Since 2014, we have been committed to advocating for the development and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors by facilitating and empowering connections with local, regional, national, and European entities.

Founded in 2014, ARC Research & Consultancy is committed to advocating for the development and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors by facilitating and empowering connections with local, regional, national, and European entities.

Based in Malta and Gozo, our team combines extensive experience in European cultural co-operation with a profound understanding of our local context.

We specialise in facilitating dialogue, exchange and advocacy for the cultural and creative sectors at the European level. Our approach is anchored in collaboration, active network participation, comprehensive policy research and cultural initiatives that have clear impact. 

Our collaborations span international consultants, experts, partners, and European cultural networks. We provide strategic consulting and research services to governments, cities, and both public and private arts and cultural organisations, and networks.

Our Team

Davinia Galea

Managing Director

With over thirty years experience in the cultural sector as a musician, event producer, policy maker and CEO, Davinia has co-authored policies, led successful bids and is an appointed expert and advisor in international fora.

Mario Frendo

Director

As producer and administrator of cultural events, performer, and researcher for over thirty years, Mario has held artistic consultancy positions and published in renowned performance-related journals. Mario is Senior Lecturer within the Department of Theatre Studies, School of Performing Arts at the University of Malta.

Elaine Falzon

Consultant

A cultural manager with more than ten years’ experience working in the creative sector, Elaine has managed funding programmes, devised strategies, and set up significant initiatives in the local sectors.

Stephanie Bonnici 

Associate

A cultural manager, Stephanie is based in Rotterdam, bringing experience in European cultural cooperation and working at the intersection of dialogue, policy, arts festivals, audiences, and community building.

Services

Strategic Consulting

We deliver tailored, strategic, and forward-thinking solutions, through holistic experience and knowledge of the latest developments in the cultural and creative sectors in Europe. 

Management

We manage projects and initiatives that empower arts and cultural organisations to facilitate dialogue and exchange which has insight and impact.

Research

We provide comprehensive analysis and recommendation, including our Maltese Islands series, to inform and enhance national and European cultural policies & practices.

Advocacy

We influence policy through our active participation in European networks and international partnerships, promoting the development and sustainability of the cultural & creative sectors.

Projects

Strategic Development

Strategic
Development

Health & Wellbeing

Culture, Health &
Well-Being

Arts Festival

Arts Festivals Policy
& Co-operation

Culture & Democracies

Cultural &
Creative Industries (CCIs)

Cultural Exchange

Culture &
Democracies

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exchange &
Dialogue

Networks

We collaborate with international consultants and experts, and are open to new partnerships and networks that align with our mission.

Clients, Partners & Collaborators

Culture & arts organisations and initiatives in Malta and Gozo:
Arts Council Malta, Festivals Malta, Malta Philharmonic
Orchestra, Malta Trust Foundation, Spazju Kreattiv: National
Centre for Creativity, Villabianca Centre for Music and the Arts
for Children and Young People, European Capital of Culture
Valletta 2018

Governmental and municipal bodies:
Birgu Local Council, Cavan County Councilfor Cavan Monaghan
Arts and Health, Cluj Cultural Centre,
Croatian Composers Society, Cultural Heritage Directorate,
Eastern Regional Council, European Commission, Gozo Regional
Council, Ministry for Education, Sports, Youths, Research and
Innovation (MEYR), Ministry for Gozo, 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union

internationally:
ArtLink Serbia, Arts For Health Austria, Associazione Culturale
Oltre.APS, Association ofIrish Festival Events, Culture Action
Europe, Culture Matters Czechia, Ente Musicale di Nuoro,
European Festivals Association, European Region of Gastronomy,
Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, FestivalFriends Germany, France
Festivals, HumaQ, Inizjamed, ItaliaFestival, Kunstloc Brabant,
Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, Northern Dimension
Partnership on Culture, Pearle* – Live Performance Europe,
Perform Europe – Reimagine International Touring, Sweden
Festivals, Summa Artium Kultúra Támogató Nonprofit Kft, Voices
of Culture

Civil society organisations & initiatives:
A Soul for Europe, Asociacija Društvo Nevladnih Organizacij in
Posameznikov na Področju Kulture, Development Centre
“Democracy through Culture” Ukraine, European Regional and
Local Health Authorities ASBL, Pôle Culture & Santé en Nouvelle
Aquitaine, RED NOSES International, Stichting Caucasus
Foundation Georgia

Universities and academic institutions:
Centre for Research in Culture and Performance at the University
of Malta, Istanbul Technical University, Escola Superior de Música
de Lisboa, Turku University of Applied Sciences, University of
Ljubljana – Academy of Music, School of Performing Arts –
University of Malta