maltabiennale.art sparks ideas and creativity in Malta’s next generation
As anticipation builds for maltabiennale.art, poised for its spectacular debut on March 13, 2024, the festival recently encountered Malta's next generation of artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors through a special workshop catering to children aged eight to 12.
Held at MUŻA, the event provided a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the cultural richness that maltabiennale.art is set to bring to Malta.
In keeping with maltabiennale.art’s theme of exploring heritage through contemporary art, the workshop titled “Exploring Globalisation and Maltese Identity Through Art” was led by American artist Joseph Cochran II, known for his work in photography, video, and archival research. The workshop offered children a glimpse into the artist’s reflections on globalisation and identity. Through engaging group activities and discussions, the young participants navigated the meaning of symbols, delved into Malta’s history, and explored global networks in their own artistic journey.
The workshop encouraged the participants to question what it means to identify as Maltese, drawing on Malta’s historical significance as a trade port in the Mediterranean. The session not only sparked creativity but also planted seeds of curiosity about the influences that have shaped Malta’s development and identity over the centuries.
Cochran, a seasoned artist whose work has been showcased in renowned galleries like Swivel Gallery (Brooklyn, NY), Gold + Beton (Cologne, DE), and Decoratelier (Brussels, BE), joins a diverse array of international and local artists currently in Malta putting the finishing touches to their installations for the festival. In total, 80 artists from 23 countries are converging in Malta to participate in 20 national and thematic pavilions, which will be set up in some of Malta and Gozo’s prestigious heritage sites, including St Elmo, St Angelo, the Archaeological Museum, and Inquisitor’s Palace.
The construction of the pavilions is also in full swing, as can be seen by the unfolding spectacle at Villa Portelli in Kalkara. Each pavilion will serve as a distinct platform, breathing new life into these historic venues which will welcome visitors to experience a captivating interplay between the past and present, heritage and the contemporary.
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency the President of Malta and UNESCO, maltabiennale.art has become a notable global cultural event for 2024. Gaining attention from publications like The Guardian, Malta has secured a place as a must-visit destination on the world’s cultural calendar. The festival will be inaugurated by His Excellency the President of Malta Dr George Vella during a special ceremony that will take place in the Throne Room of the Grandmaster’s Palace on Tuesday 12 March 2024.
Before the festival’s official commencement, maltabiennale.art, in collaboration with various artists, official partners, and collaborators, is set to host numerous events, workshops, and discussions. People of all ages and backgrounds are being invited to engage with the festival’s theme, celebrating heritage and contemporary art. This presents a unique opportunity for Malta to connect with its heritage sites in new and surprising ways. Additionally, it offers a warm welcome to many international visitors, providing them with a chance to experience Malta, its culture, and history for the first time through this significant cultural event.
maltabiennale.art is a Heritage Malta initiative through MUŻA, the Malta National Community Art Museum, in partnership with Arts Council Malta. maltabiennale.art is also presented in cooperation with the Ministries for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, and Gozo, as well as with Visit Malta, Malta Libraries, MCAST, Festivals Malta, Valletta Cultural Agency and Spazju Kreattiv. With the participation of Malta School of Art, AUM, ŻfinMalta, KorMalta, Teatru Manoel, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Franco La Cecla, IULM University, Milan, Department of Humanities Studies, Faculty of Arts and Tourism, Underwater Department Heritage Malta, Archaeological Department Heritage Malta and Maritime Museum Heritage Malta.
Official website: www.maltabiennale.art
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn: @maltabiennale
Email: info@maltabiennale.art
