Thirty-two artistic and theatre projects will receive a combined €1.24 million in funding through two schemes administered by Arts Council Malta, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage has announced.
A total of 23 successful applicants will receive €800,000 through the Arts Support Scheme, while a further nine applicants will receive €440,000 through the newly launched Theatre Productions Support Scheme.
The schemes are intended to support the development and presentation of artistic work, while improving public access to a wider range of cultural experiences and initiatives.
The Arts Support Scheme provides funding for the development of artistic ideas into completed projects, including the creation and presentation of work, cultural programming, documentation, community-based projects and initiatives aimed at making the arts more accessible.
The Theatre Productions Support Scheme was introduced this year specifically to support the research, development and production of new and original theatre works. Funding covers the creative process from initial research and development through to production, presentation and audience engagement.
Announcing the results, Arts, Culture and National Heritage Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said the investment reflects the importance being placed on culture at a national level.
"As established in the Malta 2050 Vision, we consider culture to be essential to our national identity and to the type of society we wish to continue to build," Agius Galea said.
He said the funding would provide the 32 projects with the resources needed to develop their work, reach audiences and contribute to Malta's cultural life.
The Minister added that the investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to placing culture at the centre of national development by investing directly in artists, cultural professionals and organisations supporting the sector.
Arts Council Malta Executive Chair Luke Dalli said the response to both schemes demonstrated the talent and potential within Malta's cultural and creative sectors.
He said the two funding schemes provide more targeted opportunities for artists, cultural organisations and creative professionals, while supporting not only completed projects but also the creative processes, experimentation and collaboration behind them.
The schemes form part of a revised funding structure introduced by Arts Council Malta in 2026.
The Theatre Productions Support Scheme was created to distinguish funding for new and original theatre productions from the broader range of artistic activity covered by the Arts Support Scheme.
According to Arts Council Malta, the principles of the Right to Culture remain embedded in both schemes and its wider funding portfolio.
The investment also forms part of Arts Council Malta's Strategy 2030, which focuses on creative potential, artistic excellence, sustainable professional practice and stronger connections between artists, audiences and communities.