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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 OCTOBER2022 5 ART A new chapter at Spazju Kreattiv with launch of 2022/23 programme A new chapter for Spazju Kreat- tiv officially commences with the launch of the 2022 | 2023 programme. Once again, this season brings along with it a highly diverse programme con- sisting of various art mediums and collaborations. Building on the success of the previous year, the new programme seeks to promote artistic excellence, en- gage a variety of audiences and promote exchanges with inter- national counterparts. With this in mind, the season will comprise over 560 events, in- cluding 400 collaborators and 19 creative forms. This upcoming season will showcase initiatives that tackle various current issues relating to ethical, political, re- ligious and philosophical ideas. All these topics and more, will be explored through numerous art forms such as live theatre, art exhibitions, film, music concerts, dance and more. Moreover, this variety will give the chance to anyone and every- one to join in and be a part of this creative celebration. This in itself will also allow these projects to not only be viewed from a local perspective, but also from a global one. Ad- ditionally, it will give rise to a number of professional oppor- tunities for both emerging and established artists to pursue new career opportunities. In doing so, Spazju Kreattiv will truly be 'The Heart of Creativity' (Il-Qal- ba tal-Kreattività) by being home for artistic encounters and crea- tive experiences. Furthermore, this inclusive ap- proach will also be seen in oth- er dedicated strands that range from events for senior citizens all the way to children. In the case of the latter, young ones will be able to enjoy shows with their families and partici- pate in fun activities as part of the ŻiguŻajg season. Furthermore, the international aspect will be further enhanced with the artists' residency programme by offering international artists a chance to embed themselves for an extend- ed period of time in the Maltese culture through encounters with the local communities. The Spazju Kreattiv digital ex- perience will return with a series of selected events designed to improve the programme's acces- sibility in light of its positive im- pact from previous years. The offered initiative strives to increase public awareness of art and promote greater participa- tion by presenting more online services such as video-on-de- mand possibilities, live-streamed discussions, podcasts, virtual tours, and online galleries. In this regard, the recently renovated website shall act as a platform to preserve the entity's grow- ing legacy by offering a readily accessible digital record of past achievements, including the or- ganisation's art collection. The Minister for National Her- itage, Arts, and Local Govern- ment Dr Owen Bonnici spoke on how significant these artistic events are, and why it is so im- portant to continue to invest in them. Dr Bonnici explained that "the transnational collaboration that took place today gave both domestic and foreign artists a sense of community. This shows how resilient the industry is and what can be accomplished when artists from other fields collabo- rate to create works of art. This is a prime illustration of pro- grammes and other projects" Apart from this, he also empha- sised the importance that these programmes hold to our culture by claiming that "only a few lit- tle nations, like Malta, have been able to preserve their distinct history, identity, culture, and language. For more events like this, we should continue to work together." Rupert Cefai, the Chairman of Fondazzjoni Kreattività stat- ed that regardless of the great changes and improvements hap- pening within the organisation the original aim is still very well alive. "With each passing year, our vision continues to expand and evolve. However, our aim re- mains the same, and that is to act as a fundamental catalyst for creativity in all of its forms. We want to continue developing Malta's creative sector by facil- itating a way for artists which allows them to showcase their work," he said. Furthermore, he pointed out the positive outcome that is manifested through this aim. "In doing so, we are creating more opportunities for the crea- tive community to explore their talents and continue to inspire our patrons with their brilliant work." In his third year as Artistic Di- rector of Spazju Kreattiv, Daniel Azzopardi went on to say that this year's programme is espe- cially focused on being linked and connected to present cir- cumstances that the world is ex- periencing. "As the sector comes to terms with the effects of the pandem- ic and the ensuing war, we are launching a season of events which seeks to be relevant to the state of world affairs, offer space for creative development, and provide more avenues for networking and public participa- tion," expressed Mr Azzopardi. He encouraged patrons to con- tinue showing their appreciation towards the arts by stating; "as much as the creators need a plat- form to nurture and present their artistic output, they also require the support of more audiences to champion the importance of arts in our society. Our future, as well as of the creative sector depends on it," concluded Daniel Azzo- pardi. For more information visit www. kreattivita.org