The Micro Grant is one of our tools to address and implement Arts Council Malta’s ongoing strategy, with a focus on nurturing creative potential and supporting its development into professional activity.
The grant aims at giving a support structure that encourages new applicants to access public investment; it is therefore addressed towards applicants who have not received funding through ACM’s funding portfolio in the past three years (2022 – 2024). The Micro Grant enables individual artists and creative practitioners to develop artistic work that will help the applicant to advance their practice.
The Micro Grant is a one-time grant designed to provide support for capacity-building items like supporting services, equipment, materials, and space that are directly linked to a project, activity or event that will take place during the eligible timeframe of this call.
Who can apply?
The Micro Grant is open to creative practitioners and/or individual artists who have not benefitted from ACM funding Schemes in the past three years (2022 – 2024).
Deadline
The deadline to apply is Tuesday 15th October 2024 at noon or within 20 days from submission of a complete application. Late applications 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
Beneficiary: Daniel Vella
Reference number: MCG52-24-4895
Project Title: Pieces of Malta
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project involves the recording of original symphonic band compositions that I have written over the past five years, most of which have never been performed publicly. These pieces will be recorded by the esteemed Filarmonica di Firenze “Gioacchino Rossini,” one of Italy’s most renowned wind bands. The recording sessions will be managed by a professional recording engineer based in Italy. Several compositions will feature solos and duets performed by distinguished Maltese musicians. The album will encompass themes such as Maltese heritage and social aspects in the forms of, the love of family, and the importance of friendships. Upon completion, the recordings will be made available on social media and various music platforms, allowing everyone to enjoy them free of charge.
Beneficiary: David Schembri
Reference number: MCG75-24-4930
Project Title: David Schembri Album
Amount awarded: €3,000
The project entails the production, recording and mixing of songs that I composed, which will then feature on an album. I will be producing the album myself. The funds will be used to cover the bulk of the costs of hiring a sound engineer and a studio to record drums and other live instruments in a studio, as well as to mix the resulting tracks. The album will then be mastered and released worldwide.
Beneficiary: Adrian Sciberras
Reference number: MCG25-24-4740
Project Title: In Hora Mortis Christi - Cd ta' Marċi Funebri
Amount awarded: €3,000
The project consists of 10 funeral marches composed by myself (Adrian Sciberras) in the past 8 years. This is my first CD album for band which is going to be recorded by a professional sound engineer in a record studio by around 38 professional musicians. This Album is going to be launched during 2025 lent in a local band club hall.
Beneficiary: Megan May Caruana
Reference number: MCG73-24-4928
Project Title: Love me
Amount awarded: €3,000
'Love Me' is a deeply personal project for Megan May, reflecting her journey as a solo artist over the past three years as she has honed her artistry and songwriting. The song was written during a challenging time in Megan's life, following her parents' separation and the emotional absence of a family member. Beyond its personal significance, 'Love Me' reveals a new, more vulnerable side of Megan’s music. Accompanied by a visualizer that amplifies the song’s raw, heart-wrenching emotions, this project serves as a way to promote her newly-found artistry through social media. Megan hopes the song will resonate with listeners who have faced similar struggles, offering a sense of connection during difficult times.
Beneficiary: Michela Agius
Reference number: MCG72-24-4927
Project Title: My EP
Amount awarded: €3,000
My EP is going to encapsulate my personal sound as an artist. It will delve deep into my songwriting which helped me get through the toughest years of my life. With the collaboration of two of Malta’s most respected creatives, Matteo Depares and Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, this EP is going to be the next step needed for my career as a singer songwriter. It will turn my deepest thoughts and stories into a sensory experience for the listener, almost as if my own diary is leaked. Just as if one has a personal and emotional connection to their own journal, each individual will have their own unique experience and relationship with this body of work.
