This International Cultural Exchanges Scheme forms part of Arts Council Malta’s Internationalisation Strategy for the cultural and creative sectors. It addresses international cultural exchanges, focusing specifically on the outgoing mobility of Maltese and Malta based artists over 18 years of age as well as their art works and cultural productions.
The objective of this scheme is to assist Malta based artists with the following:
• To encourage international collaborations and exchanges with the aim of building bridges with the rest of the world so as to enable further understanding and gain trust with other people through culture
• To increase international accessibility and exposure, to tour their productions, to build networks and to experience the work of artists from around the world in its cultural context
• To promote cultural diversity and strengthen cultural relations worldwide
• To showcase creative excellence to international cultural programmers, festival-makers, operators and audiences at large and to sustain and develop professional work.
This scheme supports:
• International collaborations
• Marketing, including digital as well as printed adverts in, for example, international art/literature/film magazines, train stations, subways, buses, bus stations, ferries, parks, websites, social media platforms, TV programmes etc. This is specifically intended for overseas collaborations/projects
• Participation in international festivals, exhibitions, showcases, films, artist residencies and fairs. Participation can also take place in a digital format
• The production of audio visuals of completed artworks and cultural productions, which are then presented to international programmers, producers and collaborators overseas. This could include, for example, the filming of a theatrical or a dance production, filming of art installations, poetry readings, exhibitions, fashion shows etc
• The production of websites and demos for international promotion purposes.
Who can apply?
Creative professionals/individual artists; Groups, collectives and consortia; Registered cooperatives; Voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday 4th June 2024 at noon. Late application cannot be accepted.
Guidelines
Click here to download guidelines and download application template.
Click here to download Access Support guidelines.
Applicants are required to register a new profile as from January 2021.
Apply here.
Results
Application deadline: 4th June 2024
Beneficiary: Magna Żmien Foundation
Reference number: ICE17-24-4286
Project Title: Magna Żmien Toronto
Amount awarded: €8,000
Magna Żmien will begin its formal collaboration with the Maltese-Canadian Museum, a major Maltese-Canadian diasporic hub in Toronto, Canada. Through an international cultural exchange with the volunteer staff of the Museum, and through the broader community of Maltese-Canadians who engage with the Museum, Magna Żmien will travel to Toronto to share its community archive experience digitising private collections of audiovisual material to enable the Museum as a digitisation hub and a space for creatives and researchers to explore Maltese heritage. This exchange will kickstart a collaboration to establish how the Museum can capture, catalogue, and share their own historic sound, image, and moving image collections that document the everyday lives and experiences of Maltese in Canada during the twentieth century. These collections will be integrated with those of Magna Żmien through their existing digital platform, which will be enriched by contributions through this long-term collaboration.
Beneficiary: Francesca Grima
Reference number: ICE14-24-4282
Project Title: Stasis
Amount awarded: €6,160
The primary goal of securing funds through the International Cultural Exchange Scheme is to support the creation, distribution, and marketing of promotional audiovisual content for Puerto Flamenco's upcoming collaborative production, tentatively titled 'Stasis', set for release in 2025. This initiative will cover the filming, live audio recording, and post-production of a full-length video of the performance. It will also include the creation of several shorter promotional videos and clips, along with other relevant promotional materials such as photos, press packs, live tracks, and content for an electronic press kit (EPK). The promotional materials generated will serve to showcase the collaborative project to both local and international programmers, producers, artistic collaborators, and wider audiences across various online platforms, forums, and social media. This multi-pronged approach aims to ensure broad exposure and recognition for the collaborative work, thereby promoting cultural exchange projects and creating opportunities for further collaboration in the international professional arena. A strategic and targeted direct marketing campaign will be developed to effectively disseminate and promote the production. Puerto Flamenco has established relationships with several international programmers from regions such as Spain, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Canada (including Red Chair, De MI para Si, and Floreo Producciones), who are eagerly awaiting new promotional material from the company to present in their respective festival circuits. The beneficiary also aims to expand her reach by applying for inclusion on virtual platforms and showcases (Womex, Sgae) and approaching new representatives with access to high-tier festivals (Bienal de Flamenco Sevilla, Flamenco Biënnale Netherlands, etc).
