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Training and Development Support Scheme

Invalid deadline format: March 10, 2026 12:00 pm

Deadline

The deadline to apply is March 10, 2026 at

12:00 pm.

Late applications will not be accepted.

apply now

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 objectives of Strand 1 (18 years and over) are:

  • To support the continuous professional development of artists and cultural operators in exploring and developing skills and building networks.
  • To foster excellence in the fields of art and culture, and the advancement of knowledge and capabilities in such related fields
  • To invest in training and increase opportunities for artists and creative professionals.
  • To encourage professional intellectual growth and productivity
  • To encourage creative professionals to continue building their skill sets and to engage in platforms both on a national and international level.

The objectives of Strand 2 (ages 8 to 17) are:

  • To support the development and mobility of young creatives through training opportunities, exploration, networking and engagement in international collaborations.
  • To encourage and facilitate young creatives to expand their skills and actively engage in international platforms
  • To enable the exposure of young talent to international platforms
  • To facilitate networking with other international artists and educators.

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

Other activities not listed above that fulfil the objectives of the scheme may also be considered should sufficient justification be provided.

In the case of networking and residencies, applicants need to provide a programme clearly highlighting the training or professional development activities included in their chosen programme.

Requirements in line with Arts Council Malta’s ongoing Strategy 

In line with its commitment to supporting the arts through its sustainable and accountable approach to public investment, ACM draws applicants’ attention to the following in line with its Strategy 2025: 

Applicants are required to consider the Right to Culture – Resource Pack when developing their proposal in relation to how they engage with communities and the considerations of everyone’s cultural rights in their work. The resource pack is aimed at increasing awareness regarding inclusivity and supporting the implementation of cultural rights in our day-to-day practice.

Applicants are also required to consider the Charter for the Status of the Artist when proposing their operational and programming activities to ensure acceptable and decent working conditions for artists and creative practitioners which embraces artistic freedom, accessibility, formal/informal/non-formal skill recognition, decent socio-economic conditions, non-discrimination and equity, ethical considerations and adherence to intellectual property rights and international labour law. The Charter for the Status of the Artist is meant to provide a dynamic frame of reference for any legislation, policy, or initiative which directly or indirectly impacts artists and cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that any action is aligned with the ultimate long-term vision of elevating the status of artists in Malta in line with their tangible value to society.

Applicants must be Maltese citizens or be in possession of a Malta residence permit, a Maltese citizenship certificate or a Maltese passport.

Applicants may be:

  • Creative professionals/individual artists
  • Groups, collectives and consortia
  • Voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

 

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.

The application should be filled and submitted by the beneficiary of the grant, however in the case of minors the name and ID number of the applicant’s parent or legal guardian should be included with the supporting documentation. When applications are successful the contract will be issued on behalf of the parent or legal guardian.

Click here to download guidelines and download application template for Strand 1 and Strand 2.

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