Beneficiary: Bettina Farrugia
Reference number: MCG71-24-4926
Project Title: Orphic - Classical Music Album
Amount awarded: €3,000
The music project "Orphic" is a captivating album featuring ten original classical compositions, each crafted to evoke deep emotions and transport listeners to a world beyond the ordinary. These pieces explore themes of beauty, melancholy, and transcendence, offering a journey through diverse moods and soundscapes. The album blends intricate melodies and innovative arrangements, presenting a fresh interpretive approach that brings the timeless power of classical music to life through new and original works.
Beneficiary: Branko Stojakovic
Reference number: MCG67-24-4921
Project Title: Recording of Latin Salsa version of Xemx
Amount awarded: €3,000
For the Note Bianca 2024 performance with my band United Nations of Salsa, I have created a new arrangement of a famous Maltese song Xemx. It was well received by the audience and that prompted me to try to professionally record it and create a video for the song. I strongly believe that this version gives a new life to an already famous classic and expands its audience. As one person in the audience wrote on his social media post "Salsa version of Xemx needs to go down in history".
Beneficiary: Jonathan Azzopardi
Reference number: MCG61-24-4914
Project Title: Cabal
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project will enable the production of a proof-of-concept short film for a story that is currently being developed. This story takes a new approach to a largely unexplored theme in the local scene: an elite organisation using public communications to organise criminal activity. Although not subject solely to the national audience, this story will feature the Maltese language, landscape, and culture. The proof of concept will provide insight into how the story translates on screen and will involve feedback from a focus group.
Beneficiary: Roderick Bugeja Calleja
Reference number: MCG58-24-4909
Project Title: Double Album Recording
Amount awarded: €3,000
The project involves recording of a double album, with one CD of joyous marches and another of funeral marches both of which I have composed. As the principal trombonist of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and an active conductor for both a local band club and the orchestra, I am excited to share my work. This will be my first album and it holds special significance for me. I look forward to bringing these pieces to life with a concert band and creating a meaningful tribute to the local and European music sector through my compositions.
Beneficiary: Daniel Ganado
Reference number: MCG54-24-4899
Project Title: Music Video for "My Mechanical Hand", an upcoming single from band All in Flux
Amount awarded: €3,000
All in Flux is a music band project founded by myself and my brother after moving to Berlin together to realise our dream of becoming internationally active musicians. The project in question is the creation of an industry-standard music video for our second single "My Mechanical Hand". The theme of the song stems from the hardships one experiences in modern life, and the cold mechanical discipline that is required to rise above them. We wish to encapsulate this concept in an 80's horror themed music video with an ironic twist. The Micro Grant is crucial to the project because it would allow us to hire personnel from film and camera crew to set, make-up, and costume designers. A strong music video is vital for an emerging artist, something which the Micro Grant would enable us to achieve.
Beneficiary: Bruce Busuttil
Reference number: MCG51-24-4892
Project Title: Live Guitar Music Recording
Amount awarded: €3,000
Our project is focused on producing an emotionally rich compilation of music that showcases live studio recordings of original songs. The aim is to combine soulful melodies with top-tier instrumental performances, creating a listening experience that deeply connects with the audience. The process will centre around recording live instruments, with careful attention given to ensuring the genuine feel and emotion of each track. As the lead guitarist and composer, I will guide the project, ensuring that every guitar part is meticulously captured to highlight the nuances and energy of each performance. A team of skilled musicians will join me in the studio to collaborate on this project, blending their talents to create a cohesive and engaging musical experience. By capturing live performances, we aim to maintain the raw authenticity of each original and cover track, producing songs that resonates with listeners and transports them into the world of our music.
Beneficiary: Martina Darmanin
Reference number: MCG49-24-4890
Project Title: Random Encounters
Amount awarded: €2,976
This project explores personal and collective memory through an artistic intervention in my Birzebbugia studio, located in Church Square. By opening this private space to the public, I aim to create an immersive experience where visitors engage with paintings, sculptures, and found objects that evoke memory, routine, and human presence. The house, reimagined as a communal space, encourages reflection and interaction, challenging traditional gallery boundaries. Each room invites the audience to contemplate memory as a collective experience, fostering emotional connection. Guided by Ryan Falzon, a visual artist and educator known for exploring human interactions and existential themes, this project will deepen my understanding of how to communicate complex emotions. The two-week pop-up exhibition will showcase these outcomes, accompanied by community-focused events. A post-mortem discussion with Falzon will offer critical reflection on the project’s communal impact.
