The Training and Development Support Scheme is one of our tools to address and implement Arts Council Malta’s Education and Development strategic area, with a focus on nurturing creative potential and supporting continuous professional development.
The Training and Development Support Scheme is divided in two strands according to the age of the applicant.
• Strand 1 is applicable to those who are 18 years and over and supports the continuous professional development of Maltese or Malta-based artists, cultural operators and students who are active in the cultural and creative sectors and who seek to engage in short term professional training to improve their skills and advance their specialization.
• Strand 2 is applicable to those who are between 8 and 17 years old and supports the development and exposure of young Maltese or Malta-based artists who are active in the cultural and creative sectors. The fund supports short term training opportunities which enhance, but do not substitute or subsidise, the students’ current formation programme. It also supports the participation of young creatives in international platforms; including, but not limited, to festivals, competitions, exhibitions and/or performances.
The programme reflects the drive towards the further professionalisation of the cultural and creative sector and the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture among creative professionals. It provides opportunities to strengthen the knowledge base and strategies of cultural and creative enterprises. By investing in processes designed to improve the quality that is needed to generate artistic work of excellence, our goal is to support the development of a sustainable creative ecology and to foster further job opportunities in the sector.
The Scheme will support the following activities:
• Training courses
• Short courses
• Workshops
• Masterclasses
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Residencies
• Job Shadowing
• Auditions for educational institutions
• Auditions for artistic or cultural projects
• Networking
Who can apply?
Strand 1 is open to creative professionals, voluntary organisations, groups or cooperatives active in the arts or students already undergoing formation in a creative or artistic field. In the case of students, the programme proposed must be in line with their studies, however, it must not substitute or form part of their formal or informal formation programme. The beneficiary of the grant must be 18 years and over.
Strand 2 is open to outstanding young artists who; by the date of the result notification are between 8 and 17 years of age; are already undergoing formation within an artistic or creative field. The programme they are applying for must be in line with and complement such formation programme. Young creatives under the age of 18 will require a consent form signed by their legal representative clearly indicating the name and ID number of at least one parent or legal guardian.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is Tuesday 09th July 2024 at noon. Late application cannot be accepted.
Guidelines
Click here to download guidelines and download application template for Strand 1 and Strand 2.
Click here to download Access Support guidelines.
Applicants are required to register a new profile as from January 2021.
Apply here.
Results
Application Deadline: 9th July 2024
Beneficiary: Stephanie Sant
Reference number: TDS103-24-4300
Project Title: La Selva 3rd Film Accelerator with Werner Herzog: under the Volcano
Amount awarded: €2,000
La Selva Coop is a 10-day filmmaking workshop mentored by filmmaker Werner Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger in La Palma Island in Islas Canarias. During the 10 days, 25 teams of selected filmmakers and cinematographers, arranged according to common interests and skills in creative pairs, will explore their personal vision of cinema, supported by individual and collective mentoring provided by Werner Herzog and Peter Zeitlinger.
Beneficiary: Sera Galea
Reference number: TDS113-24-4422
Project Title: PhMuseum CURAE 2024/25 Online Masterclass on Curatorial Practice
Amount awarded: €1,750
PhMuseum is a curated platform dedicated to visual art and culture. Founded in 2012, PhMuseum's main aim is to find innovative ways to display photography, engage, educate, and connect with the intent to discover, support and promote artists around the world. PhMuseum offers an online masterclass led by renowned artist and curator Erik Kessels. The masterclass consists of a comprehensive 8-month online programme blending theoretical seminars with practical workshops. The programme will allow the beneficiary to engage with peers and professionals worldwide. The curriculum covers all aspects of curating, from conceptualisation to execution. One-to-one mentoring sessions with Kessels, lectures conducted by esteemed practitioners in the industry and collective tutoring will give the beneficiary the space to develop a body of work with the intent of exhibiting it locally. At the end of the Masterclass, participants are also given the chance to feature their work in PhMuseum’s annual publication.
Beneficiary: Andrew Borg Wirth
Reference number: TDS119-24-4471
Project Title: The Coaching with Kathleen Soriano
Amount awarded: €2,000
Curator Andrew Borg Wirth will, over the course of six months, undertake a period of mentorship from British independent arts curator, writer and broadcaster Kathleen Soriano. The intention of this experience will be to enhance skills within the beneficiary’s professional development as well as to increase the international scope of his practice. This process of knowledge-sharing will provide practical knowledge, in-person and online encounters, as well as access to events and networks which will be invaluable for the curator’s progression.
