a participatory workshop with the public, I will investigate how digital precision can complement the individuality and imperfections of handcrafted jewellery.
The project will culminate in a collection of original silver jewellery pieces demonstrating the techniques, processes and creative possibilities explored, while developing my artistic practice through the integration of contemporary digital technology with traditional jewellery craftsmanship.
Beneficiary: Andrew Vella Zarb
Reference number: MCG68-26-10022
Project Title: Development of soul repertoire
Amount awarded: €3,000
The development of a set of soul arrangements for an 11-piece band over three rehearsal sessions and one live show. Taking these arrangements from the page to the rehearsal room will be invaluable experience for my practice as an arranger and musical director, and taking a large band on stage to present the music in a live context will be a new challenge as a bandleader.
Beneficiary: Daniel Micallef
Reference number: MCG65-26-9970
Project Title: One Take: Recording and Filming original Acoustic Guitar Instrumental
Amount awarded: €2,505
Daniel Micallef is a professional session guitarist based in Malta, active in the local music industry since 2019. Over the past seven years, he has collaborated with respected Maltese artists across genres, performing on notable stages and opening for major international acts at large festivals.
Throughout his career, Daniel’s energy has gone into realising other people’s creative visions. This project marks the first time he will record and produce a song of his own. An original acoustic instrumental written in 2018, currently only a rough demo. With grant support, he will finally have the resources to bring it to life properly: recorded, produced, and released alongside a music video.
Without this support, the project will likely be delayed for years, as it already has been. This grant offers a rare chance for Daniel to invest in his own artistry, while contributing something original to Malta’s music scene.
Beneficiary: Michael Borg
Reference number: MCG60-26-9952
Project Title: Road to World Cup – Documenting Malta Rugby’s Journey
Amount awarded: €3,000
Malta Rugby has an ambitious goal: to rise through the international rankings and pursue qualification for the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States. This project will document the journey towards that goal, following the people, decisions, challenges and milestones that are shaping the future of Maltese rugby. Through photography and storytelling, I aim to capture more than just what happens on the pitch. The project will explore the growth of rugby across Malta, from grassroots development and local clubs to the national team, while documenting the work taking place behind the scenes to strengthen the sport. At its heart, this is a story about ambition, identity and progress. By following Malta Rugby over the coming years, the project will create a visual record of a small rugby nation attempting something significant: building the foundations, culture and belief needed to compete on a much bigger international stage.
Beneficiary: Abigail Agius
Reference number: MCG50-26-9901
Project Title: Abigail Agius – Micro Grant
Amount awarded: €2,737
This Micro Grant will provide essential support for Abigail in the continuing development of her multidisciplinary and intermedia practice, supporting her in accessing the appropriate tools to further strengthen her work across visual arts and performance. These tools will support the foundations for the research and development phase of a new project. A compact Fujifilm X-T30 III together with the appropriate accessories will support in the documentation and field-working processes which underpin her work, allowing her to capture high-quality photo and video to be woven into upcoming research, as well as for archival purposes. With an iPad mini and Apple Pencil, she will be able to digitise her illustrations and manipulate her photo and video documentation. Finally, acquiring a Shure SM58 Microphone will support her sustained research around sonic practices and voice, an key piece of equipment which will be integral to the development of a final work.
Beneficiary: Mark Micallef Costa
Reference number: MCG44-26-9874
Project Title: Lejl u Nhar
Amount awarded: €3,000
Lejl u Nhar is the first full-length album by Maltese band SterjoTipi, currently being written and recorded. The album explores themes of love, loss, uncertainty, hope and change, drawing from experiences and emotions that shape everyday life. Through original songwriting and an evolving approach to arrangement and sound, SterjoTipi are developing a body of work that reflects the band’s artistic growth and musical identity. The four new songs included in this project will complete Lejl u Nhar, bringing together the material created by the band so far into their first full-length release. Funding will support the recording, production and completion of the album, allowing SterjoTipi to develop the project to its full artistic potential and share their work with audiences in Malta and beyond.
Beneficiary: Geordie Attard
Reference number: MCG41-26-9855
Project Title: Human Red: Production and Release of “Motion” and “Within” EPs
Amount awarded: €2,800
Human Red is the artist name of Geordie Attard, a Malta-based music producer, Ableton tutor and studio engineer. This project will introduce Human Red through two debut EPs, each made up of two original tracks. All four tracks are currently in their final stages of production, with further work being carried out on instrumentation, sound design, composition, mixing and preparation before mastering and release. The project will also include four music videos, one for each track. The visual direction will use everyday objects, spaces and familiar materials in unusual ways that connect with the mood and character of the music. The project brings together four Malta-based creatives working across music production, live instrumentation and videography, helping Human Red establish a clear artistic identity through a body of work combining electronic production, acoustic elements and experimental visuals.
