Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 are pleased to collaborate on an Artist-in-Residence programme based on the Maltese island of Gozo. Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 jointly invite creatives from all fields to apply for an Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programme for the 2016/17 season. Residencies are for the duration of two to three weeks for projects taking place between September 2016 and July 2017.
Introduction
Fondazzjoni Kreattività acts as a catalyst for all forms of creative expression by providing space and extending experience to reach all people and involve them in interactive participation in Malta and Gozo. The Fondazzjoni produces the Spazju Kreattiv programme, the Valletta International Visual Arts Festival (VIVA) and the Żigużajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People.
The Valletta 2018 Foundation is responsible for the implementation of Valletta’s title of European Capital of Culture 2018. Through creativity and artistic expression, the title will enable social, economic, cultural and environmental changes that will have a lasting legacy in Valletta and around Malta.
These residencies are based in the context of a growing cultural scene in Malta in the run-up to Valletta’s European Capital of Culture title. The residency itself is based in the rural island of Gozo, sister island of Malta, surrounded by a close community. The residencies are based on the concept of cultural immersion within the island; with its landscapes, seascapes and soundscapes, and the contemporary exploration of cultural diversity that exists there. Links with Malta and Valletta are possible, however the artist-in-resident should seek to collaborate as much as possible with local communities.
Artists-in-Residence Programme Aims
The AiR Programme aims to enrich cultural diversity within the national creative scene, and encourage productive interaction between international creatives and local creatives; between international creatives and communities, as well as physical and virtual environments. Both entities believe that such initiatives and collaborations will enrich their programmes in the run up to 2018 and during its legacy.
Artists-in-Residence Programme Format
The AiR Programme falls within three formats.
Visits
Every year, a number of artists and creative industry professionals visit Malta on an invitation from the Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 and/or their associates. Some of these special guests are awarded a fellowship in order to foster an ongoing working relationship between the individual/s visiting Malta and the communities regularly served directly by the Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018.
Exchanges
Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 have a number of collaboration agreements with other cultural entities around the world. Artists based outside Malta apply to the collaborating partner institution, while those based in Malta apply to the Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018.
Encounters
Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 are members of various networks for artists and creative industry professionals. Through these memberships they occasionally host encounters between Maltese artists and creative individuals/groups and their counterparts or other similar collaborators in/from other countries.
Artists-in-Residence Programme Priorities
AiR applications will be considered in relation to the overarching strategic visions of Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018, however priority will be given those applicants who:
- work directly and actively with local communities and cultures;
- are willing to interact productively with local creatives;
- work within a context that relates directly to the programme/s of Fondazzjoni Kreattività and/or Valletta 2018:
- are based in the Mediterranean Region, including North Africa;
- work in creative forms that are currently emerging or underrepresented in Malta and Gozo.
Other considerations will include the below:
Theme based: these will be set from time to time, lining up with the Spazju Kreattiv strategic vision – i.e. Identity, Diversity and Legacy and the thematic programming of Valletta 2018.
Festival connection: the possibility of lining up with one or both of the two annual festivals organised by Fondazzjoni Kreattività as a production base – i.e. ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People (3rd week of November 2016) and VIVA – Valletta International Visual Arts (Spring 2017).
Cost-effectiveness: any resources already available to the applicant when applying, including, but not limited to, prior contacts, travel grants or research.
Practical Information
Gozo (known as Għawdex pronounced aw-dash in Maltese) is a rural island, and with a population of 37,000, is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. Malta lies in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and has a rich heritage dating back to the neolithic period and a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.
Those selected will be offered an accommodation and daily subsistence. Airport transfers in Malta will be provided free of charge, as will transport to/from the Gozo residence on arrival/departure. However visiting artists will be expected to cover their own travel and insurance costs to and from Malta.
Visiting artists will also be assisted in planning and coordinating the project logistics as well as scheduling meetings with local creatives.
Those interested are to submit the application found here:
Timeframes
Call opens on Monday 29th February 2016
Call closes on Monday 30th May 2016
Applicant contacted by Thursday 14th July 2016
More information
Fondazzjoni Kreattività mission statement
Valletta 2018 mission statement
Spazju Kreattiv strategic vision
ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People website
Valletta International Visual Arts Festival website