Our member, the Malta Crafts Foundation, has marked a significant milestone for the Mediterranean artisan sector with the publication of two pivotal documents: a comprehensive National Strategy (2026–2030) and a first-of-its-kind Red List of Endangered Crafts. Supported by the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Malta, these publications represent the first holistic framework designed to address the specific challenges of the Maltese artisan landscape while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
A Bottom-Up Approach to Policy
The strategy, titled Crafting Ahead, is the result of extensive consultation. Moving away from top-down policy making, the Foundation gathered data from over 140 active artisans—representing nearly 20% of the registered sector—through questionnaires, national conferences, and focus groups.
This evidence-based approach revealed a sector that is resilient yet vulnerable, comprised of a mature workforce (with high participation in the 45–64 age bracket) and a significant number of highly educated practitioners.
Eight Pillars for Action
The research translated into eight priority action areas that will guide the Foundation’s work over the next five years:
- Financial Aid & Support: Tailored grants and incentives.
- Protection & Regulation: Strengthening the Malta Crafts Register and intellectual property rights.
- Business Support: Assisting the shift from part-time hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur.
- Awareness Campaigns: Elevating the status of the artisan in public perception.
- Promotional Efforts: Improving access to local and international markets.
- Education & Training: Bridging the skills gap through apprenticeships and school programmes.
- Adaptability & Sustainability: Encouraging the circular economy.
- Sector Innovation: Fostering cross-sector collaboration and digital adoption.
Safeguarding Heritage: The Red List
Running parallel to the strategy is the publication of the Red List of Endangered Crafts (2025 Edition). Inspired by international best practices, this document assesses the viability of specific trades within the Maltese Islands.
The list classifies crafts into four categories:
- Viable (e.g., Ceramics, Filigree)
- Endangered (e.g., Maltese Tile Making, Honey Production)
- Critically Endangered (e.g., Għarb Knives, Wax Sculpting, Cotton Weaving)
- Extinct (e.g., Għonnella making, Silk production)
This diagnostic tool allows the Foundation to direct resources where they are most urgently needed, ensuring that skills on the brink of extinction are documented and, where possible, revitalised for future generations.
Read the full Strategy and Red List on the Malta Crafts Foundation Website>>
photo: Kpiepel tal-ġummar. An extinct Maltese craft of weaving hats from dried dwarf fan palm leaves using the traditional ‘dafra’ braiding technique.The Malta Crafts Foundation Red List of Endangered Crafts – 2025 Edition