Beneficiary: Bettina Paris
Reference number: ICE18-24-4287
Project Title: Sisyphean Quick Fix by Bettina Paris at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ‘24
Amount awarded: €8,000
The project consists of two weeks of rehearsals, culminating in a 26-performance run of SISYPHEAN QUICK FIX - a new writing play by writer/performer Bettina Paris - at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, attracting over 1,400 global arts industry delegates, as part of the Pleasance Theatre’s programme. Directed by Nicky Allpress, “Nicky Allpress’s slick production” ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The Guardian, (on ‘The Shape of Things’), SISYPHEAN QUICK FIX explores how the complexities of alcoholism can affect families. The narrative follows two sisters – Krista in London and Pip in Malta – as the pressures of caring for their father who is struggling with an alcohol addiction, put a strain on their lives and their close relationship. Its international staging will see a collaboration with local charity Aġenzija Sedqa and addiction support charities within the UK. With PR support from Edinburgh Fringe veterans Mobius Industries, SISYPHEAN QUICK FIX will secure at least 12 previews, reviews, or features in national, Scottish, festival, theatre/arts/lifestyle publications including the Guardian, WhatsOnStage & the Telegraph. This opportunity will act as a springboard for further life of the show abroad, international employment for the artistic team made up of four Maltese artists, and screen industry opportunities.
Beneficiary: Claire Tonna
Reference number: ICE25-24-4297
Project Title: Claire Tonna collaborating with Grammy Award Winner Producer Jon-John Robinson (USA)
Amount awarded: €7,953
The project consists of Music Recording, Production and Worldwide Release of 3 original songs by Maltese Singer Songwriter Claire Tonna, to be produced and released by the three-time Grammy award winner Producer Jon-John Robinson (Diana Ross, LadyGaga, Pink, TLC, Babyface). Three tracks will be produced by the acclaimed Producer and released by his music label Arkadia Music Group in the USA and on the international music platforms via Symphonic Distributors, that target the international stage platforms and all worldwide music markets.
Beneficiary: The Rubberbodies Partnership
Reference number: ICE28-24-4307
Project Title: The rubberbodies collective at Kinosaki Arts Centre and Kyoto Experiment, Japan
Amount awarded: €7,960.
As part of the development process towards the “Blood Thirsty” performance by the rubberbodies collective, the project was invited for a residency at the Kinosaki Arts Centre, Japan, in September-October 2024. The Arts Centre will also introduce the Maltese artists to the artistic team of the renowned Kyoto Experiment Festival. Participating in this residency would give the rubberbodies collective a much-valued opportunity to expand their network to Asia, where, for now, their presence and connections are minimal.
Beneficiary: Jesmond Vassallo
Reference number: ICE11-24-4261
Project Title: The Nagasaki Transcriptions
Amount awarded: €8,000
Artist and art educator Jesmond Vassallo and an SOA (Malta School of Art) Higher Diploma student in Printmaking, Daniel Mifsud, shall travel to Tokyo to refine their printmaking skills, learn innovative techniques from two renowned master printers, and deepen their appreciation for Japanese culture.
The inspiration for this project comes from the transcriptions of a true story about a Maltese individual living in Japan during World War II. The setting is Japan in August 1945, where the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki shattered countless lives. Sister Paola Felici, a 40-year-old Maltese nun and Jesmond's great-great-aunt, was in Nagasaki when the bomb hit. She survived the horror, grew stronger in her faith, and never lost her belief in human kindness. At the core of the project is the significance of human encounters, emphasizing the sharing and exchange of knowledge and respect for each other's traditions. The two participants will create a contemporary collection of prints reflecting their experience in and of Japan. The presentation of the artworks will include a publication featuring an anthropological insight into women's immigration during the early 20th century. The project will serve as a heartfelt prayer for world peace. ‘The Nagasaki Transcriptions’ contemporary collection of prints will be published in collaboration with Edition PS, a renowned Austrian publishing house.
