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CULTURE ARTS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 OCTOBER 2019 6 THE ninth edition of the ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Chil- dren and Young People was officially launched this week. Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice, Culture, and Local Govern- ment Owen Bonnici stated that "the ŻiguŻajg Festival was conceived to instil a love for creativity and the arts in children and young people. A cou- ple of years later, it is still doing just that; showcasing beautiful perfor- mances and wonderful shows from Malta and all over the world, whilst also getting better and improving during the years." Minister Bonnici said that all of this forms part of this Government's strategy, that of making culture and the arts more accessible to everyone. He concluded by thanking all those involved in making the festival the success that it is. Talking about the programme as a whole, Festival Director Daniel Azzo- pardi said: "the 2019 programme will comprise 21 projects and nine crea- tive forms. Five projects have been commissioned especially for the Fes- tival, and another five are co-produc- tions with other public cultural enti- ties. This means that this edition will have no fewer than 10 premieres and over 130 collaborating artists." "Furthermore," he said, "the festival will undoubtedly enhance the year- long ŻiguŻajg Season we have only recently introduced. Building on its ever-increasing rel- evance in today's society, ŻiguŻajg is again at the forefront when it comes to tackling issues that are of public interest. This year, the festival will focus on topical issues including the environment, multiculturalism and integration, bullying, sexual identity, and young people's role in society. Rupert Cefai, Chairman of Fondazz- joni Kreattività, said that: "ŻiguŻajg will welcome over 8,000 schoolchil- dren through its doors this year, and will continue its engagement in Go- zo, ensuring that schoolchildren will also have the opportunity to attend festival performances." This is in line with ŻiguŻajg's outreach programme that, apart from activities in Vallet- ta and Gozo, will also see a touring show in schools as well as an alloca- tion of tickets for minority groups. Furthermore, the Delegates' Pro- gramme will see professionals from all over the world visit Malta to experience the Festival and share best practices. This is in line with ŻiguŻajg's growing reputation inter- nationally as the go-to arts festival for those creating work for children and young people. ŻiguŻajg is produced by Fondazz- joni Kreattività and will run from 15 to 24 November 2019. Most of the initiatives will take place in Valletta and Gozo. Booking for the Festival is now open. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ziguzajg.org. The ZiguZajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People The tremendously popular, award- winning festival returns with an eclectic programme of 21 productions from 11 different countries Joe Zammit performing JamBoy during the launch of ZiguZajg 2019 Left to right: Daniel Azzopardi, Rupert Cefai and Minister Owen Bonnici, at the launch of ZiguZajg 2019