Open Call for International Participation Scheme (Malta)

Deadline: 23-Sep-26

The International Participation Scheme supports Maltese and Malta-based artists and cultural operators to present their work internationally and participate in global cultural activities. The scheme promotes international mobility, artistic exposure, professional development, networking, and cultural collaboration through support for activities such as festivals, exhibitions, conferences, residencies, performances, films, and international fairs. What Is the International Participation Scheme? The International Participation Scheme is designed to help artists and cultural operators from Malta participate in the international cultural and creative sector. The scheme enables eligible applicants to take their artistic work and cultural productions to audiences and professional networks outside Malta. It supports international engagement that can help applicants: The activity should provide a meaningful opportunity for the applicant to present, develop, or promote their artistic or cultural practice internationally. Why Does International Participation Matter? International mobility can help artists and cultural professionals expand beyond their local creative ecosystems.

Participation in international events can provide opportunities to

Reach international audiences. Exchange knowledge with artists from other countries. Develop new artistic and professional skills. Create international collaborations. Discover new cultural markets. Strengthen professional networks. Increase recognition of Maltese cultural production. For Malta-based artists and cultural operators, international participation can therefore contribute to both individual career development and the wider international visibility of Malta’s cultural sector. Who Is Eligible? The scheme is open to Maltese citizens and eligible Malta-based applicants who meet the applicable requirements. Considering these principles can help applicants develop proposals that support responsible and sustainable artistic careers. How the International Participation Scheme Works

Step 1: Identify an International Opportunity

Identify a relevant festival, exhibition, conference, residency, fair, performance, networking event, film activity, or other international cultural opportunity.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Determine whether you qualify as:

A Maltese citizen. An eligible Malta-based individual. An eligible creative professional. A registered organisation. A collective, consortium, cooperative, or voluntary organisation meeting the relevant requirements.

Step 3: Define the Purpose of Participation

Clearly explain why participating internationally is important for your artistic or cultural practice. For example, the activity may provide opportunities for: International presentation. Professional development. Networking. Collaboration. Audience development. Artistic exchange.

Step 4: Prepare Your Proposal

Describe the international activity and explain the expected artistic and professional outcomes. Include relevant information about the event, host organisation, location, dates, and your role in the activity.

Step 5: Demonstrate Cultural and Professional Value

Explain how the proposed participation contributes to international cultural exchange and supports your professional development. Applicants should also consider accessibility, cultural rights, ethical working conditions, and intellectual property principles where relevant.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete the application using the applicable programme requirements and provide all requested supporting documentation before the relevant deadline. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by: Selecting an international opportunity that directly relates to their artistic practice. Clearly explaining why international participation is necessary. Identifying specific professional outcomes. Demonstrating opportunities for networking or collaboration. Explaining how the activity can increase international visibility. Providing accurate information about the host event or organisation. Considering accessibility and inclusion. Demonstrating respect for artistic freedom and intellectual property rights. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without demonstrating eligibility. Selecting an international event with little connection to their artistic practice. Providing vague explanations of expected benefits. Failing to explain the professional value of international participation. Ignoring accessibility and cultural rights considerations. Providing incomplete information about the international host or activity. Overlooking ethical working conditions or intellectual property considerations. Treating international participation simply as travel rather than as a meaningful artistic or professional opportunity. Key Details at a Glance

Programme: International Participation Scheme

Country: Malta

Main purpose: International artistic and cultural participation

Target applicants: Maltese and Malta-based artists and cultural operators

Supported activities: Festivals, exhibitions, shows, films, conferences, networking events, residencies, international fairs, and related cultural activities

Eligible individuals: Maltese citizens and eligible Malta-based creative professionals and artists

Eligible organisations: Malta Business Registry entities, groups, collectives, consortia, registered cooperatives, and eligible voluntary organisations

Key principles: Cultural rights, inclusion, artistic freedom, accessibility, decent working conditions, ethics, and intellectual property rights

Frequently Asked Questions What is the International Participation Scheme? The International Participation Scheme supports Maltese and Malta-based artists and cultural operators to present their work internationally and participate in global cultural and creative activities. Who can apply for the scheme? Eligible applicants include Maltese citizens, eligibl