Beneficiary: Mighty Boards Ltd.
Reference number: ICE26-24-4299
Project Title: Mighty Boards releasing Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan, Art Society and introducing new game Rebirth at international convention Gen Con 2024
Amount awarded: €8,000
Locally founded board game publisher Mighty Boards will attend Gen Con 2024, the biggest board game convention in the US and one of the biggest in the world. As a game publisher, it is imperative to attend this convention, since most relationships with co-publishers, distributors, press and other designers and artists are built and strengthened during that week. Therefore, achieving key connections is one of the company’s main goals, while attempting to position itself strategically as one of the bigger publishing names worldwide. Since being a Maltese publisher comes with some geographical challenges, attending this international convention will grant Mighty Boards the possibility to get its (new) games into new markets, build new connections with international partners and artists, and reach a bigger international audience.
Beneficiary: Yasmin Kuymizakis
Reference number: ICE31-24-4313
Project Title: JOON UK Tour
Amount awarded: €913
JOON will be opening for Future Islands on their UK tour at the end of July, with performances in major cities including London, Bristol, Glasgow, and Newcastle. This tour marks JOON's third collaboration with Future Islands and her first-time touring in the UK. During the tour, JOON will debut a selection of new songs to gauge audience reaction as part of her work on a forthcoming album. The tour aims to increase JOON's exposure, build professional relationships, and enhance her artistic practice through live performances at prominent venues. This opportunity is significant for JOON's career development, offering a platform to refine her new material and expand her presence in the UK music scene.
Beneficiary: Maria Rosa Thornhill
Reference number: ICE16-24-4285
Project Title: Black Room, Berlinale & Acquiring and Agent
Amount awarded: €4,130
The beneficiary will be attending top-tier international events and film festivals. Her main aspirations for this project are to: 1. Increase international accessibility and exposure to the European film industry by attending three diverse events: Berlinale, Black Nights Film Festival, and The Production Designers Gathering; 2. Foster international collaborations, specifically aiming to acquire a talent agent and secure international work as a Head of Department (HOD) by connecting directly with key decision-makers such as directors and producers at these festivals; 3. Network with other production designers to experience and learn from the work of artists from around the world, gaining insights into their processes when collaborating with larger skilled teams; 4. Ensure ongoing professional development through continuous learning and engagement with the international film community.
Beneficiary: Michelle Gialanze
Reference number: ICE06-24-4233
Project Title: From Nature
Amount awarded: €3,437
As an artist from Malta, Gialanze will be exhibiting in the XV Florence Biennale. Here she will be discussing her art, and delivering her message to the thousands of visitors and other international artists and curators that attend this prestigious Biennale. Her artwork will feature 3 large mixed media work made from natural items found in Malta and displayed in 1 x 2.5 metre space. The subject of her artwork is finding peace in darkness. This is particularly pertinent in today's global context wherein peoples from different races, religions, cultures and traditions have to live in one world, together, in peace during such turbulent times.
Beneficiary: Patsy Chetcuti
Reference number: ICE04-24-4231
Project Title: Genetic Threads
Amount awarded: €8,000
'Genetic Threads' is a groundbreaking dance project exploring the Nature vs. Nurture debate, collaboratively crafted by a Maltese choreographer, Moveo Dance Company in Malta, and a group of dancers in Turkey. The performance, proposed for spring 2025, unfolds in two parts. In Malta, the focus is on nature — our DNA and nature pre-Ottoman influences. The narrative intricately weaves genetic predispositions, cultural influences, and historical narratives. Shifting to Turkey, the project highlights the Ottoman Empire's impact on Malta's identity. Inspired by historical events like the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the dance reflects resilience, cultural exchange, and learned behaviours. Through expressive movements, it explores the interplay between genetics, the environment, and cultural evolution. 'Genetic Threads' aspires to be visually stunning and thought-provoking, inviting audiences to contemplate the intricate dance of inherent traits and external influences, celebrating diversity, resilience, and shared connections.
