What Arts Council Malta does

Arts Council Malta is Malta's statutory national agency for the development of the cultural and creative sectors, established by Act 15 of 2015 and operating under the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage. Its core function is to distribute public funding and shape cultural policy across the Maltese islands, deploying approximately €7 million annually through more than 23 grant schemes targeted at individual artists, voluntary organisations, festivals, film producers, and cultural infrastructure. Over its first decade the agency has committed €28.3 million cumulatively to the sector.

Its core products are grant programmes and policy instruments, not commercial technology platforms. The portfolio spans project grants, organisational support, film and screen funding, festival support, and recently introduced schemes such as the Legal and Finance Grant and the Investment in Cultural Organisations scheme. International membership in IFACCA, EUNIC, ENCC, and — as of 2025 — Eurimages, together with a dedicated International Cultural Relations Directorate, extends its reach into cross-border cultural diplomacy and co-production financing. A 2026 partnership with MCAST adds a vocational talent-pipeline dimension.

The business model is that of a publicly funded statutory body rather than a revenue-generating enterprise: appropriations from government, supplemented by EU programme draws, fund grant disbursements. The agency's 2025 rebranding for its tenth anniversary and the launch of Strategy 2030 formalise a longer-horizon mandate covering creative-economy development, international cultural relations, and sector sustainability.

Name

Arts Council Malta

Legal name

Arts Council Malta

Website

https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Arts Council Malta is Malta's statutory national agency, established by Act 15 of 2015, that distributes public funding through 23+ grant schemes to individual artists, cultural organisations, festivals, and film producers across the Maltese islands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Arts and Cultural Funding

NAICS

Other Performing Arts Companies (71119), Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Art, Arts Councils & Grantmaking Programs (BPAGAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

Keywords

• Cultural funding programs
• Arts grant schemes
• Public arts administration
• Creative sector support
• Cultural policy development

Headquarters

HQ city

Birkirkara

HQ country

Malta

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Funding Allocation: Arts Council Malta receives government appropriations and distributes them as grants and funding to the cultural and creative sectors. The Council does not generate commercial revenue but acts as a public funding intermediary.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Arts Council Malta operates Malta's national portfolio of public funding schemes and sector-support programmes for the cultural and creative industries. It administers 23 grant schemes and 35 annual calls — covering individual artists, voluntary organisations, the audiovisual/screen sector, schools, and public cultural organisations — and channels roughly €7 million of investment per year. The agency also sets cultural policy direction (Strategy 2030), manages public cultural organisations, and represents Malta in international cultural networks and biennales.

Product overview

Arts Council Malta operates as a national government agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of funding schemes, grants, and programs for Malta's cultural and creative sectors. Rather than a unified software product, the organization offers multiple distinct funding programs including the Arts Support Scheme, Screen Support Scheme, International Participation Scheme, Training and Development Support Scheme, and the President's Fund for Creativity. Key initiatives include the Premju għall-Arti (national arts awards), Culture Pass for students, the Artivisti youth mentorship program, and various international exchange schemes. The organization manages Strategy 2030 as its strategic framework, coordinates public cultural organizations, and operates platforms like Dwarna for publications and Retold for showcasing internationally successful Maltese artists locally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Premju għall-Arti: National awards celebration recognizing excellence, innovation and achievements in Malta's cultural and creative industries.
• Artivisti
• RETOLD
• ACMag