Beneficiary: Gilbert Gauci
Reference number: TDS121-24-4473
Project Title: Advancing Music Publishing Skills: Professional Development with Steve Collom
Amount awarded: €2,000
Financial support is sought for Gilbert to attend the “How to Get Your Music Signed to a Publisher & Collaboration” training program by Steve Collum, a renowned professional with over 10,000 placements on networks like NBC, Netflix, MTV, TLC, and Nickelodeon. This six-month online program will provide Gilbert with crucial knowledge and connections to navigate the US music publishing scene and foster collaborations. Building on skills gained from a previous three-month songwriting course in Sweden, this training will enhance Gilbert’s expertise in music publishing for the US market. Gilbert has already secured a significant placement in Finland with “Käy kuumana kesään (Go Hot in Summer)” for Lidl’s summer campaign, reaching nearly 500,000 streams. The program includes modules on music publishing, pitching, and networking, aiming to develop collaborations with American publishers and strengthen Maltese artists’ presence in the global music industry.
Beneficiary: Christine Xuereb Seidu
Reference number: TDS117-24-4468
Project Title: Attendance of ‘How to Run a Contemporary Art Gallery’ to be more up to date with trends
Amount awarded: €1,468
The online course 'Running a Contemporary Gallery' with one of the world's leading Sotheby's Institute of Art would help the beneficiary grow as a gallery in Malta by means of navigating through new challenges and exciting opportunities available. The beneficiary has 20 years of experience, and this project will present a good opportunity for her to gain first-hand knowledge from professionals in the international art market.
Beneficiary: Brandon Terribile
Reference number: TDS114-24-4429
Project Title: Masterclass in Acting for Film
Amount awarded: €2,000
Brandon Terribile seeks to elevate his filmmaking skills through the MetFilm School's Four Week Filmmaking course. This intensive program offers 25 hours of weekly training at the Ealing, London campus, focusing on storytelling, script interpretation, camera operation, and professional on-set procedures. Students will learn to manage budgets, prepare for shoots with storyboards and technical plans, and use industry-standard equipment for camera, lighting, and sound. Participants will pitch ideas for a final production, with one selected for a two-day shoot under the guidance of a graduate Director of Photography. By the end of the course, Brandon and his peers will have created a short film, honing their skills in directing, sound recording, editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, and effective crew management. This immersive experience will significantly enhance Brandon’s professional capabilities in the film industry.
Beneficiary: Jo Tabone
Reference number: TDS110-24-4340
Project Title: Wsg
Amount awarded: €1,890
The project consists of a comprehensive 12-week online course offering critical tools, insights, and a supportive network, all aimed at elevating an artistic practice and disseminating the artist’s work.
Beneficiary: Audrey Rose Mizzi
Reference number: TDS112-24-4377
Project Title: NFTS – Script Reading and Reporting
Amount awarded: €420
Script reading and reporting is often one of the first steps to breaking into the TV drama or film industry. It is an incredibly important job, with readers playing a crucial role in whether a script is accepted or rejected by a production company. Having someone who is trained in this locally will be beneficial in assisting writers throughout their writing process, and be able to pitch it to producers both locally and internationally.
Beneficiary: Denise Perini
Reference number: TDS129-24-4492
Project Title: Driving Systemic Change through Art: EMIC Artist Training
Amount awarded: €2,000
The project involves a transformative EMIC (Empathy, Mindfulness, Inclusivity, and Cultural Awareness) training workshop for artist-entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners. This training equips participants with a deep understanding of social issues, cultural dynamics, and identity, enabling them to create impactful art that resonates with diverse audiences and drives positive societal change. The project aims to empower: 1. Members and key collaborators, including artists, artist-entrepreneurs, practitioners, and educators, to deeply engage with communities, fostering a diverse and innovative cultural environment; 2. Members, regular tutors and directors, and the Studio team to further strengthen the Studio's mindset and vision, refining approaches and frameworks tailored for today’s youth in training and theatre for young audiences. By working with the Organisation for Identity and Cultural Development (OICD), Studio 18 will participate in a 3-day workshop focusing on: i. Understanding Social Issues; ii. Authentic Storytelling; iii. Audience Engagement; iv. Personal Growth; v. Attuned Practice and Pedagogy for inclusivity and intercultural competence.
Beneficiary: Adrian Buckle
Reference number: TDS101-24-4294
Project Title: Process Drama Classes
Amount awarded: €1,472
Drama and Theatre educators will receive training in Process Drama by Mr Cao Xi, a Chinese professional in the field. The classes will be spread over three days in October 2024 and the participants will be encouraged to: 1. understand the relationship between form and content in Drama and Theatre; 2. understand the hybridity of Drama and Theatre; 3. learn how to structure Drama work.
