Dr Luke Dalli Outlines Arts Council Malta’s 2026 Vision & Funding Plans

Malta Daily sat down with Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chairperson of the Arts Council Malta, for an in-depth conversation about the Council’s funding schemes and programmes for 2026 and what artists can expect in the year ahead.

From the outset, Dr Dalli made one thing clear: Arts Council Malta is not “just a bank”.

While many still view the Council purely as a funding body, Dr Dalli explained that over the past years, the vision has shifted from simply distributing funds to actively collaborating with artists and creatives.

“We don’t just want to give someone a fish every year. We want to give them the fishing rod,” he told Malta Daily.

Having come from an artistic background himself, Dr Dalli understands the realities artists face. He emphasised that today’s approach goes beyond financial support, offering mentorship programmes, guidance, development opportunities and long-term sustainability strategies.

When it comes to distributing public funds, Dr Dalli highlighted three core pillars: justice, transparency and accountability. Arts Council Malta operates as a public funding body entrusted with taxpayers’ money to support Malta’s creative and cultural sectors. With that responsibility comes rigorous processes.

The Council currently manages 23 different funding schemes, each with distinct guidelines and criteria. Applications are evaluated by independent professionals within the relevant artistic sector, not by Council staff. Projects are scored, ranked and funded according to available budgets.

Dr Dalli explained that even projects scoring above 80% may not always be funded, simply because of limited budgets and high competition.

However, advocacy is ongoing. Over the past year alone, the Council’s budget increased by more than €4 million, with continued lobbying efforts aimed at expanding funding opportunities further.

One of the strongest messages from the interview was clear: funding is available at every stage of an artist’s journey. Whether you’re: Developing a script, Conducting research and development, Producing a film, Mounting an exhibition or performance,Or refining a concept in its earliest stages, there is likely a scheme designed to support that phase.

Even applicants who are unsuccessful receive feedback and guidance to strengthen future submissions. Development funds are also available to help artists refine projects before reapplying.

For those who find the application process overwhelming, Arts Council Malta offers dedicated support through its Creative Brokers service, effectively a customer care and advisory system for applicants.

Artists can reach out directly for guidance:

📧 fundinfo@artscouncil.mt

📞 2334 7200

The goal, as Dr Dalli stressed, is not to keep funds sitting unused but to invest them back into the creative and cultural sector.

Looking ahead to 2026, the vision is not confined to local impact alone. Arts Council Malta aims to position Maltese artists on international platforms, showcasing the island’s talent abroad.

Dr Dalli concluded by reaffirming that the Council’s mission is to empower creatives to build sustainable careers, not dependency, and to ensure Malta’s cultural sector continues to grow in ambition, quality and global reach.

For artists considering applying in 2026, the message is simple: start the conversation.

More information about funding schemes and guidelines can be found on the official website of Arts Council Malta.

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