Beneficiary: Matthew Joseph Casha
Reference number: MCG48-24-4889
Project Title: Retapestry
Amount awarded: €2,945
Retapestry is an innovative art project that merges traditional weaving techniques with modern technology, particularly through 3D printing. By creating a large-scale installation artwork composed of intricately designed 3D pieces, this project challenges conventional notions of textile art while celebrating the evolving nature of craftsmanship. The artist builds upon previous works, notably Qoxra, which successfully created fabric from 3D printed components and was exhibited in London. This project aims to explore themes of identity and memory while fostering engagement through collaborative design processes. A postmodern philosophical approach underpins this exploration, emphasizing the fragmented and pluralistic nature of contemporary society, and inviting critical conversations about the relevance of textile art in the digital age while bridging the past and present.
Beneficiary: Robert Tomasuolo
Reference number: MCG46-24-4882
Project Title: Album Project Package
Amount awarded: €2,836
I am applying for the micro grant as I will be recording and printing Cd’s of which will be presented on both local and international platforms, bringing Maltese talent to the attention of a much broader and diverse audience. I will also be printing t-shirts which will further amplify my presence in the market, ensuring that its promotion remains dynamic, professional, and impactful over an extended period.
Beneficiary: Aidan Falzon
Reference number: MCG45-24-4881
Project Title: Album Project Package
Amount awarded: €2,830
A heavy metal album consisting of 8 tracks excluding an intro and outro which should be around 45 minutes’ worth of music. The sound engineer will be providing the services free of charge for the recording, mixing, and mastering of the album therefore the funds will be used to towards the printing of the Cd’s which will serve as a pivotal catalyst in advancing my musical career by opening new doors of opportunity. I also will be printing t-shirts, filming and editing 1 music video which will also play a big role in the marketing strategy and complements the promotion of the latest cd release.
Beneficiary: Karen Micallef
Reference number: MCG43-24-4877
Project Title: Album Project Package
Amount awarded: €2,467
As an artist I am applying for the microgrant to purchase the necessary equipment to enhance the recording, which will eventually lead to the recording of the album which is expected to consist of around 8 tracks of pure old school thrash metal which consist of around 45 minutes’ worth of music. The recording, mixing and mastering of the album will be free of charge. I will also be printing Cd’s, t-shirts and patches and the equipment itself to enhance the recording which will also be utilized for future album projects and live sessions in the studio. The full package will help in the marketing strategy that will allow me to engage further with the audience and increase a stronger brand identity.
Beneficiary: Owen Micallef
Reference number: MCG42-24-4873
Project Title: Together People Project
Amount awarded: €3,000
The ‘Together People’ project aims to create a unique production of house and underground music. The music will be primarily composed of synth based, disco samples and live field recordings with other sample based elements. The field recordings will be sourced and inspired from Maltese landmarks and soundscapes, and will also feature adlibs from live recordings. The project will be produced in-house by AP, with the goal of having a fresh and dancefloor ready sound that resonates with and expands both local and international audiences, particularly in Europe, with a specific focus on the German, Dutch and UK markets.
Beneficiary: Sarah Calleja
Reference number: MCG41-24-4863
Project Title: Ċirku
Amount awarded: €3,000
Ċirku is a multi-disciplinary production which merges the aerial arts, dance and theatre with live music of various genres and styles, from jazz standards to reinvented popular music. The 75 minute show is a combination of live music and routines, which includes hair suspension, dance trapeze, aerial silks, and many more acts.
Beneficiary: Kristabel Ann Spiteri
Reference number: MCG40-24-4862
Project Title: Solo Concert
Amount awarded: €3,000
My first solo vocal concert of sacred arias accompanied by organ, the first one I am organising myself. The concert will be recorded for further use in auditions and showcasing. This concert will be a step forward in my career and an exciting opportunity to showcase my passion for singing.
