Opening Doors works at the intersection of artistic excellence, access and advocacy.
We believe artists with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities to train, perform and develop their practice as anyone else.
We build the structures to make that possible.
our mission
Opening Doors creates opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to engage in the arts, develop their creative potential, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural sector. We do this by focusing on four main areas.
Providing access to training in the performing arts
We provide training and performance opportunities in Music, Dance, and Theatre, both locally and internationally.
creating artistic opportunities
We actively create performance and collaboration opportunities that reflect and support the needs, ideas, and artistic visions of our artists.
Raising the Profile of Artists with Disabilities
We challenge assumptions in the cultural sector and ensure equal recognition and opportunity for all artists.
Facilitating International Collaboration
We support exchange with artists and organisations across Europe, broadening horizons and professional development.
Our Story
Opening Doors has been building something since 2008. Not just an organisation - a movement. Here are the moments that shaped us.
2008
Where It Began
A single idea: adults with intellectual disabilities deserved real space in theatre. Initiated by Spazju Kreattiv with Lou Ghirlando and Toni Attard at St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, the project launched as part of a European partnership. Around fourteen founding members began exploring drama through movement and improvisation.
2010
First Performance
The first theatre group took to the stage with L-Iljun Ikkonvertit in March 2010 — the first public moment of what Opening Doors would become.
2012
Formally Established
Opening Doors became a registered voluntary organisation (VO/0664), operating nationally as an autonomous, non-profit dedicated to artistic participation. Aldith Gauci had taken on the role of Artistic Director, having led the work voluntarily through the transition year.
2018
A Landmark Year
Valletta 2018, European Capital of Culture. Il-Premju għall-Arti for Best Project in the Community. International performances in Leeds. A published book. National recognition. International reach. The work was being seen.
40
Members today
6
Active groups
17
Years & counting
2020
Creativity Through Crisis
COVID-19 tested everyone. Opening Doors moved its programme online for over eighteen months — and kept going. Film, video performance, and a new artistic ambition began taking shape.
2021
Professional Recognition
Members were recognised and remunerated as the professional artists they are — not as a gesture, but as a standard. A five-year partnership with ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival began.
2021–2025
Bigger Stages
Members took leading roles at Notte Bianca, bringing inclusion to large festival audiences and making the work visible at scale.
Today
Building the Future Together
Led by Artistic Director Rachel Calleja and Chairperson Michael Fenech, Opening Doors continues to build on its strong foundations while looking confidently towards the future. The voices, needs, and creative ambitions of Opening Doors artists remain at the heart of everything — with collaborations growing both locally and internationally. 40 members. 6 groups. 2 partner programmes. A growing platform for inclusive arts in Malta and across Europe.
What our members have to say
Mark Zammit Cutajar
Member
Jordan Farrugia
Member
Andreas Schembri
Member
Benjamin Grech
Member
At Opening Doors, participation in the arts is not a privilege. It’s a right. One that we build into every training session, rehearsal, and performance.
Through our work, Opening Doors fosters inclusion, creative agency, and artistic excellence. Our members describe their experience in terms of growth, confidence, joy, collaboration, visibility, belonging, and opportunity - outcomes that reflect both personal development and professional artistry.
