A minimum of 60% score is required for the applicant to be considered for studio allocation. Non-selected applicants that reach the pass mark will be placed in a waiting list. Feedback will also be provided to unsuccessful applicants, based on scores to criteria for their application.
Selection Criterion 1: Applicant’s Core Activity (20%)
The applicant’s core activity must address the following areas:
(a) the applicant is an active contributor to the generation of cultural, social and economic value through design-related practice on the local or international scene;
(b) the applicant’s activity is grounded on a sound financial sustainability and viability plan, and is connected to a longer-term vision for the development of the applicant and its core activity;
(c) the proposed activity aims to achieve positive social impact through meaningful and relevant engagement with contemporary cultural and creative practices and social issues.
Selection Criterion 2: Applicant’s proposal to make the best use of the space (20%)
The applicant proposes to maximise the benefits of the space and facilities applied for by:
(a) extending the use of the studio to a wider group of associated practitioners;
(b) ensuring the studio is used efficiently by minimising inactive time;
(c) expressing willingness to share the studio with other members, where compatible and relevant.
Selection Criterion 3: Openness for Collaboration (20%)
The applicant plans to adopt an open approach for its core practice at the Cluster by at least adopting one of the following:
(a) use the studio and the wider membership benefits to engage in interdisciplinary projects and initiatives involving multiple stakeholders through design;
(b) address social and cultural diversity on a local, national or international level through its core design-related activity;
(c) develop its skills, knowledge, practices and other intangible assets by using the resources at the Cluster and to share these with other members and beyond.
Selection Criterion 4: Sustainability in Practice (20%)
The applicant demonstrates significant engagement and commitment to sustainable practices by demonstrating adoption of one or more of the following measures in its planned activities at the Cluster:
- measures that address climate change, that reduce the operation’s carbon footprint and that have mitigating and, where possible, positive environmental impacts;
- measures to adopt recycling and reuse practices, minimise waste generation, and minimise resource consumption in any form through the applicant’s practices;
- measures that concretely and positively effect the well-being of the community beyond the applicant’s internal associates or members, including through better co-management, use and enjoyment of public space and resources within and outside of the Valletta Design Cluster.
Selection Criterion 5: Demonstrated Need for Studio Space (20%)
The applicant clearly demonstrates that the design-related activity proposed cannot be fulfilled through Regular Membership status only. In this case, the applicant needs to show that:
(a) the core activity that will be practiced at the Cluster cannot be satisfactorily fulfilled through access to spaces and facilities covered by regular membership conditions (i.e. through access and use of the shared spaces and facilities of the Cluster, such as meeting rooms, makerspace, etc.);
(b) the facilities currently available to the applicant outside of the Cluster (own studio spaces and workshops, rented spaces and facilities, temporary arrangements, etc.) cannot satisfactorily fulfil the core activity of the applicant;
(c) no facilities or spaces are currently available or in use by the applicant and access to a studio at the Cluster would provide an appropriate and satisfactory base from where the core activity of the applicant can be launched and/or fulfilled.