The classes will be open to educators in Theatre and Drama within the Education Division, particularly to those who work at the Drama Unit (MEYR) so that they can improve and update their teaching methods in introducing students (mainly those in the Primary Schools) to the world of Drama, Theatre and Acting.
Beneficiary: Marianna Micallef
Reference number: TDS208-24-4434
Project Title: Enhancing Dance Technique and Artistry through Prestigious Summer Intensives
Amount awarded: €2,000
The beneficiary plans to attend two prestigious summer dance programs: the Steps on Broadway Pre-Professional Summer Intensive and the Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Intensive, both of which she received partial scholarships for through the esteemed GDO dance competition. These intensives will enhance her dance technique, artistic expression, and professional readiness. At Steps on Broadway, she will focus on strengthening her technique and versatility through a diverse curriculum. The Joffrey program, SPECTRUM, will bridge concert and commercial dance, preparing her for a versatile career in the dance industry. These experiences will provide elite training, foster artistic growth, and build valuable industry connections, laying a strong foundation for her future as a professional dancer.
Beneficiary: Christa de Gray
Reference number: TDS204-24-4348
Project Title: Widening Ballet horizons
Amount awarded: €1,891
The beneficiary will be attending Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham for which she has auditioned and been chosen. The dates are between the 28th and 30th of August 2024. She will also attend the English National Ballet School summer course between the 5th and 17th August 2024, after auditioning successfully. She will finally use this experience to write an article about the benefits of training abroad for a teenage dancer. The article will explore these questions: What is dance? How can dance help in preventing health issues such as obesity in the adolescent? What are the benefits of training abroad? How can dance help a teenager develop intra/interpersonal skills?
Beneficiary: Emma Kate Mifsud
Reference number: TDS201-24-4293
Project Title: Golden Piano Talents Competition – N. Macedonia
Amount awarded: €640
GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION is one of the most prestigious and the world’s largest piano competition in terms of the number of contestants, with candidates from more than 50 countries, from all continents of the world. Since Emma Kate was awarded with 98 points in her category, she has been invited to play in the Winners' Concert in North Macediona (Shtip) in September 2024.
Beneficiary: Caden Meilak
Reference number: TDS209-24-4456
Project Title: The International Dance Festival 2024
Amount awarded: €2,000
The preparation for the UK International Dance Festival 2024 revolves around intensive training and development provided by world-class dance instructors who are internationally recognised within the dancing community. Their guidance and expertise serve as a crucial foundation for participants within all age groups, acting as a springboard for achieving high performance in the competition. By engaging with these esteemed instructors, competitors like the beneficiary gain valuable insights and skills that not only enhance their performances and personal development, but also contribute to the overall prestige of the event.
Beneficiary: Ella Pace
Reference number: TDS213-24-4478
Project Title: YAGP Semi Final
Amount awarded: €1,469
Youth America Grand Prix is the world’s largest classical ballet and contemporary competition for students aged 9 - 19. A number of semi-finals are held throughout the world in order to reach the final held in New York. It is an international platform for all promising dancers and, being able to take part in such a competition will enhance the beneficiary’s prospects of furthering her dance education. The judges are well sought after international teachers and artistic directors. The five days will be divided in competition phases. Master classes are conducted by the artistic directors and audition staff from the international schools. The competition gives the opportunity to showcase solos, a duet and ensemble pieces.
Application Deadline: 5th March 2024
Ranking Order - Strand 1
Beneficiary: Francesca Bartolo
Reference number: TDS144-24-3830
Project Title: Berlin Opera Academy
Amount awarded: €2,000
The Berlin Opera Academy offers a comprehensive summer opera program for emerging artists, focusing on technique, artistry, and stage presence. Led by BOA Faculty, the program aims to nurture each singer's growth as an artist and musician. Participants engage in fully staged operas, acting workshops, and Masterclasses to develop their repertoire and dramatic skills. With the goal of launching careers in Germany, the program includes audition preparation, role study, agent auditions, and self-promotion workshops. Singers also benefit from German language classes, movement workshops, production rehearsals, individual coaching, and performances. By the end of the program, participants gain a German resume, recordings of their works, improved language skills, artistic development, agent connections, and auditioning proficiency in Germany.
