Skadenza tal-Applikazzjonijiet: 16 ta’ Ġunju 2026
Klassifika – Fergħa 1
Beneficiary: Alexia Pizzuto
Reference number: TDS108-26-9283
Project Title: Enhancing Malta’s Aerial Arts Sector through International Exchange
Amount awarded: €1,703
Participation in the Aerial Edge Four-Week Intensive Programme, an international professional training course in aerial arts and contemporary circus practice. The programme will support my continuous professional development through specialised technical training, artistic exploration, mentorship, and international networking opportunities, contributing to my growth as an aerial artist and my future contribution to Malta’s performing arts sector.
Beneficiary: Brandon Terribile
Reference number: TDS104-26-9259
Project Title: Professional Development in International Film Marketing and Distribution
Amount awarded: €1,850
This project consists of Brandon Terribile’s participation in the EAVE Marketing Workshop 2026 in Luxembourg, an internationally recognised professional training programme for audiovisual professionals. The workshop focuses on film marketing, audience development, international distribution, digital communication strategies, and emerging AI-driven tools within the European audiovisual industry. Through this programme, Brandon aims to strengthen his professional skills in the strategic positioning and promotion of audiovisual projects while expanding his international industry network. The training will contribute to his ongoing professional development within the film and media sector and support the future international visibility of his work. Participation in the workshop will also encourage stronger engagement with European industry practices and collaboration opportunities relevant to Malta’s creative and audiovisual sectors.
Beneficiary: Claudia Santamaria Soriano
Reference number: TDS111-26-9304
Project Title: Royal Ballet School – London
Amount awarded: €2,000
Claudia Santamaría is a ballet dancer training full-time at the NachoDuatoAcademy in Madrid as part of its elite program. Within a year, she became a principal dancer, at age 16, in Duato’s company currently performing across Spain and internationally. This year, she has again been awarded a place at The Royal Ballet School London, reflecting her dedication and excellence. The Summer Intensive program, which Claudia will attend over three intensive weeks, offers world-class coaching from the School’s full-time staff and renowned international teachers. Beyond classical ballet technique, it includes Pointe, Repertoire, Contemporary, Pas de deux, and Jazz, providing a comprehensive dance education. This rigorous training will further refine her artistry, technique, and performance skills while preparing her for a professional career with leading companies worldwide. Through this project, it would make it possible for her to access this transformative training experience and continue representing Malta on the global stage.
Beneficiary: Marianna Micallef
Reference number: TDS116-26-9364
Project Title: Industry Integration Programme: Advanced Training and Asset Creation
Amount awarded: €2,000
This intensive professional development initiative is strategically designed to bridge the gap between performing arts graduation and sustainable industry employment through an equal split of high-level training and strategic asset creation. Spanning four distinct pillars—Screen Acting , Vocal Performance, Technical Dance Conditioning and Elite Headshots – the program meticulously balances advanced skill acquisition with professional visual marketing.Under the direct mentorship of active UK industry professionals, I will undergo rigorous training to master specialized technical, vocal, and camera-specific execution. Crucially, this immersive training culminates in the production of high-end, professional footage and marketing assets. This dual-focused approach ensures deep growth as a creative artist while securing the broadcast-quality show reels, audio-visual portfolios, and promotional media required to launch a competitive, self-sustaining career.
Beneficiary: Paolo Micallef
Reference Number: TDS110-26-9302
Project Title: Professional Development in Screen Acting, Voice-Over, and Combat Arts
Amount awarded: €1,986
This project involves an intensive, multidisciplinary professional development program in London, combining three specialized training courses. The applicant will undertake the British National Stage Combat Workshop (BASSC) to master specialized physical performance techniques, alongside dedicated training in Screen Acting and Voice-Over Skills at City Academy. By bridging stage, screen, and audio disciplines, this comprehensive training aims to significantly expand the applicant’s versatile skill set and professional portfolio. The culmination of the project includes the production of a professional voice demo reel, directly enhancing employability and opening new international networking opportunities within the performing arts and audiovisual sectors.