Beneficiary: Mark Xuereb
Reference number: ICE24-24-4296
Project Title: Atacama Desert Ceramics
Amount awarded: €5,801
The project consists of a 3-week artist residency in the Atacama Desert in Chile focusing on local ceramic practice. With a pottery tradition dating back nearly 4,500 years, and utilizing the famous local black and red clay, the area of San Pedro de Atacama is home to the Likan Antay, the locals of the area. During this residency aspects such as identifying clay, sifting, drying, grogs and tempers, geometry, design elements and finally firing are explored.
Beneficiary: Warren Galea
Reference number: ICE08-24-4244
Project Title: Jazz Trio for Malta National Day in Beijing
Amount awarded: €8,000
The Maltese Embassy in Beijing is organising a Malta National Day in September 2024. Ambassador John Busuttil has invited a Jazz Trio made up of Maltese musicians - Warren Galea (Guitar), Oliver Degabriele (Bass), and Angela Vella Zarb (Vocals) to perform at this prestigious event. There will be between 300-400 foreign dignitaries mainly composed of Ambassadors, Diplomats and Chinese High Officials. Maltese living in China will also be invited, as will Maltese High Officials as guests of honour.
Beneficiary: Wioletta Kulewska
Reference number: ICE07-24-4242
Project Title: Cobertizo Art Residency
Amount awarded: €4,484
'Cobertizo' is a non-profit artist residency in Jilotepec, Mexico, which offers a three-week program for international artists. This project focuses on artistic production, with opportunities to develop new work in a state-of-the-art facility. The artist will participate in the fourth Residency period in Cobertizo, which takes place from Tuesday 12th of November to Monday 2nd of December 2024. Participating in 'Cobertizo' residency programme will provide the artist with a range of opportunities to engage in a professional international context, and to gain new perspectives and insights that enrich her artistic practice. The residency seeks to provide a professional workspace and build a community of exchange and reflection around art practices, for visual artists. Open studio and mentorship with local artists and communities will foster meaningful connections and dialogue across borders. Through collaboration, exploration, and immersion, participants will emerge with new perspectives, skills, and connections to propel their careers forward in an increasingly interconnected world. The residency programme will highlight how the expressive tools and concepts of painting processes can provide endless possibilities for exploring new ways of thinking, imagining, communicating and mark making.
Beneficiary: Karl Friggieri
Reference number: ICE10-24-4257
Project Title: Angelcrypt European Tour 2024
Amount awarded: €5,500
Following the completion of a successful 10-live show Eastern European Tour in April 2024, Angelcrypt will be embarking on another European Tour which will see the band travelling to and playing in Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Romania. This is another crucial milestone for the band, as this opportunity will undoubtedly enhance the band's recognition, making it a strong contender for future opportunities and helping it grow within the international music industry.
Beneficiary: Viper Soup Complex
Reference number: ICE13-24-4283
Project Title: Viper Soup Complex on Tour 2025
Amount awarded: €5,500
Viper Soup Complex, a Maltese progressive experimental fusion band, plans an extensive tour for 2025, drawing on their vast European experience. They aim to feature in festivals across Germany, the UK, and Romania, alongside arranging smaller gigs and other festivals through established contacts and booking agents. Their performances are designed to offer a holistic sensory experience, integrating performing arts and theatrics. With a new album and EP in production, along with fresh musical and theatrical compositions, Viper Soup Complex aspires to showcase their latest creative endeavours on a global stage, captivating audiences with their innovative sounds and dynamic performances. Their goal is to attract new followers, broaden their fan base, and present original content that seamlessly merges music and theatricality. The band targets festivals aligned with their genre, intending to expand connections and facilitate future collaborations and opportunities.
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