The Malta Crafts Foundation and Arts Council Malta are inviting Maltese artisans, performers, and cultural practitioners to apply for two exciting international opportunities that will showcase Malta’s rich cultural heritage to cruise guests from around the world.
In partnership with International Event Bookings Ltd, a leading provider of authentic cultural experiences for the international cruise industry, which works with more than 50 ocean and river cruise ships across over 80 destinations, applicants have the opportunity to become either a Maltese Cultural Ambassador, or a Maltese Cultural Destination Artisan.
Whether through onboard residencies, or while cruise ships are berthed in Malta, both programmes offer a unique platform to share Maltese crafts, traditions, music, dance, storytelling, and cultural heritage with an international audience.
Application Requirements
For either of the below programmes, interested applicants should submit a proposal describing the cultural activities, workshops, demonstrations, or performances they can offer. The application should also include an artist biography, professional photographs, videos if available, details of relevant experience, and any additional information that demonstrates their ability to deliver engaging cultural experiences for an international audience. These opportunities offer a unique platform for Maltese cultural practitioners to represent Malta internationally and share its traditions, creativity, and heritage with cruise guests from around the world.
Maltese Cultural Ambassador Programme
Through its Cultural Ambassador Project, International Event Bookings Ltd places artists and cultural practitioners onboard cruise ships to deliver authentic cultural experiences for guests. Similar programmes already operate in destinations such as Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and the Caribbean, and the company is now seeking Maltese artists, dancers, craftspeople, and cultural practitioners to help showcase Malta’s rich heritage to an international audience.
The Maltese Cultural Ambassador Project is a residency-style role. Two selected Cultural Ambassadors will live onboard the cruise ship for the full duration of a voyage and represent Malta through interactive cultural activities. The focus is not only on performances but on creating engaging experiences that allow guests to learn about Maltese traditions, history, crafts, festivals, and daily life. Suitable candidates may include artists, folk dancers, storytellers, craftspeople, heritage educators, musicians, and other cultural practitioners who can confidently share their knowledge with international guests.
During each voyage, the Cultural Ambassadors will deliver approximately two activities per day, with each session lasting around 45 minutes. Activities may include traditional Maltese arts and crafts workshops, lace-making demonstrations, folk dance classes, cultural storytelling, heritage presentations, discussions about Maltese festivals and customs, and small cultural performances. Guests are encouraged to participate actively, making the experience educational, personal, and memorable.
The available voyages all embark and disembark in Southampton, United Kingdom. The 2027 sailings are scheduled for 26 February–19 March, 4–25 June, 29 June–20 July, 3–27 August, and 4–25 October. Travel to and from Southampton will be arranged and paid for by the cruise line. While onboard, the Cultural Ambassadors will receive a fee of USD 80 per day, complimentary accommodation and meals, full access to guest facilities such as restaurants, lounges, and pools, and the opportunity to work in an international and multicultural environment. Applicants must be fluent in English, hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the travel dates, and ideally have experience leading workshops, demonstrations, performances, or educational activities.
Any hands-on workshops should accommodate around 16–20 guests. Workshop ideas could include traditional Maltese crafts, filigree jewellery demonstrations, lace-making, pottery decoration, folk art, cultural storytelling, or other heritage-inspired creative activities that are practical to deliver onboard.
Applicants for the Maltese Cultural Ambassadors programme proposing workshops are asked to provide an itemized quotation detailing the materials required and the corresponding costs, where applicable. Workshops should be designed for beginners, require manageable setup, and provide guests with an authentic and enjoyable introduction to Maltese culture.
Download the application and send via email to [email protected].
Maltese Cultural Destination Artisan Programme
The Maltese Cultural Destination Artisan Programme operates on a hop-on/hop-off basis. Unlike the residency programme, artisans do not travel with the ship. Instead, they board the vessel while it is docked in Malta, deliver their workshops during the port visit, and disembark the same day. This option is ideal for local artists and craftspeople who wish to participate without committing to a multi-week voyage.
For this programme, the company is looking for premium cultural experiences that are interactive, visually engaging, and suitable for an international luxury cruise audience. Each artisan will deliver two hands-on workshops on the same day, with each session lasting approximately 45–60 minutes and accommodating around 16–20 guests. Workshop ideas could include traditional Maltese crafts, filigree jewellery demonstrations, lace-making, pottery decoration, folk art, cultural storytelling, or other heritage-inspired creative activities that are practical to deliver onboard.
Applicants for the Destination Artisan Programme are asked to provide a quotation for delivering the two workshops, along with a separate itemized list of material costs, which will be reimbursed in addition to the workshop fee. Workshops should be designed for beginners, require manageable setup, and provide guests with an authentic and enjoyable introduction to Maltese culture.
Download the application and send via email to [email protected].