Beneficiary: Karl Cassar
Reference Number: TDS119-26-9402
Project Title: Workshop for Assistant Director – Accademia alla Scala, Milan
Amount awarded: €1,650
The Assistant Stage Director Workshop offered by the Accademia Teatro alla Scala provides an intensive introduction to the role of the assistant stage director in theatrical and operatic productions. Designed for those interested in the creative and organisational processes behind live performance, the programme explores the responsibilities involved in supporting a production from preparation through to performance. Across 42 hours of training, participants attend lectures, observe rehearsals, take part in guided visits, and learn directly from professionals working at Teatro alla Scala. Key topics include stage direction, production planning, scenography, stage management, opera studies, and collaboration with the various departments involved in staging a performance. With a particular focus on opera, the workshop offers valuable insight into the working practices of one of the world’s leading opera institutions while providing practical exposure to professional industry standards.
Beneficiary: Dragana Rankovic
Reference Number: TDS101-26-9192
Project Title: Multi-process manual photographic printing: argyrotype, platinum-palladium and DTP engraving & intaglio printing
Amount awarded: €2,000
Dragana Rankovic will attend a five-day professional training course in Paris with Laurent Lafolie and Laurent Millet, focused on handmade photographic printing processes: argyrotype, platinum-palladium, DTP photopolymer gravure and intaglio printing. The course will develop practical skills in digital negatives, hand-coated papers, UV exposure, chemical processing, print finishing and presentation. As a Malta-based photographer and visual artist, Rankovic will use this training to expand her practice beyond standard digital printing and develop a more material approach to photographic image-making. The knowledge gained will support future work using paper, surface, chemistry and scale as active parts of the photographic process. The project will also create opportunities to share this learning through artist talks, peer exchange and future workshop activity in Malta.
Beneficiary: Leonard Chircop
Reference Number: TDS118-26-9393
Project Title: PhMuseum: Online Masterclass On Conceptual Thinking (Photography)
Amount awarded: €1,350
Throughout a dedicated 8-month online programme, artist and photographer Leo Chircop shall further develop his first body of work in tandem with photographer, director, and art director Charlie Engman, who will help practicing and aspiring photographic artists to transform the seed idea into a full realisation. Selected out of 93 applications, and securing 1 spot out of the 13 available, Chircop will be joining PhMuseum’s ”IDEA 2026/2027 – Online Masterclass on Conceptual Thinking” course. PhMuseum is a curated independent platform sharing visual language and its culture.
Beneficiary: Nathaniel Camilleri
Reference Number: TDS120-26-9422
Project Title: Circus Arts Training in Montreal Canada – Professional Development of Nathaniel Camilleri
Amount awarded: €2,000
This project focuses on developing my contemporary circus practice through a period of intensive training, mentorship, and professional exposure. My primary disciplines will be Chinese pole and straps, while also expanding my skills through acrobatics, flying trapeze, and introductory teeterboard training where possible. Training will take place alongside multidisciplinary circus artist Matthias Camilleri and several experienced circus professionals. In addition to classes and workshops, Matthias will provide individual mentoring, in-kind training sessions, and ongoing technical guidance while introducing me to members of the international circus community. During the project, I will also attend contemporary circus performances and visit the École Nationale de Cirque in Montreal to learn more about its training environment and prepare for the possibility of applying as an international student in 2027. The project will strengthen my technical, artistic, and professional development while supporting my long-term ambitions within contemporary circus.
Beneficiary: Annette Lillethun
Reference Number: TDS102-26-9220
Project Title: Continued studies
Amount awarded: €1,999
This course is a comprehensive introduction to leaded stained glass through the design and creation of a non-representational stained glass panel or site-specific window. The introduction covers traditional stained-glass techniques and an exploration of resists for clear glass. It includes training on sandblasting to carve glass, create a frosted finish and three-dimensional effects. The course is held at the prestigious West Dean College of Arts in Sussex and taught by Carole Grey, a contemporary stained-glass artist. As a multidisciplinary artist who uses artistic mediums to communicate concepts in subversive ways, learning to create stained glass art will elevate and expand my artistic practice.
Beneficiary: Patrizia Madiona
Reference Number: TDS107-26-9278
Project Title: Ceramica Forma – Clay and Sculpture Training
Amount awarded: €1,493
This project is a 24-hour intensive training in clay and sculpture, delivered over one week in Q4 2026 at Cerámica Forma in Barcelona. The course offers a flexible, artist-led structure, allowing me to focus directly on the needs of my practice. My work is based on abstract, anime-influenced forms, but my current materials limit how much detail, layering, and structural depth I can achieve. This training will support my move into clay-based processes, exploring hand-building techniques, surface texture, and material behaviour to expand how I create 3D sculptural wall art. It also connects with my ongoing IPF-funded research in 3D scanning and printing, bringing a physical element into this work. The aim is to develop a more combined process, where clay forms and textures can be used across both physical and digital methods, while adding clearer references to the characters represented.
