The Theatre Company Programme is one of Arts Council Malta’s multi-annual funding schemes to invest in the structural development of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors by supporting ensemble-based theatre companies active for at least the past three years to improve their artistic output and development by securing a space, in line with ACM’s Strategy2025.
The successful applicants of the programme will by consequence become associate companies of Teatru Malta. The programme fulfils Strategy2025 by aiming to:
• Nurture creative potential and supporting its development by encouraging co-creation, collaboration, and experimentation;
• Invest in artistic excellence by encouraging levels of creative risk, experimentation, and active engagement of communities while supporting quality programmes as well as identifying talent and encouraging its development;
• Promote and support diversity, inclusivity, and community development – enabling collaborative arts programmes, knowledge development, and dissemination of good practice;
The objective of the programme is to support beneficiaries with the procurement of a space that can be used for programme rehearsals, possibly community cultural activities, training and development initiatives in order to make the case for their costs. The scheme aims to facilitate more financial and strategic flexibility, security, collaborations, innovative audience engagement, skills development and logistical service acquisition of ensemble-based theatre companies active for at least the past three years, whether they operate on a small, medium or large scale.
In line with ACM’s overarching commitment to cultural rights, this scheme recognises the central role of artists and cultural and creative practitioners in the creation and production of diverse artistic and cultural expressions. Thus, the Theatre Company Programme supports ensemble-based theatre companies active for at least the past three years in:
1. Improving Programming and Production Activity: The Theatre Company Programme aims to support ensemble-based theatre companies that have been active for at least the past three years. One of the key objectives is to assist these companies in enhancing their programming and production activity by providing them with a contracted space for a duration of three years. This dedicated space serves as a foundation for their artistic endeavours and enables them to create and showcase their work effectively.
2. Encouraging Creative Risks and New Work Development: The Theatre Company Programme recognizes the importance of taking creative risks and encourages participating companies to develop new work through experimentation and collaboration. The proposed space should offer a supportive environment for artists to push boundaries, explore innovative ideas, and create unique theatrical experiences. This emphasis on creative risk-taking fosters artistic growth and contributes to the development of diverse and impactful theatre productions. Within the new work developed, the beneficiaries need to establish a significant collaboration or co-production with Teatru Malta which should be produced within the three-year period.
3. Exploratory Research Programmes: The Theatre Company Programme acknowledges the significance of research in theatrical practices. The space should provide an opportunity for the company to engage in exploratory research programmes that allow them to test new work, delve into unexplored territories, and refine their artistic vision. This research-oriented approach empowers theatre companies to expand their creative horizons, develop methodologies, and contribute to the evolution of the performing arts.
4. Mentorship Initiatives: As part of the Theatre Company Programme, established theatre companies are asked to mentor young theatre troupes, ensembles, or companies. This mentorship aspect strengthens the artistic community by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and nurturing emerging talent. The experienced companies act as guides, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights to the mentees, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the overall theatre ecosystem.
Who can apply?
The grant is open to undertakings for which assistance will be granted in line with the de minimis regulation (kindly refer to Section 9 of these guidelines for additional information). Applicants must be ensemble-based theatre companies active for at least the past three years. Furthermore, applicants must qualify as one of the following:
• Entities registered with the Malta Business Registry (including companies, partnerships, foundations, and organisations/associations);
• Voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is Monday 25th September 2023 at noon. Late application cannot be accepted.
Guidelines
Click here to download guidelines and download application template. Please find here the Theatre Company Programme Addendum.
Applicants are required to register a new profile as from January 2021.
Apply here.
Results
Application Deadline: 25th September 2023
Applicant: Laughing Matters Ltd.
Reference number: TCP02-23-2919
Project title: The More or Less Theatre Play-Factory
Amount awarded over 3 years: €96,176
More or Less Theatre (which specialises in children’s theatre) and Give or Take Productions (a theatre brand run by the same troupe that creates cutting edge theatre with a purpose), will be creating their own custom-made and permanent Play-Factory to use as their much-needed residency. Having unlimited access to their own bespoke rehearsal space will aid them considerably in their creation of original award-winning shows with high international touring potential that make a considerable contribution to Malta’s theatre legacy. The company has formed a collaboration with Theatre Lab Malta to provide practical mentorship, training and in-situ experience to their members in a vibrant and theatre-focused setting. Theatre Lab Malta is based within the same community as the proposed location of the Play-Factory and the collaboration will enable budding and amateur theatre makers to gain direct experience in finding their voice, and creating quality theatre that enriches our cultural landscape.
Applicant: Theatre Anon Arts Foundation
Reference number: TCP04-23-3049
Project title: Hut 7 Collective
Amount awarded over 3 years: €100,000
Funds will be applied to secure use of a barrack hut and to optimise the use of that space making the most of the surrounding landscape. Three theatre companies will continue to drive their individual vision of quality performances by training and creating on a regular basis. Remaining funds will be invested in a Collective support structure to focus on seeking efficiencies to make such performances more feasible, encourage sharing of skills and facilitate the mentoring of a young ensemble group through collective workshops. Activities to attract and nurture wider audiences will be evaluated, researched and planned in the first phase. These may include outreach programmes, workshops, theatre in education projects, scratch nights, poetry nights, and small concerts. Apart from creating a stronger reputation for the Collective, such activities must at least breakeven after all expenses and fees have been settled while contributing to support the creatives involved.
Submitting ...
Saving ...
Any applications related to this entity, will also be automatically deleted.
