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New funding scheme launched for youth cultural organisations participating in Carnival 2026
€160,000 to strengthen Maltese creativity and tradition
The Ministry for Culture, Lands, and Local Government, together with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation, have officially launched a New Funding Scheme for Youth Cultural Associations Participating in Carnival 2026.
This scheme is aimed at assisting and strengthening the involvement of young people in the annual Carnival festivities, while promoting creativity, cultural identity and artistic expression in a more inclusive and innovative way.
The total funds allocated for this edition amount to €160,000, with direct support to cultural organisations and youth groups that will take part in Carnival 2026. This initiative will provide financial assistance to facilitate the production of costumes, dance, music and other related artistic elements, and at the same time create an opportunity for more young people to be part of the national Carnival show.
Minister for Culture, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici described the scheme as an important mechanism to continue to build our country's cultural identity in one of its most popular cultural expressions. "This scheme is not only an investment in creativity, but also in the history and living heritage of our nation. Through it we are giving space to local talent to express themselves, and at the same time strengthening the knowledge and appreciation of Maltese culture among all generations."
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti said the scheme is another step in the work to ensure that Carnival remains a centre of innovation and artistic expression. “Carnival has been going on for generations, but its spirit lives on when we give space and support to the people who make it possible, especially young people. This scheme is an investment in their creativity, in our cultural identity and in the future of this event that unites everyone. We want to see more innovation, more expression and more young people taking part actively and with a modern vision.”
In line with this initiative, an Assessment Board will be appointed to administer and evaluate applications according to established criteria and guidelines. This board will be responsible for ensuring that funds are used effectively in projects that bring cultural, artistic and community value.
Applications can be submitted by youth groups and organisations that will be participating in Carnival 2026. For this purpose, Festivals Malta will be accepting these applications until the end of the current year. Festivals Malta will be communicating with all organisations that will be participating in Carnival 2026 for further information.
