Open Call for Training and Development Support Scheme (Malta)

Deadline: 10-Mar-2026

The Malta Arts Council’s Training and Development Support Scheme provides funding to nurture creative potential and support professional development in the cultural and creative sectors. It offers grants for individuals, groups, and young creatives to access short-term training, residencies, masterclasses, networking, and international exposure, with a maximum grant of €2,000 per project. The scheme emphasizes inclusivity, ethical practice, cultural rights, and the creation of a sustainable and professional creative ecosystem in Malta.

Program Overview

The Training and Development Support Scheme by the Malta Arts Council aims to foster professional growth and excellence in the cultural and creative sectors. The scheme aligns with the Arts Council Malta’s strategy, supporting skill enhancement, mobility, networking, and international collaboration while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practice.

The program targets both established and emerging creatives, including young artists, professionals, groups, and voluntary organisations, supporting initiatives that advance professional practice and enhance the visibility of Maltese talent nationally and internationally.

Scheme Strands

The program is divided into two branches:

First Branch: Professional Creatives (Aged 18+)

• Supports individuals active in the cultural and creative sectors

• Focuses on short-term professional training to advance specialization

• Encourages national and international mobility, networking, collaborations, and participation in competitions, exhibitions, or performances

• Supports creative professionals, organisations, groups, and students already receiving training, provided the activity does not replace formal or informal programs

Second Branch: Young Creatives (Aged 8–17)

• Targets outstanding young creatives already engaged in artistic training

• Supports complementary short-term training, residencies, internships, and international exposure

• Enhances networking and collaboration with international peers

• Requires legal guardian consent for minors, with grants issued in the parent or guardian’s name

Eligible Activities

Activities must directly support professional development and may include:

• Training courses, short courses, and masterclasses

• Working sessions, internships, and artist residencies

• Job shadowing and rehearsals for artistic projects

• Networking activities, international collaborations, and participation in competitions or exhibitions

• Any other justified initiatives clearly linked to skill development

Note: Networking activities or residencies must include a clear program outlining training or professional development components.

Cultural and Ethical Requirements

Applicants are expected to adhere to:

• Cultural rights, inclusivity, and equity

• Ethical practices and decent working conditions for artists

• The Right to Culture – Resource Pack

• The Charter for the Status of Artists

• Intellectual property rights and international labour law

These frameworks ensure accessibility, recognition of skills, socio-economic fairness, artistic freedom, and professional standards.

Funding and Budget

• Maximum grant per project: €2,000

• Total session budgets: €20,000 for the First Branch, €10,000 for the Second Branch

• Funding may cover up to 100% of eligible costs

• Disbursement: 70% upon signing the grant agreement, 30% after approval of the final report

Eligible Costs

• Training and development fees

• Travel, accommodation, and insurance

• Project management, space, and equipment rental

• Artistic mentoring fees

• Participation and registration fees

• Marketing and documentation costs

• Health and safety measures

• Other directly related project expenses, within specified limits

Ineligible Costs

• Retroactive costs

• Costs already funded publicly

• Operational or general administrative costs

• Expenses unrelated to training and professional development

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

• Be Maltese citizens or hold a valid residence permit in Malta

• Apply as individual artists, creative professionals, groups, collectives, consortia, or voluntary organisations meeting legal and administrative criteria

Applicants who do not meet eligibility criteria, whose profiles are incomplete, or who have not honoured previous funding commitments are not allowed to apply.

Application Limits

• Only one application per applicant may be funded per calendar year under this scheme

How to Apply

1. Complete and verify an applicant profile in the online system

2. Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, training plan, and justification of costs

3. Submit through the online application system by the specified deadline

4. Ensure compliance with eligibility, cultural, and ethical requirements

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Why This Programme Matters

The Training and Development Support Scheme:

• Strengthens the professional capacity of Malta’s creative sector

• Provides opportunities for international exposure, collaboration, and networking

• Supports ethical, inclusive, and sustainable professional practice

• Promotes entrepreneurship, productivity, and quality artistic output

• Enhances the overall creative ecosystem, generating employment and growth opportunities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete or unverified profiles

• Requesting funding for ineligible or operational costs

• Applying for projects that replace formal training programs

• Ignoring ethical, cultural rights, or inclusivity guidelines

• Submitting multiple applications within the same calendar year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to apply?

Maltese citizens or residents, including individual artists, groups, collectives, consortia, or voluntary organisations meeting legal and administrative requirements.

What is the maximum funding per project?

€2,000, with up to 100% of eligible costs covered.

Are young creatives eligible?

Yes, the Second Branch supports outstanding creatives aged 8–17, with guardian consent.

What types of activities are eligible?

Training courses, masterclasses, residencies, internships, job shadowing, rehearsals, networking, and participation in competitions, exhibitions, or performances.

Can operational costs be funded?

No. Only costs directly linked to training and professional development are eligible.

How many applications can be submitted per year?

Only one funded application per applicant is allowed per calendar year.

How is the funding disbursed?

70% upon signing the grant agreement, and 30% after approval of the final report.

Conclusion

The Malta Arts Council Training and Development Support Scheme is a vital initiative to foster professional growth and excellence within Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. By supporting both established and young creatives through short-term training, residencies, networking, and international exposure, the program strengthens skills, encourages collaboration, and contributes to a sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem. Grants empower artists to advance their professional practice while upholding ethical, equitable, and culturally responsible standards.

For more information, visit The Malta Arts Council.