Beneficiary: Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur
Reference number: MCG38-26-9804
Project Title: Y.A.W.N .
Amount awarded: €3,000
The project aims to develop and promote Y.A.W.N. through the creation of high-quality audiovisual and digital content supporting the release of two original songs. This will include the production of one professionally directed music video for one of the songs, alongside the creation of a range of short-form social media content for both releases. This content will be designed specifically for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, allowing the music to reach new audiences while establishing a stronger and more recognisable visual identity for Y.A.W.N. There will also be targeted marketing and promotional campaign surrounding the releases, using the newly created audiovisual material to increase visibility, engagement and audience growth. By combining music, visual storytelling and digital marketing, the project seeks to strengthen Y.A.W.N.’s presence within Malta’s contemporary music scene while creating opportunities to reach audiences beyond Malta and establish the project as a distinctive, professionally presented musical act.
Beneficiary: Marius Van Rooij
Reference number: MCG36-26-9802
Project Title: Terramaxka
Amount awarded: €2,783
This project aims to preserve and promote one of Malta’s rarest traditional musical traditions: the Terramaxka, a historic street organ once commonly used during village festas, weddings, carnivals and public celebrations. I have dedicated many years to restoring, maintaining and performing with the instrument, and I currently operate what is regarding as the last working Terramaxka of its kind in Malta. Through regular performances, particularly in Valletta, the project introduces both Maltese families and international visitors to this unique aspect of Malta’s cultural heritage. The project also provides an opportunity to explain the history, craftmanship and music associated with the instrument. Financial support is sought to assist with essential annual costs including maintenance, tuning, music books, storage, insurance, transportation and promotion. The investment will help ensure that this unique tradition remains alive, accessible and appreciated by future generations.
Beneficiary: Kimberly Pepe
Reference number: MCG33-26-9795
Project Title: Kym Pepe EP
Amount awarded: €3,000
The project consists of the arrangement, production, recording and mixing of four songs composed by Kym Pepe, which will be part of a concept EP. The songs will be written in the Maltese language and will delve into her own experiences of love & attachment. Kym’s melodies lean melancholic yet hopeful, accompanied by hypnotic and dreamy synth sounds. Upon completion, the songs in the EP will then be mastered and released worldwide.
Beneficiary: Gabrijel Mansueto
Reference number: MCG29-26-9791
Project Title: Taħt Sema Blu
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project will produce a music video for Emoji, a new track by Maltese band SterjoTipi from their album Lejl u Nhar. The video looks at how digital communication has become part of our everyday lives and how it affects the way we connect with one another. With a strong focus on younger audiences, the video will explore familiar experiences such as fear of missing out (FOMO), the pressure to keep up with constant communication, and the growing expectation to always be available and respond instantly. While technology helps us stay connected, the constant flow of messages and notifications can also bring pressure, stress and a sense of isolation. Using a fresh and relatable visual approach, the video aims to capture this tension and encourage audiences of all ages to reflect on our relationship with technology and what it means to truly connect.
Beneficiary: Rebecca Theuma
Reference number: MCG23-26-9786
Project Title: Do you feel it? I think I feel it – EP
Amount awarded: €3,000
The funds will be used to produce mix and master 6 original compositions in a professional recording studio in Malta. Once the EP is finished, it will be sent to various record labels, in the hopes that it will be distributed by the label, which can increase the artist’s visibility and following both locally and abroad, through features on press and magazines, and increased radio-play and play-listing on streaming services, thus making it a natural and logical next step in the artist’s musical career. The EP will pay homage to the diy underground party culture in Malta, which has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially after the covid pandemic.
Beneficiary: Mark Ciantar
Reference number: MCG88-26-10121
Project Title: The Formative Years
Amount awarded: €2,970
The Formative Years is the debut songwriting EP of Maltese singer-songwriter Mark Ciantar. It will tenderly explore themes surrounding everyday life, queer identity and finding home through an introspective lens blending indie electronic, folk and alternative rock aesthetics. The project encompasses the engineering, production and mixing of a six-track EP in order to facilitate the recording of various musicians including a drummer, pianist and cellist across various flexible DIY recording setups and within my home studio. The songwriting and ideation of the project has come to fruition within intimate moments spanning a period of 7 years across Malta and London. However, its professional recording requires the purchasing of additional audio equipment and specialised software to supplement my existing tools. Support of this project will result in the independent release of the six-track EP “The Formative Years”, while providing myself the means to pursue further projects independently.
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