Beneficiary: Maria Laura Vella Clark
Reference Number: TDS109-26-9288
Project Title: Directors Course
Amount awarded: €355
This intensive two-day programme is aimed at filmmakers who want to strengthen their ability to lead creative productions and communicate stories through compelling visuals. Combining practical exercises with professional guidance, the workshop provides participants with a deeper understanding of how to interpret scripts, shape scenes visually, work effectively with actors, and manage the demands of a film set. Throughout the course, attendees will explore techniques for identifying key dramatic moments within a screenplay, designing a cohesive visual approach, coordinating camera and performer movement, conducting casting sessions and rehearsals, and evaluating filmed material to improve creative choices. The training is led by Martin Bonnici, whose experience spans feature filmmaking, major cultural events, and immersive digital projects.
Klassifika – Fergħa 2
Beneficiary: Deva Sammut
Reference number: TDS202-26-9091
Project Title: The Royal Ballet School – UK Summer Intensive
Amount awarded: €2,000
My project is a 5-day summer immersion in The Royal Ballet School’s Training system. Training is received from the Royal ballet School’s artistic faculty as well as distinguished guest teachers and creators. Students are given the opportunity to engage in diverse repertoire and connect with like-minded dancers from all over the world. Training includes ballet technique classes, character, contemporary, creative, pilates, repertoire, stagecraft, variations and jazz sessions. This will give me the opportunity to be exposed to different dance styles, to strengthen my skills, widen my knowledge and serve as continued support to my dance journey.
Beneficiary: Ana Keegan
Reference number: TDS210-26-9191
Project Title: Intensive Ballet
Amount awarded: €2,000
Ana is a young ballerina who is passionate about developing her skills in classical ballet. This project will enable her to take part in a dedicated ballet training opportunity aimed at improving her technique, confidence and artistic development. The training will help Ana build stronger foundations in posture, coordination, strength, flexibility, musicality and performance quality. It will also give her valuable exposure to a more focused learning environment, allowing her to develop discipline, creativity and commitment within the field of dance. Through this project, Ana will be able to enhance her current ballet formation and continue progressing in an area that is important to her personal and artistic growth. The project is intended to support her development as a young dancer and encourage her continued participation in ballet.
Beneficiary: Paula Marie Agius
Reference number: TDS231-26-9420
Project Title: International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague – Junior Course
Amount awarded: €2,000
The International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague Summer Intensive is a high-level training program for dancers aged 13–15 years. It offers expert teaching in classical ballet, repertoire, contemporary dance, pointe work, and conditioning. Entry is by audition and assessed by Daria Klimentová, a former Royal Ballet School teacher and Prima Ballerina. The program takes place in Prague and brings together young dancers from around the world to learn from experienced international teachers. Students improve their technique, artistic expression, performance skills, and confidence in a supportive environment. At the end of the course, participants perform in a final showcase to present what they have learned. The program combines excellent dance training with cultural experience and the opportunity to make international friendships, making it a valuable and memorable experience for young dancers.
Beneficiary: Liza Axisa
Reference number: TDS217-26-9308
Project Title: Participation in Chetham’s International Piano Summer School 2026
Amount awarded: €2,000
The applicant will attend the Chetham’s International Piano Summer School 2026 in the United Kingdom. This programme offers advanced piano training through individual lessons, masterclasses, and performance opportunities with international tutors. The experience will enhance her technical skills, musical interpretation, and performance confidence. Participation will also expose her to an international network of young musicians and educators, contributing significantly to her artistic development.
Beneficiary: Valentina Maria Zahra
Reference Number: TDS221-26-9384
Project Title: Horizon Tap Festival 2026 — Global Tap Dance
Amount awarded: €1,986
Horizon Tap Festival – Brno 2026 is an international tap dance festival taking place in Brno, Czech Republic, from 26–31 October 2026. The festival brings together professional artists, educators, emerging dancers, and audiences from across Europe and beyond for an intensive programme of education, performance, and artistic exchange. Featuring more than ten internationally acclaimed tap dance artists, the festival offers high-level workshops, masterclasses, performances, improvisation sessions, and complementary movement practices that support holistic artistic development and long-term sustainability for dancers. Alongside its educational focus, the festival emphasises connection, mentorship, and international cultural exchange through collaborative and community-oriented activities. Public performances and open events aim to broaden access to tap dance and strengthen its visibility within the European cultural landscape, contributing to a sustainable international platform for tap dance education and performance.
