Expression of Interest: Artistic Director

Port Regional Council
97, Triq Santa Marija, Ħal Tarxien, TXN 1708
Tel: 27040492

Steering Culture through the 2026 Region of Culture

Submission Deadline: 16th June 2025
Evaluation: Based on Artistic Merit

Position Details

Position Title: Artistic Director
Organisation: Port Regional Council
No. of Posts: 1
Application Type: Individual and joint applications accepted
Responsible to: Deputy Acting Executive Secretary, Port Regional Council

Overall Purpose of Position

The Port Regional Council is seeking a visionary and driven artist or artistic team to lead and shape the cultural direction of the Port Region during its designation as the 2026 Region of Culture.

The contract for service spans from September 2025 to January 2027, covering the preparation, implementation, and closure phases of the programme. The Artistic Director will craft and deliver a year-long cultural programme that reflects the region’s identity, enhances community cohesion, and champions creativity. Strong consideration will be given to applicants whose vision integrates sport, health, and other interdisciplinary sectors and focuses on long-term impact, sustainability, and legacy.

Main Responsibilities

Artistic

Define, design, and execute the artistic vision for the 2026 Region of Culture.
Engage with local and international creatives to implement the vision.
Develop a detailed programme timeline with public deliverables and KPIs.
Maintain regular engagement with project stakeholders (biweekly; monthly during preparation phase).
Lead commissioning, programming, and cross-sectoral collaborations.
Promote inclusivity, diversity, and creative excellence.
Align with the ECOC 2031 vision and strategies where possible.
Produce a comprehensive final report on programme outcomes and legacy.

Strategic & Operational

Liaise with the Regional Council on planning, programming, and fundraising.
Work closely with the Regional Cultural Manager and Local Councils.
Oversee branding and visual identity in collaboration with designers.
Develop an audience engagement strategy targeting all age groups.
Expand the Region’s national and international cultural profile.

Financial & Funding

Plan and deliver the programme within a €275,000 budget.
Ensure proper financial tracking and documentation.
Identify additional funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Build relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding bodies.

Supervision

Reports to the Secretary Executive of the Regional Council and works closely on the implementation with the Region’s Culture Manager.

Terms of Engagement

Duration: 17-month contract for service (Sept 2025 – Jan 2027)
Remuneration: Capped between €25,000 to €30,000 excluding VAT (Travel/residency allowances not included)
Payment Terms: Against monthly invoice with valid VAT number, followed by VAT receipt upon settlement.

Required Submissions

Motivational Letter (max 1000 words)
Career Portfolio outlining relevant experience

Candidate Profile – Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

Proven leadership in artistic or cultural programming (festivals, seasons, etc.)
Experience managing complex creative projects with cross-sectoral impact.
Demonstrated capacity in financial and strategic planning.
Track record of fostering artistic talent and audience development.
Familiarity with Malta’s cultural landscape.
Excellent communication and public presentation skills.
Strong stakeholder engagement and diplomatic skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Experience in developing long-term cultural or regional strategies is considered an asset.

About the Region of Culture (2026)

The Port Regional Council has been selected as Malta’s National Region of Culture for 2026, a Local Government Division initiative. Grounded in the UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) and aligned with the EU’s New Narrative for Europe, the programme celebrates cultural identity, fosters creative development, and promotes inclusivity.

The initiative aims to:

Reimagine public spaces
Promote civic pride
Stimulate regional sustainable development through culture

Vision

To position the Port Region as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking cultural hub that celebrates heritage, empowers creativity, and drives sustainable development.

Mission & Aims

Deliver a programme of artistic excellence
Encourage community participation
Support professional development for creatives
Promote cultural inclusion and accessibility
Build local and international partnerships

Closing Date for Applications

Monday, 16th June 2025 at 12:00 PM CET

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and presentation. Selection will be based on artistic merit, feasibility, and collaborative approach.

Recommended Pre-Reading

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with:

Regional Cultural Strategy
Port Strategy
National Cultural Policy
“Slow Streets” Studies
The Port Regional Council Social Impact Assessment

“Recommended Pre-Reading” Applicants wishing to request materials may send a request for a digital copy to the same email address.

Please Apply by sending an email to lcassar@lca.org.mt with the subject “Expression of Interest – Artistic Director”

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Expression of Interest: Artistic Director