Co-Creating New Cultural Infrastructure for the Visual Arts in Malta: Adapting a vacant Woodworking Factory to an Active Arts and Studio Hub

HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-05: Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

We are seeking international partners to collaborate with for programming and projects as well as to develop research on the development of Malta’s first long-term, independent artist studio complex, addressing a critical infrastructural gap in the country’s cultural ecosystem.

Despite rapid sector growth, Malta lacks stable, affordable studio spaces. Over 70% of artists currently work in temporary or unsustainable conditions, limiting long-term production, collaboration, and professional development. This project responds directly to EU priorities around improving working conditions for artists and strengthening cultural infrastructure.

The proposed 2,000 sqm site will combine four integrated strands:

• Permanent and flexible studio spaces for sustained artistic production

• Institutional exhibition programming to foster critical dialogue

• Community engagement and education through public programmes

• International exchange via residencies and partnerships

Located between Valletta and the Grand Harbour cultural zone, and adjacent to Malta's Institute of Creative Arts, the project bridges education, production, and public engagement within a growing contemporary art ecosystem.

We are looking to partner with organisations experienced in:

• Cultural infrastructure and creative hubs

• Artist residencies and mobility programmes

• Socially engaged and community-based practices

• Policy development, research, and advocacy in the cultural sector

Together, we aim to develop a scalable model for sustainable artist support, contributing to EU cultural policy objectives around artistic freedom, cross-border collaboration, and resilient creative economies.