Beneficiary: Christopher Azzopardi
Reference number: MCG39-24-4860
Project Title: Bronze sculpture
Amount awarded: €3,000
I am an artist specializing in painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. In 2026, I plan to hold a solo exhibition showcasing my paintings and sculptures. My experience includes working with various mediums, such as oil and watercolor for my paintings, and wood, marble, and terracotta for my sculptures. However, I have yet to explore the medium of bronze. I am applying for this micro grant to create original bronze work that I can feature in my upcoming exhibition. Considering the medium is quite costly the micro grant by Art Council Malta will help me develop my skills as an artist.
Beneficiary: Isaac Boldarini
Reference number: MCG31-24-4781
Project Title: My First Solo Concert
Amount awarded: €3,000
This concert will be a celebration of classical and operatic music, featuring Isaac Boldarini at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta. The programme will include a selection of arias from beloved operas, alongside lesser-known works, showcasing Isaac’s versatility as a performer accompanied by pianist Alexei Galea Cavallazzi who will also be performing some Piano solos.
Beneficiary: Kyle Drakard
Reference number: MCG30-24-4779
Project Title: KYLO - A Fusion of Musical Artistry
Amount awarded: €2,450
Kyle Drakard's KYLO project, supported by the Arts Council Malta, blends progressive jazz-rock, electronic, and world music into a fresh, captivating sound. As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist mastering guitar, sitar, drums, bass, piano, and vocals, Kyle leads an innovative album that brings together a wide array of talented artists from both local and international scenes. While musicians such as Eliza Borg Rizzo from Tribali, Nadine Axisa, and Varijashree Venugopal, who has collaborated with Bobby McFerrin, Victor Wooten, Jacob Collier and Michael League from Snarky Puppy, are featured, they are just a few of the many diverse talents contributing to the project. At its core, KYLO is about authenticity. Each track explores different aspects of Kyle's personal journey, blending emotional depth with lighter, playful moments. The project invites listeners to connect with their own experiences and embrace self-expression.
Beneficiary: Joseph Bezzina
Reference number: MCG27-24-4771
Project Title: Auntie's Yellow Sofa - Debut Album
Amount awarded: €3,000
We’re thrilled to unveil our latest project: a full-length album that we will be recording and partially producing in-house. Our intimate studio has served as the perfect space for the recording and production, but we’ll be outsourcing the mixing and mastering to achieve a polished, professional finish. This album merges indie and alternative influences with a dash of 80s flair, intertwined with the Maltese Islands vibes, highlighting intricate vocal harmonies and captivating melodies. Its distinctive sound sets it apart from other releases. With a diverse range of both energetic and reflective tracks, we aim to provide listeners with a source of comfort and inspiration. We hope this album will connect deeply with the community and become a treasured part of our island’s rich musical legacy.
Beneficiary: Kristina Pace
Reference number: MCG26-24-4743
Project Title: Comedy Skits on Screen
Amount awarded: €2,750
This project will involve developing and testing various stand-up comedy sets on screen. This would entail developing sets during a writing workshop and later performing them during open mic nights with a live audience which will be filmed and reviewed through a focus group.
Beneficiary: Julienne Restall
Reference number: MCG53-24-4897
Project Title: Website Building
Amount awarded: €2,054
Creation of a professional artistic Portfolio that showcases myself and my work. This will include a user-friendly interface that clearly disseminates all aspects/strands to my arts practice as I work in a variety of forms and mediums.