Skadenza tal-Applikazzjonijiet: 10 ta’ Marzu 2026
Klassifika – Fergħa 1
Beneficiary: Gulja Holland
Reference Number: TDS126-26-7711
Project Title: Strategic Curatorial Mentorship with Kathleen Soriano
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: This project consists of a six-session strategic curatorial mentorship with internationally acclaimed curator Kathleen Soriano. The programme supports the professional development of artist Gulja Holland following her selection to represent the Malta Pavilion at the Malta Biennale 2026. The mentorship will focus on strengthening conceptual clarity, institutional positioning, international networking, and long-term career sustainability. Sessions will provide guidance on refining artistic discourse, expanding curatorial relationships in the UK and Europe, and enhancing professional visibility within international art platforms. Building on an established professional relationship initiated during Portrait Artist of the Year (2021) and subsequent collaborations, this programme supports excellence, professionalisation, and international engagement in line with Arts Council Malta’s strategic objectives.
Beneficiary: Leah Formosa
Reference Number: TDS114-26-7546
Project Title: West End Stage – Musical Theatre Course Abroad
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: Leah Formosa’s project involves the participation in the West End Stage Summer School in London, an intensive musical theatre training programme led by experienced West End performers, directors, and choreographers. Through daily classes in acting, singing, and dance, alongside rehearsals and industry-led masterclasses, the programme provides advanced training in the core skills required within professional musical theatre practice. The training culminates in a final showcase performance on a West End stage at His Majesty’s Theatre, where participants present material rehearsed during the week in a professional theatre setting. Participation in this programme will strengthen Leah’s technical foundation in acting, singing, and dance while providing exposure to international training practices within the musical theatre industry. The experience will support her progression towards further professional training and enhance her contribution to Malta’s performing arts community.
Beneficiary: Chantelle Micallef-Grimaud
Reference Number: TDS159-26-8184
Project Title: Updating and refining skills
Amount Rewarded: €1536
Project Summary Description: Earlier last year I applied to be a part of Shakespeare’s Globe Studio in London as both an actor and director, which includes a screening process. Once accepted in both strands I now have access to the short courses and workshops provided by the Globe staff throughout the year. Through this fund I aim to attend a few acting workshops and a directing short course that would refine my skills as a director and actor in classical text. Further to refining my skills, through this fund I aim to achieve the necessary funds to update my song reel and headshots that are necessary tools in my profession which will strengthen my portfolio.
Beneficiary: Matthias Camilleri
Reference Number: TDS161-26-8213
Project Title: Advancing Contemporary Circus Practice through International Training and Artistic Exchange
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: This project focuses on the continued development of my practice as a contemporary circus artist through an intensive period of training, mentorship, and professional engagement in Canada. My primary focus will be on refining my work in aerial straps, while also expanding my practice through the study of aerial pole as an additional circus discipline. Training will take place at various circus spaces in Montréal. I will work with experienced circus artists including William Bonnet, Victor Fomine, Jacinthe Tremblay, and Itzel Viruega. During this period I will also attend Montréal Complètement Cirque and the St. John’s International CircusFest, where I will assist Paige Allerton and contribute to workshops and panel discussions. The project will strengthen my artistic practice while expanding my professional network and supporting my work as a circus performer and educator in Malta and Gozo.
Beneficiary: Irene Nocella
Reference Number: TDS156-26-8169
Project Title: Participation in the B12 Summer 2026 Contemporary Dance Workshop, Germany
Amount Rewarded: €1431
Project Summary Description: This project supports my participation in the B12 Contemporary dance workshop, a high-level professional training that gathers leading European choreographers and dancers. This workshop will deepen my technical skills and my artistic development as a professional dancer and will directly contribute to the strengthening of international networks
Beneficiary: Michaela Agius
Reference Number: TDS142-26-8000
Project Title: Opera Nova Project – Summer Vocal Academy 2026
Amount Rewarded: €750
Project Summary Description: I am applying for Opera Nova’s Summer Vocal Academy 2026, an intensive professional training programme for emerging classical singers. The Academy will take place between 3rd and 11th August 2026 and consists of individual masterclasses in vocal technique, characterisation, and musical analysis, culminating in a public recital. Participants receive one-to-one training with internationally recognised artists Nelly Miricioiu, Professor Janis Kelly, and Professor James Pearson. The programme focuses on advanced operatic repertoire, technical refinement, stylistic development, and stage interpretation. This training will contribute significantly to my continued artistic development as an active classical soprano and will enhance the quality of my future performances within Malta’s cultural sector.