Products and services

• Arts Support Scheme (Skema ta' Appoġġ għall-Arti) Core grant scheme for individuals, groups and organisations to plan, develop and execute artistic projects aligned with Arts Council Malta's Strategy 2030.
• Legal and Finance Grant Grant providing up to €3,000 per beneficiary for artists, creative practitioners and cultural organisations to access professional legal and financial advice covering contracts, IP, taxation, accounting and regulatory compliance.
• Screen Support Scheme (Iskema ta' Appoġġ għall-Iscreen) Multi-strand scheme offering pre-production aid (scriptwriting, project development) and production aid for audiovisual fiction, animation, documentary and cultural programme projects.
• International Participation Scheme Scheme under the Internationalisation Strategy supporting international mobility for Maltese artists aged 18+ and their artistic works and cultural productions.
• International Cultural Exchanges Scheme Scheme under the Internationalisation Strategy addressing international cultural exchanges, with attention to mobility abroad for Maltese artists based in Malta.
• Training and Development Support Scheme Two-strand scheme fostering creative potential and supporting its development into professional activity, promoting professionalisation and an entrepreneurial culture in the sector.
• Apprenticeship Scheme Programme aimed at professionalisation and growth in creative and cultural sectors, aligned with the Council's strategy for professional development and sector growth.
• Research and Development Scheme (Skema għar-Riċerka u l-Iżvilupp Artistiku) Enables individuals, groups and organisations to research, plan, develop and execute strategic objectives through artistic research and development.
• Artivisti Cross-sectoral 18-month mentorship programme with the Youth Agency supporting young creatives aged 16–25 in leadership, participation and personal development across the creative sectors.
• President's Fund for Creativity Initiative strengthening inclusivity, community development and wellbeing through cultural engagement and creative expression that strengthens community bonds and enables creative expression.
• Maltese Music on Private Radio Stations Support Scheme Scheme providing financial assistance to eligible private radio broadcasters that commit to structured programming of Maltese music aligned with the country's cultural and linguistic identity.
• Klabb 3-16 Grant Joint initiative with the Foundation for Educational Services funding touring artistic and cultural projects for children and students aged 3–16, delivered during the 2026/2027 school year.
• Artistic Heritage Scheme (Iskema għall-Wirt Artistiku) Scheme supporting voluntary organisations that prepare artistic decorations, fireworks and cultural traditions for Maltese religious feasts, recognising feasts as part of the fabric of towns and villages.
• Restoration Funding Scheme Scheme providing financial support for the repair, restoration and conservation of immovable cultural property such as altars, openings, artistic decoration and architectural surfaces of churches.
• Innovators and Creative Platforms Fund Fund promoting innovation and growth in cultural and creative sectors as part of Arts Council Malta's Creative Industries Cultural Policy strategy.
• Accessibility Support Programme Programme facilitating creative and cultural engagement with specific focus on accessibility for persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
• Regional Cultural Cooperation Programme Programme supporting Regional Councils to maintain Malta's creative and cultural ecology while conducting cultural diplomacy through cultural activities and collaborations.
• Investment in Cultural Organisations Initiative creating partnerships with local voluntary organisations in cultural and creative sectors to implement Arts Council Malta's vision for arts at the heart of Malta's future.
• Theatre Productions Support Scheme Scheme investing in theatre practices, productions and audience development within Malta's cultural and creative sectors.
• Arts in Schools Scheme Scheme supporting and sustaining the cultural and creative ecology with special focus on arts education, involving educators and creative practitioners in dialogue and collaboration.
• Culture Pass Scheme providing high-quality professional cultural and artistic experiences to students from kindergarten through post-secondary schools, including a Culture Pass Grants Scheme for providers.
• Premju għall-Arti (National Arts Awards) National awards programme recognising excellence, innovation and achievements in Malta's cultural and creative sectors, honouring artistic works, projects, productions and initiatives.
• Retold Exhibition Series Exhibition series bringing successful projects by Maltese artists and creatives who achieved success abroad back to Malta for domestic audiences to enjoy.
• ArtWorks Education Programme Programme focused on transforming education and work through the arts, linking creative practice to learning and employability.