Beneficiary: Justine Balzan Demajo
Reference number: MCG56-24-4901
Project Title: Incunabula: A curatorial research project by Justine Balzan Demajo, with the participation of artist Francesca Balzan
Amount awarded: €3,000
Incunabula is curatorial project by Justine Balzan Demajo which centres on the earliest printed books (dating to the 15th Century) in Malta’s National Library collection and challenges a contemporary artist, sculptor Francesca Balzan, to dialogue and react to this collection, using the 3D printing technique and hand building in porcelain clay. The exhibition will be held at the Biblioteka, Valletta. Set in the historic reading area, this curatorial project will produce an exhibition that offers visitors a space to reflect on the cultural significance of the printed word, past and present. By juxtaposing ancient texts with modern fabrication techniques, it fosters a dialogue between tradition and innovation, encouraging a re-evaluation of printed material in the digital age. Scheduled for November 2025, the exhibition aims to celebrate Malta’s cultural heritage while extending the curatorial practice in interesting new ways.
Beneficiary: Martina Spiteri
Reference number: MCG78-24-4933
Project Title: VIVID VOID: Navigating a Monotone World
Amount awarded: €2,693
VIVID VOID: Navigating a Monotone World is a proposed fashion collection that will fuse bold creativity with environmental responsibility. The collection will feature a black backdrop splashed with vibrant colours, symbolizing a colourful mind in a muted world. Planned as a zero-waste collection, it will use deadstock luxury fabrics to create modifiable, everyday wearable pieces. Each garment will be designed to accommodate diverse body shapes and personal styles, with a focus on comfort, versatility, and sustainability. VIVID VOID aims to challenge conventional fashion by merging artistic expression with eco-conscious innovation, demonstrating that fashion can be both striking and environmentally responsible. The collection invites audiences to explore the contrast between boldness and restraint, vibrancy and subtlety, in a world that often feels monochrome.
Beneficiary: Chelsea Muscat
Reference number: MCG81-24-4936
Project Title: Mother Dearest Editing Suite
Amount awarded: €3,000
"Mother Dearest" is a 15-minute short film set in Gozo, weaving together themes of female autonomy, queer love, and the complexities of Gozitan emigration to the United States. This project is not only a significant milestone in my evolving journey as a filmmaker but also a heartfelt tribute to Gozo, the place that continually fuels my creative spirit and makes me feel safe. My hope is that this film serves as both a celebration and a catalyst for future narratives that highlight the depth, beauty, and untold stories of the Gozitan people.
Beneficiary: Rakel Vella
Reference number: MCG79-24-4934
Project Title: Medium Horizons: Malta in Medium Format
Amount awarded: €2,551
Medium Horizons: Malta in Medium Format explores Malta’s landscapes that were never captured on medium format film, revealing hidden or transformed vistas and bridging a historical gap in the island’s visual documentation. The project captures vanishing or overlooked landscapes using medium format and 35mm cameras, showcasing the depth, detail, and texture unique to this film. By offering a fresh perspective on Malta’s evolving scenes, it reflects on how history could have been visually documented and how time shapes memory. Each shot becomes a tribute to Malta's forgotten beauty and cultural heritage. In addition to the physical film imagery, the project will contribute to a machine learning algorithm I am developing separately.
Beneficiary: Wesley Ellul
Reference number: MCG60-24-4913
Project Title: Meet The Performer - A podcast about what it takes to make it in performing arts in Malta
Amount awarded: €3,000
Meet the Performer is a podcast that explores the lives and journeys of Maltese artists, including actors, Comedians, musicians, and more , while focusing on the skills needed for a sustainable career in the arts. Through in-depth conversations, the podcast highlights not only the performers’ talents but also the essential skills they’ve developed outside of their craft—such as self-promotion, networking, personal branding, and financial management. Each episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges performers face and the practical strategies they use to overcome them. The goal is to educate and inspire aspiring artists by offering insights into the business side of the arts, helping them to become self-sufficient in their careers. By showcasing the full spectrum of what it takes to thrive in the industry, Meet the Performer will serve as an invaluable resource for both emerging talents and those already navigating Malta’s vibrant arts scene.
Beneficiary: Quentin Falzon
Reference number: MCG03-24-4691
Project Title: The Lounge Conjecture
Amount awarded: €3,000
This project focuses on the ideation, recording, arranging, mixing and mastering of a select number of soundtracks - packaged into a debut E.P. The project will also give birth to a new music outlet titled "The Lounge Conjecture", blending electronic and organic sounds from around the world. This effort embraces a DIY ethos - all stages of the music production, with the exception of track mastering, will be handled by Quentin in his home studio. Fellow local artists will be engaged for the purposes of design and photography.