Beneficiary: Matias Cassar
Reference Number: TDS151-26-8126
Project Title: Classic Tailoring Techniques Short Course – UAL
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: I will attend an intense Modern Tailoring course at the London College of Fashion, which focuses on a contemporary approach to classic tailoring. The curriculum teaches advanced garment construction, structuring, and fabric manipulation techniques such as pattern balance, toile creation, fit correction, and internal jacket construction. I will improve my garments shape, sewing, pressing, and intricate finishing abilities, such as collars, waistbands, and jet pockets, through lectures and hands on workshops. The training will improve my technical accuracy and problem solving skills, improving the workmanship, structure, and overall quality of my future collections while also promoting my career growth.
Beneficiary: Karl Camilleri
Reference Number: TDS162-26-8218
Project Title: Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition
Amount Rewarded: €1925
Project Summary Description: Participation in the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona, an international platform organised by the International Union of Architects that brings together architects, researchers and cultural practitioners from across the world. The project involves attending lectures, thematic sessions, workshops and exhibitions focusing on sustainability, adaptive reuse, cultural heritage and the social role of architecture. This opportunity will contribute to my professional development as an architect specialising in interior architecture, heritage spaces and exhibition design. Through participation in this congress I will gain exposure to current international discourse, innovative design strategies and global networks within the architectural profession. The knowledge and professional connections developed during the congress will support the development of future architectural and cultural projects in Malta, particularly those related to sustainable design and the interpretation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Beneficiary: Karl Fiorini
Reference Number: TDS111-26-7530
Project Title: Photography Film & Darkroom Short Course
Amount Rewarded: €1400
Project Summary Description: This project is a professional development programme supporting the “Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience” (VAE: Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) leading to the French “Diplôme d’État de Professeur de Musique” (State Diploma for Music Teachers), delivered by the Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de la Musique Europe et Méditerranée (IESM Institute of Higher Education in Music, Europe and the Mediterranean) of Aix-en-Provence. Running from May to September 2026, it provides 22 hours of structured accompaniment combining collective and individual training. The programme enables candidates to understand the national diploma framework, formalise their professional experience, structure their pedagogical approach, and prepare for the final jury interview. It strengthens teaching practice, reinforces knowledge of the professional environment, and enhances recognition within the field of music education. The project contributes directly to the sustainability and quality of professional music teaching by aligning experience, pedagogy and institutional standards.
Beneficiary: Ritianne Muscat
Reference Number: TDS111-26-7530
Project Title: Photography Film & Darkroom Short Course
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: This project involves participation in a short training course focused on analogue photography and black-and-white darkroom practice. The training aims to strengthen technical skills in camera handling, film development, and traditional printing processes, while supporting the development of a more confident and critically informed photographic practice.
Beneficiary: Niels Plotard
Reference Number: TDS134-26-7896
Project Title: Spaes summer school 2026 Berlin
Amount Rewarded: €1980
Project Summary Description: Niels has been invited to participate in Summer School 2026: ‘Spatial Practices and Sonic World Making’, organised by Spæs, a Berlin-based research platform dedicated to spatial audio, immersive listening environments, and experimental sonic composition. The programme explores artistic, critical, and technical approaches to spatial sound through lectures, listening sessions, collaborative discussions, and hands-on workshops. Participants will get the opportunity to engage with different aesthetic and technical approaches to immersive sound, while experimenting with spatial audio tools and formats. The programme also features visits to key sites for sonic practice in Berlin, including Funkhaus Berlin, MSM Studios, and the Humboldt Forum Listening Room, giving participants the opportunity to experience diverse production environments and listening systems. Situated within Berlin’s dynamic spatial audio scene, the Summer School provides valuable and direct insight into the contemporary practices shaping immersive and multi-channel sound today.
Beneficiary: Karina Fiorini
Reference Number: TDS154-26-8149
Project Title: Wild Ways to Writing Mentoring Programme
Amount Rewarded: €587
Project Summary: Wild Ways to Writing is a one-to-one online co-creative mentoring programme delivered by Dr Helen Moore. The programme provides constructive and dedicated feedback to develop resilient connection with nature and the environment through poetry, via twelve assignments. Furthermore, it provides the necessary close attention at the development of poems, sharpens the process of writing through an immersive cyclical collaboration and responses through ecopoetry.