Beneficiary: Carla Mifsud
Reference number: TDS116-24-3696
Project Title: Northern Ballet Summer Intensive
Amount awarded: €1,596
Northern Ballet’s renowned International Summer Intensive 2024 offers aspiring vocational level dancers the opportunity to gain further strength and knowledge with daily technique and enhancement classes. These classes are led by our world-class teaching faculty, many of whom are former professional dancers themselves and internationally recognised for their work.
Beneficiary: Christine Vella
Reference number: TDS108-24-3663
Project Title: The Learning Conductor – a short course led by Peter Stark
Amount awarded: €2,000
Peter Stark, an international conductor, holds short conducting courses that concentrate on observation, technique, and communication skills required for conducting. This project will provide the opportunity to experience this unique training methodology for a more holistic approach to conducting.
Beneficiary: Rachelle Deguara
Reference number: TDS145-24-3831
Project Title: Internship Program at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Amount awarded: €2,000
The beneficiary will participate in the International Internship Program at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, immersing herself in museum operations and modern art. Over two months, she will engage in visitor services, educational activities, event support, and small projects while attending seminars and outings. Coinciding with the Venice Biennale, she plans to connect with the Maltese Pavilion team, gaining insights into curation and national representation. This experience promises exposure to diverse artworks and artists, inspiring her practice and influencing her artistic direction.
Beneficiary: Cledia Micallef
Reference number: TDS134-24-3792
Project Title: International Summer Course 2024
Amount awarded: €1,770
Oxenfoord offers various courses for singers and accompanists, providing advanced tuition and support in an enjoyable learning atmosphere to enhance and share their abilities. It consists of many prominent tutors, coaches, conductors, and staff accompanists for various classes and opportunities. Such classes and opportunities include masterclasses, performances, concerts, workshops, tutoring in Opera scenes, Art Song classes, performance practice classes, and more. The beneficiary will be spending a week at Loretto School in Musselburgh, located east of Scotland's historic capital, Edinburgh. The daily schedule consists of group warm-ups, the Masterclass Lunchtime Series, drop-in sessions, choir rehearsals for the Chapel Concert on the final night, and a daily 30-minute individual lesson with specialised tutors covering technique, performance practice, repertoire, style, language, and acting. The course is available for individuals at all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. Students can benefit from peer learning and receive guidance from excellent teachers and coaches.
Beneficiary: Raisa Marie Micallef
Reference number: TDS149-24-3835
Project Title: Oxenfoord International Summer School
Amount awarded: €2,000
Oxenfoord International is a week-long summer course aimed for both experienced and inexperienced singers and accompanists. This course offers many masterclasses, coaching, workshops and concerts. Students have daily 30-minute classes delivered by tutors specialised in technique, performance practice, repertoire, style, language and acting. Each day there are group warm-ups, the ‘Masterclass Lunchtime series’, drop-in sessions, Opera scene rehearsals and choir rehearsals in preparation for the Chapel Concert which takes place on the last evening of the course. Furthermore, students are allowed to observe other classes and to perform during at least one of the evening concerts.
Beneficiary: Stephen Micallef
Reference number: TDS136-24-3817
Project Title: Sustainable, Healthy Cities: Building for the Future
Amount awarded: €2,000
"Sustainable Healthy Cities: Building for the Future" is a 10-day immersive course being offered in collaboration with the European Cultural Academy, the Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation (GCHU) at the University of Oxford, and the King's Foundation. It is happening in Venice in June 2024, alongside the Venice Biennale, bringing together up to 25 participants including students and professionals from a range of disciplines, to be led by international experts from reputable institutions. The studio examines the relationship between health and sustainability in Venice, with the development of a creative project proposal to be developed from scratch. The studio explores how urban populations (residents, policymakers and practitioners) engage with the built environment. The aim is to explore how people can collaborate to build more sustainable, healthy places to live in the future, cross-cutting environmental, economic, and social aspects.
Beneficiary: Franciska Stefania Kovessi
Reference number: TDS131-24-3785
Project Title: Wayne McGregor Creative Lab
Amount awarded: €570
The choreographic lab offers a unique opportunity to dive into the revolutionary AISOMA technology, developed in collaboration with Google Arts and Culture Lab. Led by choreographer Wayne McGregor, participants will explore the creative potential of AISOMA through immersive activities focusing on McGregor's work, "Living Archive." The workshop compasses lectures and practical exercises using the AI tool, whilst providing participants with a complex understanding of AISOMA's capabilities and its implications for choreographic practice. Moreover, participants will engage in networking opportunities to foster connections and collaboration within the dance and AI communities. In summary, the project aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills using AI technology in choreography.
