The Valletta 2018 Foundation has launched Malta Showcase - a portfolio of Maltese repertoire available for programming by international festivals, theatres or cultural organisations and has opened applications for productions to form part of ‘Portfolio 2015’. 

The first edition, ‘Portfolio 2014’, is being presented in collaboration with ZiguZajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People, featuring the best of Malta’s repertoire in theatre, music, interactive performances and comedy for young audiences. These performances were commissioned over the past three years by ZiguZajg.  

Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Micallef said “By means of Malta Showcase, the Valletta 2018 Foundation will maximise the potential and raise the reputation of contemporary Maltese performers”. 

This is a coordinated opportunity for actors, musicians and dancers to export their work and further develop their careers. Platforms, audiences and networks are essential for the growth and development of the creative sector and for the professionalisation of artists and creativity.  

Malta Showcase is a clear example of how the Valletta 2018 Foundation is giving priority to long term, strategic projects that will benefit the creative sector.  

The Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici described the project as “a showcase to what Maltese actors, dancers and musicians have to offer”.  

Dr Bonnici added Malta Showcase is a concrete project outlining the Valletta 2018 Foundation’s commitment to give the necessary support to Maltese performers and productions by means of a process of stimulus.  He noted that this also transpires from the Government’s Electoral Manifesto which includes two specific measures on development in theatre productions and the participation of Maltese productions in international festivals.   

Toni Attard, Artistic Director of ZiguZajg said that as a national festival that takes pride in commissioning new work from Malta, ZiguZajg has managed to develop a diverse portfolio of work for young audiences that deserves a life span beyond the festival week. Through Malta Showcase new opportunities for artists and a collaborative platform between cultural organisations and international partners are being created.   

ZiguZajg is proud to share this important project with the Valletta 2018 Foundation and is delighted to extend the showcase to other festivals and artists interested in exporting their work and sharing their art with international audiences.   

Applications for Portfolio 2015 can be downloaded from the website www.maltashowcase.com and the chosen productions will be published in a booklet and on the website. These will be updated annually for the artistic season to come.  

Repertoire must be of a high standard, unique and innovative, and artists must demonstrate artistic excellence in the submitted work. The proposed repertoire must be complete, documented and ready for export. 

The website and accompanying booklet will be updated on an annual basis to cater for the upcoming artistic season. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 31 October 2014.