Malta Enterprise and ARTZ ID join forces to empower Visual Arts Community at Kordin Incubation Business Centre
The Kordin Incubation Business Centre (KBIC) has just announced a collaboration with ARTZ ID, aimed at integrating and empowering the local visual arts creative community within the centre through a series of dynamic initiatives and programs. Through collaboration between the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Malta Enterprise, and ARTZ ID, the initiative has been launched aimed at fostering the growth of the visual arts creative community within the KBIC.
As a recent collaborative partnership for the Maltese art scene, it marks a significant step forward in fostering a vibrant ecosystem where artists and art professionals can thrive. This initiative will provide semi-industrial spaces at KBIC for creative artists to develop projects related to business. Additionally, artists will receive mentoring to further develop their ideas on a commercial level. It will offer numerous opportunities for artists and art professionals, including access to rental studio working space, mentoring, talks, exhibitions, and expos. By providing these avenues, the partnership seeks to facilitate skill enhancement, artistic development, knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration, and creative inspiration, thereby contributing to a richer artistic scene.
“Our collaboration with ARTZ ID underscores our commitment to nurturing the artistic talent within our community,” said Kurt Farrugia at Malta Enterprise. “Through this partnership, we aim to provide comprehensive support to artists and art professionals, enabling them to flourish in their careers and businesses.”
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici supports this initiative, emphasising its role in promoting the growing and strengthening entrepreneurial spirit within the visual arts creative community.
“This collaboration will offer opportunities for artists and art professionals, including access to space rental at KBIC, professional guidance from ARTZ ID, and exhibitions. Thus, it will facilitate skill improvement, artistic development, knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration, and creative inspiration among local artists,” stated Minister Bonnici. He concluded by stating that the government believes in the potential of the creative economy, and this collaboration will further strengthen its commitment in this regard.
On his part, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri highlights the significance of this initiative, offering opportunities for art as a business.
“In recent years, we have seen significant growth in employment in the creative sector, from 3,065 in 2013 to 7,187 in 2023. We are offering opportunities to artists, with success stories like Marco Parascandolo, a Maltese product who started from an idea within KBIC and has now established himself on a commercial level. We know that starting a business is a challenge, and therefore, we want to support individuals in realising their dreams,” said Minister Schembri.
Minister Schembri also mentioned various schemes offered by Malta Enterprise for startups, such as the B.Start Scheme, Start-up Finance, and Micro Invest Scheme, as well as the Venture Capital Fund, a €10 million fund in equity for local entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or seeking to develop their product for commercial purposes.
Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Malta Enterprise, emphasised the interconnectedness of art, business, and entrepreneurship, stating, “The first impression may be that art, business, and entrepreneurship are separate areas, with different philosophies, knowledge, methods, goals, and thinking. However, art and entrepreneurship have fundamental common characteristics. We encourage artists to move forward and take advantage of the services and space we offer at KBIC.”
Maria Galea, Director of ARTZ ID, expressed that this collaboration will facilitate the integration of the contemporary visual arts sector within the space offered at KBIC. “We have created a program of initiatives, both for creative spaces and programs encouraging mentorships, exhibitions, which will integrate not only artists but also those working in this sector,” concluded Galea.
How will this impact the community?
Through this collaboration, the visual arts community at KBIC can expect:
- Skill Enhancement and Artistic Development
- Knowledge Sharing and Networking
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
- Professional Development and Guidance
- Integrating Creatives in Making Industrial Spaces
- Marketing and Promotion Support
Proposed Collaborative Initiatives
- Creation of talks featuring multiple panelists from the arts and business sectors.
- Workshops tailored to the needs of artists and art professionals.
- Available rental working space.
- Collective indoor exhibition in a dedicated area of KIBC.
- Weekend pop-up outdoor events to engage the wider community.
About ARTZ ID
ARTZ ID is a creative network that specializes in connecting artists, brands, and businesses through bespoke projects and commissions. With a focus on creativity and storytelling, ARTZ ID offers services in art direction, content strategies, community building, and more. By bridging the gap between art and business, ARTZ ID aims to elevate core values and ideas through unique art interventions.
Photography credit: Chalise Bugeja
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