Nineteen Maltese performing arts projects have been presented to international industry professionals at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of an Arts Council Malta programme aimed at preparing local practitioners for international touring.

The pitching event marked a key stage in an 18-month professional development programme focused on helping Maltese artists develop the skills, industry knowledge and networks needed to take their work to audiences overseas.

The initiative initially attracted 30 applications, with 19 projects ultimately selected for mentoring through workshops, masterclasses, peer exchanges and professional training.

During their time in Edinburgh, participants met producers and other professionals working within the international performing arts sector, while also attending industry sessions dealing with the process of taking a production from the pitching stage towards touring and production.

The artists then had the opportunity to pitch their own projects directly to industry professionals, putting into practice the preparation undertaken through the programme.

Participants also attended a performance of The Trials of Magnus Coffinkey, a Maltese production appearing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, providing an example of locally developed work being presented to an international audience.

Building connections

Arts Council Malta Executive Chair Luke Dalli said the Edinburgh experience was intended to give participants an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge developed throughout the programme.

“The pitch is not an end in itself, but part of a longer process of preparing artists to engage with international professionals and to understand what is required to take their work beyond Malta,” he said.

Dr Dalli added that exposure to the international sector could help practitioners develop professional relationships and identify opportunities extending beyond the festival itself.

According to Annabelle Stivala, Executive Head International Cultural Relations at Arts Council Malta, 19 artists are currently participating in the Edinburgh programme, where they are connecting with industry professionals and gaining experience with a view to potentially returning with their own work next year.

The preparation preceding the Edinburgh visit included practical sessions covering the development and presentation of work for international markets, as well as training intended to strengthen participants' pitching skills.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the world's largest performing arts festivals, bringing together artists, producers, promoters and other industry professionals from numerous countries each year.