Beneficiary: Ryan Falzon
Reference number: TDS118-24-3711
Project Title: Professional Development – Marketing and Branding
Amount awarded: €492
Visual artist Ryan Falzon will be attending an online course offered by the University of the Arts London, focusing on promoting and funding artwork. The beneficiary aims to gain insights into international art markets, enhance his online presence, and expand his networking opportunities. This course is seen as a means to bridge the limitations of the local art scene and to develop skills in management and marketing. The beneficiary hopes to apply these newfound skills to advance his career as an artist and educator, ultimately increasing his chances of success in the art world.
Beneficiary: Kyle Xuereb Cunningham
Reference number: TDS141-24-3824
Project Title: The Rock Retreat Gibraltar Residency
Amount awarded: €2,000
The Rock Retreat in Gibraltar is a non-profit residency for writers and illustrators specializing in children's and young adult literature. Lasting five days, attendees immerse themselves in creative exploration and networking with industry professionals. The primary aim is to help participants secure representation by agents and achieve publication for their work.
Beneficiary: Chris Dingli
Reference number: TDS126-24-3748
Project Title: Screen and Stage Combat Training
Amount awarded: €572
Professional actor Chris Dingli seeks support for a professional development initiative encompassing six specialised courses in stage and screen combat. A further course and supplemental in-depth training are being funded privately. Chris has witnessed an upswing in auditions for roles requiring dramatic combat and firearms certification, prompting a strategic decision to enhance his skills, guided by the advice of his agent. These accredited courses are internationally recognised and respected. Completion of this training will not only elevate his proficiency but also result in official certifications, amplifying marketability and expanding potential roles. This strategic investment is designed to increase his capabilities, and to provide him with a competitive advantage to support his professional growth as his acting career evolves, develops and matures.
Beneficiary: Gabrijel Cordina
Reference number: TDS229-24-3842
Project Title: American Protégé International Concerto Competition 2024
Amount awarded: €1,948
The project comprises the participation in the International Concerto Competition American Protégé in NYC. The participant is required to send an un-edited video recording of a concerto and a solo piece from standard repertoire. Price winners are then invited to perform at one of the world’s most prestigious venue Carnegie Hall in New York, USA. Participation in this artistic project leaves a memorable experience to both young musicians and professionals, helping to build their confidence, strengthen their performance skills and widen their networks.
Beneficiary: Kristina Mifsud
Reference number: TDS225-24-3811
Project Title: Chetham’s International Piano Summer School 2024
Amount awarded: €2,000
The beneficiary will attend the Chetham’s Piano Summer School between the 13th – 18th August 2024. The Junior Piano Advanced Course will be targeting young students in grade 6 – 8. The participating students will attend daily tuition sessions, workshops, performance classes, recitals and final performances. Internationally renowned Paul Harris will be leading a sight-reading course. The project will also feature a Taubman Approach course which aids in body posture and prevention of injuries, as well as a DVD 30-minute recording session in Stoller Hall. The project will end with a final performance whereby the students will be given a certificate of attendance.
Beneficiary: Noa Ng
Reference number: TDS212-24-3747
Project Title: Overseas Ballet Summer intensives 2024
Amount awarded: €2,000
The beneficiary will have the opportunity to attend three separate ballet dance summer training intensives which are each one week long in duration, two will be held in the UK (London and Birmingham) and one in Italy (Forli). All three programmes are audition chosen and classically focused for pre-professional dancers. The intensives offer the opportunity to dancers to work on ballet technique and repertoire within a state-of-the-art setting. Other focuses include pas de deux, pointe work, contemporary, jazz and strength and conditioning. Students from around the world will have the opportunity to come together and receive hands-on guidance from the school's artistic team as well as world famous guest teachers. Students will also get to experience learning from company members of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. This initiative offers dancers the opportunity to grow further artistically and creatively while continuously perfecting their technique in a professional environment.
Beneficiary: Kellyann Spiteri
Reference number: TDS216-24-3768
Project Title: Participation in the Vienna International Arts Festival (Masterclasses and Competition)
Amount awarded: €2,000
The Vienna International Arts Festival will take place between the 5th and 10th August 2024. As part of this event there will be a series of masterclasses, followed by the final round of the Vienna International Music Competition. The masterclasses will help participants to improve repertoire, as well as discuss stage presence, posture, expression and interpretation, among other areas. These masterclasses will then be followed by the final round of the competition, to which the beneficiary was invited earlier on this year, along with a concert and award ceremony.
Submitting ...
Saving ...
Any applications related to this entity, will also be automatically deleted.
