FUNDING PROGRAMMES

DIGITAL EUROPE

The Digital Europe funding programme aims to strengthen Europe’s digital capabilities by supporting high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills. For the cultural heritage and creative arts sectors, Digital Europe provides crucial resources for the digitization of cultural assets, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future generations. This programme supports innovative projects that integrate digital technologies into the creative process, enhancing artistic production, and audience engagement. By enabling the fusion of technology with cultural heritage, Digital Europe promotes the conservation of Europe’s rich cultural legacy while fostering new artistic expressions. This not only preserves cultural diversity but also stimulates economic growth and innovation in the creative industries. 

 

For more information, visit the official Digital Europe Programme website.

HORIZON

The Horizon Europe funding programme is the EU’s primary initiative for research and innovation, designed to tackle global challenges and drive economic growth. For cultural heritage and the creative arts, Horizon Europe is highly relevant as it supports research projects that explore the intersection of technology, culture, and creativity.

This programme funds initiatives that use innovative technologies to digitize, preserve, and promote cultural heritage, ensuring its accessibility for future generations. It also supports interdisciplinary projects that blend science, technology, and the arts, fostering new forms of artistic expression and cultural engagement. By encouraging collaboration across sectors, Horizon Europe helps cultural institutions and creative professionals develop sustainable solutions to preserve and enhance Europe’s cultural assets. This not only enriches cultural heritage but also drives innovation within the creative industries, promoting economic growth and cultural diversity.

For more information, visit the official Horizon Europe Programme website.

CREATIVE EUROPE

The Creative Europe funding programme is the European Union’s flagship initiative to support the cultural and creative sectors. It aims to safeguard and promote cultural diversity and heritage while strengthening the competitiveness of these sectors. For cultural heritage and the creative arts, Creative Europe offers vital support for projects that preserve cultural assets, promote artistic expression, and facilitate cross-border collaboration.

This programme funds initiatives that digitize and conserve cultural heritage, enhance cultural tourism, and support the development of new creative content. By fostering innovation and collaboration, Creative Europe helps artists and cultural organizations reach new audiences and markets, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the creative industries. Its focus on cultural diversity and heritage conservation makes it a key driver in preserving Europe’s rich cultural legacy while encouraging contemporary artistic endeavors.

For more information, visit the official Creative Europe Programme website.

INTERREG

The Interreg funding programme fosters cross-border cooperation within the European Union, enhancing regional development and integration. The Italia-Malta programme, a key component of Interreg, focuses on collaborative projects between Italy and Malta. This programme is particularly relevant to the cultural heritage and creative arts sectors, as it supports initiatives that preserve and promote shared cultural assets and artistic expressions.

Through Italia-Malta, projects can secure funding to digitize cultural artifacts, develop cultural tourism, and create joint artistic endeavors, strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. By encouraging the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the programme helps safeguard cultural heritage, enhance artistic production, and stimulate economic growth in the creative industries. This collaboration not only enriches the cultural landscape of both countries but also fosters a sense of shared European identity.

For more information, visit the official Interreg Italia-Malta Programme website.

ERASMUS

The Erasmus+ funding programme is a key EU initiative for education, training, youth, and sport, offering valuable opportunities for skill-building and international collaboration. For the cultural heritage and creative arts sectors, Erasmus+ is particularly relevant as it supports mobility and training initiatives that enhance professional skills and foster cross-cultural exchange.

Erasmus+ funds projects that enable artists, cultural professionals, and heritage specialists to participate in international training programs, workshops, and residencies. This enhances their skills, promotes innovation, and facilitates the exchange of best practices across Europe. The programme also supports partnerships between educational institutions, cultural organizations, and creative enterprises, promoting collaborative projects that enrich cultural heritage and boost creative industries.

By investing in professional development and fostering cross-border collaboration, Erasmus+ strengthens the capacity of cultural and creative sectors to preserve and promote Europe’s rich cultural diversity.

For more information, visit the official Erasmus+ Programme website.

COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology)

The COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) funding programme is a unique EU initiative designed to support collaborative research and innovation networks across Europe. For cultural heritage and the creative arts, COST is particularly valuable as it facilitates interdisciplinary networking and knowledge exchange.

COST funds networks, known as COST Actions, that bring together researchers, cultural professionals, and artists from different countries to collaborate on common projects. These networks foster the sharing of best practices, innovative methodologies, and cutting-edge technologies for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Additionally, they support the creative arts by encouraging cross-border artistic collaborations and interdisciplinary research.

By enhancing professional networks and collaborative opportunities, COST helps strengthen the capacity of cultural and creative sectors to innovate and address shared challenges. This networking aspect is crucial for developing sustainable cultural projects and enriching Europe’s cultural landscape.

For more information, visit the official COST Programme website.

SIS AND VOPS

The Small Initiatives Support (SIS) and Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPs) are funding programmes administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS). These programmes are designed to strengthen and support the voluntary sector in Malta, enabling organizations to implement impactful projects and initiatives.

The SIS programme provides grants for small-scale projects that promote social inclusion, community development, and active citizenship. It aims to empower voluntary organizations by providing them with the necessary resources to address local community needs and foster social cohesion. SIS is particularly relevant for grassroots organizations looking to make a tangible difference within their communities through innovative and small-scale interventions.

The VOPs programme, on the other hand, offers more substantial funding for larger projects that address broader societal challenges. It supports initiatives that enhance the capacity of voluntary organizations, promote volunteerism, and contribute to sustainable development. VOPs is crucial for organizations seeking to scale their impact, engage more volunteers, and implement long-term projects.

Both programmes are essential for the sustainability and growth of the voluntary sector in Malta. They provide the financial support and resources needed for voluntary organizations to thrive, innovate, and address pressing social issues.

For more information, visit the official MCVS Programme website.

ERDF

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a key EU funding programme aimed at reducing regional disparities and promoting balanced development across Europe. In Malta, the ERDF supports projects that enhance economic growth, improve infrastructure, and boost innovation. Unlike direct EU funding, which is typically managed by the European Commission, ERDF funding is allocated through national and regional authorities, allowing for more tailored and locally relevant projects.

For the cultural heritage and creative arts sectors in Malta, the ERDF is highly relevant. It funds projects that preserve and promote cultural heritage, develop cultural infrastructure, and stimulate creative industries. This includes the restoration of historical sites, the digitization of cultural assets, and the development of creative hubs. By investing in cultural heritage and the arts, the ERDF not only enriches Malta’s cultural landscape but also drives tourism and economic growth.

For more information, visit the official ERDF Programme website.