RIDT & Festivals Malta Announce Collaboration

Photo by Chelsea Muscat

The Research, Innovation and Development Trust of the University of Malta (RIDT) and Festivals Malta have announced a collaboration which will benefit both entities. This collaboration follows the successful collaboration for the opening of the Malta Jazz Festival 2025, and will mean that some of the main Festivals Malta events will have side events taking place at the University of Malta, both at the main campus in Tal-Qroqq as well as the Valletta Campus. RIDT will be given the opportunity to be present during the Festivals Malta events to promote funding of research at the University of Malta and to raise funds for the same cause.

Wilfred Kenely, CEO of RIDT, said that, "this collaboration is a very positive initiative which will allow RIDT to be more present during events which attract the attention of people who attend cultural events and have a passion for the arts. Part of the mission of RIDT is to popularise and disseminate research projects which stem from the University of Malta. We are very grateful for this opportunity."

Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, also commented on this collaboration, and said, “It is with great satisfaction that Festivals Malta has the opportunity to collaborate with RIDT. We believe that such initiatives form an essential part of our corporate social responsibility, contributing to improved living standards within our country. Research and innovation are fundamental to creating a better quality of life for all. The purpose of arts and creativity aligns closely with this vision, and we are proud to work with RIDT at the University of Malta to support the well-being of our people and future generations. Through this partnership, we are also conveying an important message: that arts and culture leave a lasting legacy of wellbeing and play a vital role in the development of humanity.”

This collaboration will spread over the calendar year 2026 and will include the Valletta Baroque Festival, Carnival, Mużika Mużika, Festgħana, and the Malta Jazz Festival.

Photo by Chelsea Muscat