As part of its commitment to nurturing Malta’s dance ecology, ŻfinMalta is proud to announce two new appointments for the 2025/26 season under its Artist Development Programme: Zoe Camilleri as Associate Artist and Luke Bugeja Gauci as Propel Artist.

ŻfinMalta’s Artist Development Programme is designed to create space for artists to sustain and evolve their practice and develop new work with the support of Malta’s national dance company. Through tailored support, studio access, creative opportunities, and professional mentorship, the programme champions local talent and fosters meaningful collaboration with Malta’s independent dance community.

Zoe Camilleri

Associate Artist

Appointed as ŻfinMalta’s Associate Artist, Zoe Camilleri is a familiar face within the local dance scene and a long time collaborator with the company. This role recognises Zoe’s ongoing contribution as an independent artist and deepens the relationship between her and ŻfinMalta over the coming season.

Zoe Camilleri, ŻfinMalta Associate Artist for Season 25/26

A versatile freelancer, Zoe’s work spans performance, choreography, movement direction, and teaching. She regularly leads company classes and open sessions as part of ŻfinMalta’s Iżfen programme. Alongside her artistic work, Zoe is also the founder of Zowij.Makes, a slow fashion brand through which she designs and creates bespoke garments. Most recently, she coordinated and crafted costumes for Simon Riccardi-Zani’s ‘And the others,’ which premiered at as part of ŻfinDays.

As Associate Artist, Zoe will continue to bring her unique creative voice to the company, engaging in collaborative projects and shaping the season’s artistic dialogue.

Luke Bugeja Gauci

Propel Artist

ŻfinMalta is also excited to announce Luke Bugeja Gauci as its Propel Artist for the 2025/26 season. This new strand of the Artist Development Programme supports independent artists in Malta at a pivotal stage in their career, offering resources and mentorship to propel their professional growth.

Luke Bugeja, ŻfinMalta Propel Artist for Season 25/26

Photograph Camille Fenech

Luke began his dance journey at The Dance Workshop under the guidance of Theresa Lungaro Mifsud and later continued his studies abroad. His experience spans a range of choreographic collaborations and performances both in Malta and internationally. In 2024, he joined ŻfinMalta as an apprentice, and his appointment as Propel Artist marks the next chapter in his development as an exciting talent in the Maltese dance community.

This new role will provide Luke with the space to explore his choreographic identity and build on his experience as a performer, with ŻfinMalta’s full support as he takes the next step in his artistic journey.

Through its Artist Development Programme, ŻfinMalta remains committed to investing in the future of dance in Malta, empowering independent artists to explore, create, and thrive.

Stay tuned throughout the season as we share more about Zoe’s and Luke’s work within ŻfinMalta National Dance Company, and the impact of their work within the ŻfinMalta community.