Call for Participants: Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026

We are delighted to launch the Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026, delivered in partnership with Europa Nostra and hosted by Din l-Art Ħelwa – the National Trust for Malta.

Taking place 13-19 September 2026, this year’s Residency brings together around 10 heritage professionals from across Europe for an intensive, collaborative week of peer learning, practical training and strategic development – all with a focus on building strong and resilient heritage organisations.

Following the success of the 2025 edition hosted at Hardwick Hall in England, the 2026 programme turns its attention to the foundations of effective heritage organisations:

• Strong governance
• Sustainable finances
• Volunteer engagement
• Visibility and campaigning
• Practical conservation
• Managing small heritage sites and natural areas

Drawing on the National Trust movement’s global experience, this residency offers a rare chance for small and medium-sized organisations to step back, reflect, and build confidence and capability for long‑term sustainability.

Hosted in partnership with Din l-Art Ħelwa (DLH), participants will explore how a once‑small volunteer group grew into Malta’s national trust – managing towers, chapels, gardens and natural landscapes, largely thanks to an extraordinary volunteer base.

The programme combines case studies, workshops, site visits and hands‑on activities, including:

Programme Highlights

• The DLH Story: How Malta’s National Trust evolved from a grassroots volunteer group to a powerful heritage organisation
• Governance and Administration: Transparency, finance, donor management and regulatory responsibilities
• Victory Church Restoration: A practical case study in multi-disciplinary conservation
• Fundraising for Impact: Strategies inspired by the development of Majjistral Park
• Hands‑on Restoration Work: Including flora and fauna surveys, rubble wall building and biodiversity management
• Volunteer Power: Understanding volunteer-led visitor operations at the Red and White Towers
• Campaigning and Advocacy: How DLH influences public opinion and environmental policy
• Property Acquisition and Management: With a field visit to Gozo
• Technical Conservation: Practical sessions on wall paintings, structural conservation and more
• Peer-to-Peer Exchange: Participants present challenges from their own organisations, with space to refine solutions

The Residency is designed for heritage professionals and leaders from small or medium-sized organisations – cultural or environmental – who are ready to grow, adapt and strengthen their organisation’s resilience.

We particularly welcome applicants who:

• Work in roles with influence or strategic responsibility
• Seek to learn from the National Trust model
• Want to implement new practices or improve existing ones
• Value international collaboration and knowledge exchange

The programme is fully inclusive and welcomes candidates of all ages, identities and backgrounds. Adaptations will be made wherever possible to ensure accessibility.

Dates

13–19 September 2026 (Arrival 13 September, departure 19 September)

Costs

Accommodation, meals and local travel are covered.
Participants cover their own travel to/from Malta and medical insurance.

Accommodation

Participants will stay in individual rooms at Majjistral Park.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the link below and upload a one‑page CV:

Apply here

If you encounter issues, you may email your CV directly to: lu@europanostra.org

Deadline for applications: 15 May 2026

Selected participants will be informed by 19 June 2026.

Selection criteria

• Quality of application
• Professional/educational background
• Motivation and relevance to organisational needs
• Diversity of backgrounds and representation

This Residency is a collaboration between INTO, Europa Nostra and Din l-Art Ħelwa, and forms part of the Europa Nostra Heritage Agora project, co‑funded by Creative Europe.

A Call to Action for INTO Members

We strongly encourage INTO member organisations and their staff to apply.
This Residency is a unique opportunity to connect with peers, strengthen your organisation’s capacity and explore innovative approaches to heritage management inspired by the global National Trust family.

If you or someone in your organisation is ready to take the next step in building a stronger, more sustainable heritage future, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and join us in Malta this September.