Klassifika – Fergħa 2
Beneficiary: Chloe Holland Attard
Reference Number: TDS219-26-7922
Project Title: Professional Training at European School of Ballet
Amount Rewarded: €1955
Project Summary Description: Chloe Holland Attard is a15-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 European School of Ballet’s summer intensive, 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: Michela Caruana
Reference Number: TDS213-26-7859
Project Title: Specialised intensive training in musical theatre for elite performers in the heart of London
Amount Rewarded: €1098
Project Summary Description: This specialised Musical Theatre training course in central London is designed to transform elite musical theatre students into performers ready to excel for the professional stage. Acceptance is audition-led and assessment-based in singing, acting and dancing in order to determine readiness for professional-standard training and performance work. West End Kids offers unparalleled coaching in vocal technique, dance precision and character development. Expert instruction is led by Martin Williams together with a professional team of instructors. Martin Williams is known for providing top-tier training and performance opportunities. The performance-centric approach is heavily focused on live performance. Each student will take part in a full-scale revue, providing real-world experience in front of an audience. The industry-relevant experience leaves students with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. West End Kids training is focused on excellence, with a proven track record and history of success and commitment to nurturing top talent.
Beneficiary: Jael Azzopardi
Reference Number: TDS230-26-8139
Project Title: Steps on Broadway Academy Pre-Professional Summer Intensive
Amount Rewarded: €1719
Project Summary Description: This project involves my participation in the Steps on Broadway Academy Summer Intensive, a two-week international dance training programme held at Steps on Broadway Dance Academy in New York City from 27 July to 8 August. The programme offers advanced professional training with internationally recognised faculty, focusing on technical development, artistic expression, and performance skills in a highly intensive environment. I was awarded a $500 scholarship and direct entry to the programme by Jennifer Kreichman during the finals of the Global Dance Open, recognising my potential as a developing dancer. Participation in this intensive will allow me to further develop my technical abilities, broaden my artistic perspective, and gain valuable exposure to international training standards. The experience will contribute to my professional development and support my continued growth within the dance sector in Malta.
Beneficiary: Luke Muscat
Reference Number: TDS224-26-8028
Project Title: Piano Course at Chetham’s International Piano Summer School
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: The Piano Performance Course at the Chetham’s International Piano Summer School 2026 in Manchester, England, one of the world’s most respected piano education institution, offers students the opportunity to refine advanced technique through daily individual tuition with world class performers and pedagogues while also broadening musicianship through a variety of other specialised classes, an experience that helps young pianists to build performance confidence, offer valuable interaction with inspiring peers, and clarify future educational pathways. Taking place in CIPSS’s 25th anniversary year, the course promises a particularly rich programme, with special celebratory events complementing its already distinguished faculty and curriculum. The end of course performance will mark the culmination of an intensive week that strengthens both the applicant’s technique and artistic development.
Beneficiary: Ria Gauci
Reference Number: TDS239-26-8209
Project Title: RDS SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
Amount Rewarded: €2000
Project Summary Description: This project supports my daughter’s participation in the RDS Summer Dance Intensive, an international program designed to enhance the training and artistic development of young dancers. The intensive will provide daily classes in contemporary dance, jazz, and ballet technique, led by experienced international teachers and choreographers. Through this opportunity, she will strengthen her technical skills, improve her performance quality, and expand her artistic expression. Training in an international environment will also allow her to collaborate with dancers from different countries, exposing her to diverse styles, teaching methods, and creative approaches. Participation in this program will contribute significantly to her professional development as a young dancer and support her long-term goal of pursuing advanced dance training and international performance opportunities. The experience will help build valuable international connections and broaden her perspective within the global dance community
Beneficiary: Lucia Vella Laurenti
Reference Number: TDS214-26-7867
Project Title: Summer Intensive
Amount Rewarded: €1619
Project Summary Description: Lucia Vella Laurenti will attend the Elmhurst Junior Summer Intensive (Birmingham, 25–27 August 2026), after successfully auditioning. The Elmhurst Summer Intensive introduces students to its training ethos through classical ballet and British repertoire, alongside contemporary and jazz. It also includes a Q&A featuring Birmingham Royal Ballet company members. She will also audition for full-time dance training at leading dance schools in Italy. Attending these workshops and auditions help Lucia to refine her technique, musicality, and discipline while building her confidence, independence, and ability to learn in a professional international environment.
