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DFM 2026 - Public Call for Malta-Based Dance Artists and Choreographers

  • festivalsmalta
  • 2 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Choreographers Platform – Dance Festival Malta 2026


Photo: Elisa von Brockdorff - DFM2025
Photo: Elisa von Brockdorff - DFM2025

Festival Dates: 23 – 26 July 2026

Location: Valletta, Malta

Submission Deadline: 30 January 2026


About Dance Festival Malta


Welcome to the 5th edition of Dance Festival Malta (DFM) — a platform dedicated to connecting artists, disciplines, and audiences through dance. DFM celebrates dance with a strong choreographic sensibility, presenting performances alongside professional training.


The festival inspires movement as the primary language and the body as the central subject. In response to contemporary challenges in the dance world, DFM encourages audiences to engage in a playful exchange through the poetic expression of diverse dance genres.


Call for Proposals


Festivals Malta invites Malta-based dance artists and choreographers to submit proposals for participation in DFM 2026.


We welcome proposals for dance performances across all styles, from traditional to experimental, including interdisciplinary works. Dance and movement must remain the central focus, but works may involve other disciplines. Artistic content and originality are highly valued.


Eligibility & Conditions


Applications are open to experienced artists (16+ years) and companies operating in the field of dance performance. Selected artists will receive an artist fee (inclusive of VAT) based on the following categories:

Category

Duration

Fee

Solo

up to 7 minutes

€500

Duet

up to 10 minutes

€700

Group (3+ performers)

up to 12 minutes

€1,000

Technical & Logistical Details


  • Each artist/company must submit a technical rider (minimal setup encouraged) and work with the designated festival lighting engineer.


  • Stage rehearsals are scheduled on the performance day; no additional rehearsal space is provided.


  • Artists are responsible for props, instruments, or special technical requirements beyond standard festival support.


  • Performances will be staged at DFM venues including Valletta Campus Theatre, Spazju Kreattiv, Manoel Theatre, or site-specific spaces as determined by the Artistic Director.


  • Applicants must have all legal permissions for music and materials used.


  • All applicants must have a registered Maltese VAT number.


  • Selected artists will be notified by  February 2026.


  • The festival reserves the right to determine performance order and may program shared bills.


  • Artists agree to attend the full duration of the festival and participate in feedback, networking, and Q&A sessions.


  • If selected all required marketing materials (photos, video, bios, synopsis) must be submitted by 20th February 2026.


Selection Criteria


Selections are made by the Artistic Director, Project Coordinator, and Festival Manager, based on:


  • Artistic excellence and originality

  • Technical quality and performance standards

  • Relevance to contemporary issues in dance and society

  • Potential to foster dialogue and engagement with audiences


We particularly encourage works exploring the future of art, ethical collaboration, communication, coexistence, and socio-environmental challenges. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.


Eligible Works


  • New works in progress (with supporting footage)

  • Completed works previously performed in a formal space

  • Archived works being reactivated


What We Offer


  • Artist fee as outlined above

  • Free access to festival performances and workshops

  • Promotion through DFM social media and advertising channels

  • Professional photography and event highlights video

  • Inclusion on the official website: www.dfm.mt

  • Exposure to visiting international curators, programmers, and festival directors


How to Apply


Applicants must provide:


  • Name of Artist or Dance Company

  • Title of Performance

  • A valid Maltese VAT Number needs to be provided upon application

  • Category: Solo / Duet / Group

  • Synopsis of the work (150 words)

  • Bio of choreographer and artistic collaborators (16+ years)

  • Bios of dancers (150 words each)

  • Copy of Maltese ID card [Maltese Nationality] or residency document [valid local residence document]

  • Full credits (dancers, choreographer, collaborators, composer, director, etc.)

  • A SwissTransfer link to video footage of the proposed piece


For questions or technical support: dfm@festivals.mt



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