Beneficiary: Reuben Pace
Reference number: MCG05-24-4693
Project Title: Reuben Pace in Concert
Amount awarded: €3,000
I have been composing music for more than 30 years. I would like to put up a concert consisting exclusively of my music. The first part would be a selection from my music for voice including 2 song cycles and 2 arias from each of my 3 operas. The second part would be the premier of a new work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. This will show my latest idiom developed after all these years of composing. Preceding the concert, I would give a free masterclass about my compositional style and hold one on one sessions with young composers who are about to embark on the long road to a compositional career.
Beneficiary: Yan Pirotta
Reference number: MCG07-24-4695
Project Title: Memories of China
Amount awarded: €1,514
As an Artist, I am always keen on exploring different things. Since my move to China, I have been immersing myself into this new country, culture and environment by documenting, through photography, every Hutong, colour, pattern, people, food, the fascinating culture, beliefs and so much more. Beijing is a city offering a wide variety of exciting things which I am eager to explore and share with everyone who like me do not know China very well. To live the moment is a must in China, because every tiny detail is a beautiful memory. As a photographer, I instantly fell in love with the people, their genuine happiness, their natural smile, their discipline, and their hospitality. My aim is to share these moments with the Maltese and people living in Malta, my experience in China.
Beneficiary: Riccardi-Zani Simon
Reference number: MCG09-24-4697
Project Title: And the Others
Amount awarded: €3,000
"AND THE OTHERS", is the last movie of a dance film triptych started in 2022, the first one being supported by the French Embassy in Malta, the second one being part of the Malta Biennale. The starting point of my work is the legacy of Maltese environments how to use them in order to endow movement with surroundings. I am working on a cinematographic approach on movement and choreography which leads me to conceive dance film. My aim is to propose a format closer to an actual movie than just a dance video, how can bodies actually tell a story with the use of strong environment. My first work took place in a Maltese limestone quarry, the second one in the salt pans of Gozo and this last one will finally get closer to a more vegetative environment. All works are part of a cycle questioning visions on new futures.
Beneficiary: Jamie Barbara
Reference number: MCG13-24-4701
Project Title: Naqara Release and Maltese artist VA
Amount awarded: €2,771
The Project seeks the creation and release of my debut solo album, which will coincide with the launch of a new Maltese record label that I am founding. This project is an important milestone, both in my personal artistic journey and in the broader context of Maltese electronic music.
Beneficiary: Tara Formosa
Reference number: MCG15-24-4705
Project Title: Confessional
Amount awarded: €2,500
My project, titled Confessional, will consist of 3 songs, produced and recorded by Maltese audio engineer, David Grech. This projected (extended play, also known as an EP) will be distributed world wide across Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora Music and all major streaming platforms. The aim of this EP is to connect with my ever growing international and local audience across Malta, Europe, the US, UK, Asia and Australia.
Beneficiary: Francesco Vella
Reference number: MCG32-24-4785
Project Title: The Unbroken Circuit
Amount awarded: €2,849
The Unbroken Circuit is a 3-minute post-apocalyptic short film that follows a robot bookstore vendor continuing its daily routine in a world ravaged by nuclear war. Unaware of humanity’s extinction, the robot mechanically dusts shelves, organizes books, and prepares for customers who will never return. The film contrasts the robot’s emotionless persistence with flashbacks of a once-vibrant bookstore, now reduced to a desolate relic. Set against the backdrop of Malta’s fast-paced modern life, The Unbroken Circuit serves as a poignant metaphor for human routines that go unexamined, even when the world changes beyond recognition. The film explores themes of purpose and existence, posing questions about the meaning of routines in a world that no longer resembles the one they were created for. With a focus on visual storytelling and atmospheric detail, the film creates a haunting reflection on the human condition through the lens of a tireless machine.
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