Malta opens artist applications for Eurovision Music Exchange Camp ahead of 2026 song contest

If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready. And Malta’s state broadcaster PBS is putting that drag mantra into practice by teasing the Malta Eurovision Music Exchange Camp. It’s a chance for Maltese artists to gain major experience through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities as they take part in hands-on songwriting sessions. PBS is hoping they’ll create a Eurovision winning song along the way.

The application window is now open for Maltese artists over the age of 16. You can apply here. 

We’re re-printing the full press release from PBS below.

Malta opens artist applications for Eurovision Music Exchange Camp (PRESS RELEASE)

Malta’s national broadcaster PBS announces the return of its annual Malta Eurovision Music Exchange Camp—now in its third edition. The camp will once again bring together leading songwriters and producers from Malta and across Europe to collaborate with local artists preparing to compete in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) 2026. This also marks Malta’s official confirmation to participate in the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Austria next year, alongside the return of the MESC format to select the artist and song.

Following the success of last year’s camp, which produced 18 original songs for MESC—including Malta’s 2025 Eurovision entry “Serving” by Miriana Conte—PBS is committed to continuing this creative format. Remarkably, 40% of last year’s camp participants went on to contribute to Eurovision entries for countries such as Denmark, Armenia, Switzerland, and Austria—the latter winning this year’s contest.

This year’s line-up includes an exciting mix of returning Maltese talents and established international writers. Some of the Maltese writers taking part are Dav Jr and Jean-Paul (of The Busker),Peter Borg, Christina Magrin, Lon Kirkop, Sarah Bonnici, Cyprian Cassar, Matteo Depares, Muxu, Emil Calleja, Bayliss, Alejandro Monsegneur, and Gerard James Borg. They will be joined by international songwriters such as Linnea Deb (co-writer of Eurovision winner Heroes), Marcus Winter John, Melanie Wehbe, Bas Wisnik, Patrik Jean, and Abi Jones.

Malta achieved a 17th place finish in the 2025 Grand Final with “Serving.” A PBS representative commented that: “Miriana and the team did such a great job! She created a lot of buzz around Malta and brought us back to the finals. We’re confident more eyes will be on MESC next year, which can only benefit our artists.”

Speaking on the growing popularity of MESC and plans for the upcoming edition, the rep added: “The reaction from both the Maltese public and international fans has been overwhelming. It’s motivated us to raise the bar further and make MESC even more accessible to a global audience. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, we’re focused on showcasing Maltese talent far beyond our shores.”

When asked about the idea of winning Eurovision, the representative was clear: “Of course we want to win. Our mission is to give Maltese artists international visibility—but ultimately, we want to bring Eurovision home to our islands, and bring Europe and the world to us.”

Submissions are now open for artists interested in participating in this year’s Malta Eurovision Music Exchange Camp, they can apply here (https://bit.ly/MESCexchangeCamp2025) until Thursday June 5, 2025. For behind-the-scenes access and updates on potential MESC 2026 contenders, fans are encouraged to follow the official Eurovision Malta social media channels, which will offer exclusive daily coverage throughout the camp, taking place from June 15 to June 24, 2025.