Quantifiable outcome

• €28.3 million+ invested in the cultural sector over 10 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2026Arts Council Malta and MCAST's Institute for Creative Arts signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen the relationship between arts education and the creative sector. The agreement supports the MCAST ICA Festival by providing production funding and a professional curator who will mentor students, creating practical links between education and the professional cultural sector.
• Aġenzija Żgħażagħ (Youth Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026The Artivisti programme is a cross-sectoral collaboration between Arts Council Malta and the Youth Agency, supporting young creatives aged 16–25 through an 18-month mentorship programme focused on youth leadership, participation, and personal development in the creative sectors.
• Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEIA was consulted in the design of the Legal and Finance Grant scheme, which provides up to €3,000 for legal and financial advisory services for cultural and creative sector professionals. MEIA acknowledged the Council's collaborative approach in addressing practical sector needs.
• European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerDaniel Azzopardi, Director of Strategy at Arts Council Malta, was elected to serve on the Board of the ENCC at its General Assembly in Lisbon. The ENCC brings together over 200 socio-cultural organisations from across Europe, and Malta's election reinforces the Council's commitment to European cultural collaboration.
• EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMary Ann Cauchi, Director of Funding and Strategy at Arts Council Malta, was appointed as the first Maltese board member of EUNIC. Arts Council Malta is a member of EUNIC's Malta Cluster, which organises events including the European Film Festival in Malta.
• Heritage MaltaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts Council Malta and Heritage Malta collaborate on cultural events and initiatives, including solidarity events and the Right to Culture campaign.
• Malta Football Association (MFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SportArti framework was launched jointly by the Ministry for Culture, Arts and Local Government, Arts Council Malta, and the Malta Football Association to integrate arts and culture into football nurseries across Malta and Gozo, promoting creativity and youth development.
• National Council for the Book (Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA series of initiatives was announced between Arts Council Malta and the National Council for the Book to boost visibility and professional development opportunities for creatives in the publishing industry.
• National Skills Council (Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ħiliet)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA collaboration between Arts Council Malta and the National Skills Council aims to promote emerging careers in the arts sector through educational initiatives and activities.
• ARC Research & Consultancy LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts Council Malta and ARC Research & Consultancy jointly introduced a scheme intersecting cultural, health, and care sectors, supported by the European Commission's Creative Europe CultureAndHealth initiative. ARC Research serves as Malta's partner in this four-year EU-funded initiative.
• Eurimages (Council of Europe Film Support Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMalta officially became a member state of Eurimages, the Council of Europe's film support fund, marking a significant milestone for the domestic audiovisual sector and its integration into the European cultural landscape. Arts Council Malta hosted an information event for Maltese film producers.
• Malta Society of Arts (Soċjetà Maltija tal-Arti)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts Council Malta and the Malta Society of Arts jointly launched the second call for the MSA x ACM Residency Programme 'Variations on Emergence', supporting artists Martina Georgina and Nina Gerada in creative residencies.
• Malta Developers Initiative / Ta' Qali National Park / Malta Crafts FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts Council Malta announced new initiatives for creative entrepreneurship development in collaboration with the Ta' Qali National Park and the Malta Crafts Foundation, aimed at strengthening professionalism and sustainability in the creative community.
• IFACCA (International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerArts Council Malta is a member of IFACCA, a global network of arts councils and culture agencies providing international benchmarking and knowledge exchange.
• Regional Councils of MaltaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA memorandum of understanding was signed between Arts Council Malta and Malta's six Regional Councils to document and preserve the diverse cultural heritage of Malta and Gozo through a national-scale initiative.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture): Network of European national cultural institutes — Arts Council Malta is a member via its EUNIC Malta Cluster, and the network's role as a peer ecosystem for international cultural relations strategy is directly comparable.
• IFACCA (International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies): Global network of arts councils and culture agencies providing benchmarking and knowledge exchange — Arts Council Malta is a member, and IFACCA's constituency represents the global peer set of comparable national agencies.

Direct peers

• Creative Scotland: Scottish public body that supports arts, screen, and creative industries through funding and policy — closely comparable in delivering grant programmes, internationalisation support, and sector development to a similar-sized national ecosystem.
• Arts Council England: Statutory national agency of the UK government that distributes public funding to artists and cultural organisations through National Portfolio Organisations and individual grants — directly comparable function, model, and statutory mandate to Arts Council Malta.
• Australia Council for the Arts: Australian government's principal arts funding and policy body distributing grants across art forms and supporting international engagement — closely comparable in delivering multi-scheme portfolios and statutory national agency role.
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Independent federal agency of the United States that provides grant funding and supports arts development nationwide — closely comparable as a publicly funded national grant-making body for arts and culture.
• Creative New Zealand (Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa): New Zealand's national arts development agency, distributing public funds to artists, practitioners, and organisations — directly comparable as a statutory public funder with a small-market national remit.
• Arts Council Ireland (An Chomhairle Ealaíon): Irish national arts council providing grant funding, strategic development, and policy support to artists and arts organisations — directly comparable in function, scale relative to population, and statutory mandate.
• Canada Council for the Arts: Federal Crown corporation of Canada that funds artists and arts organisations across disciplines — comparable as a national-level public grant-making body with a broad scheme portfolio and international partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• British Council: UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities — comparable in operating the internationalisation function Arts Council Malta delivers via its International Cultural Relations Directorate, though at much broader scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arts-council-malta

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arts Council Malta