Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, and INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation are organising the second edition of the Inclusive European Heritage Residencies from 13 to 19 September 2026, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa – the National Trust for Malta. Around 10 heritage professionals will be selected to gather in Malta to exchange best practices, discuss key challenges, and explore strategies for building strong and resilient heritage organisations.
Focusing on Building Strong Heritage Organisations, this practical Residency is targeted at
professionals and leaders of small or medium-sized heritage organisations who want to strengthen
their growth and sustainability. It is designed to support organisations looking to reinforce their
capacity, enhance financial sustainability, improve governance, engage volunteers, increase
visibility, and effectively manage small heritage sites or natural areas. Both cultural and
environmental organisations are welcome.
The Residency’s programme will offer a rich mix of case studies, practical sessions, site visits and
peer learnings. Din l-Art Ħelwa, a non-governmental and non-profit voluntary organisation founded
in 1965 to safeguard Malta’s cultural and natural heritage, is featured as the key case study. It
operates with a very small staff team, supported by a large group of committed volunteers, and
manages a wide range of properties, including coastal towers, historic gardens, chapels and natural
sites. Many of these sites are open to visitors thanks to volunteer support.
The Inclusive European Heritage Residencies are an opportunity for heritage professionals to
experience first-hand how heritage policies and projects are implemented in practice. This
immersive programme is designed to support participants in gaining practical insights into
heritage conservation, fostering collaborative solutions, and advancing knowledge sharing and
intergenerational dialogue about heritage and heritage management across Europe. The peer-learning methodology of the programme is designed to stimulate interaction, collaborative
learning, and solution-building in a supportive expert environment.
The programme will cover the participants’ accommodation for six nights, and all breakfasts,
lunches, dinners, and local travel. Participants will be hosted in individual rooms at Majjistral Park.
Participants are kindly asked to arrange and pay for their own travel expenses, and medical
insurance.
Submit your application via the following link. Make sure to upload your CV (max one page). In case
you have difficulties, please send your CV to Liola Urso at [email protected]
The deadline to submit applications is 15 May 2026.
The following criteria will be considered in the selection:
● Overall quality of the application
● Professional or educational background linked to the topic
● Motivation to participate in a specific Residency module: to improve a certain practice or project;
or, to implement a new practice or project
● Relevance of the theme of the Residency to the needs of the applicants
The organisers will aim for an equal balance of gender, age, and nationality, to ensure a good level
of representation and diversity among the participants. Selected candidates will be informed by 19
June 2026
For full details, please click here.