Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1482987
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 OCTOBER 2022 5 CULTURE The ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for children and young people 2022 THE 18th to the 27th of No- vember marks the return of the ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Chil- dren and Young People 2022, offering a jam-packed program filled with art, dance and thea- tre that is ready to be enjoyed by the entire family both in live and digital forms. For the first time in two years, the festival is in collaboration with not only local artists and creatives, but also international ones. In return, the festival has curated a hybrid program con- sisting of events that can be ac- cessed and enjoyed both live and digitally. Minister for the National Her- itage, the Arts and Local Govern- ment Owen Bonnici, highlighted how important such a festival is in giving children and younger people a chance to voice and ex- press their thoughts. He stated that this festival will teach them Fondazzjoni Kreattività Chair- man Rupert Cefai, also agreed by claiming that "the how to com- municate in several special ways through the art of dance, drama, and music. For children and young people to develop, cre- ate, think, and play, they require imagination. Theatre is the best platform to precisely do this and discover the limitless potential of their imaginations and abili- ties." Served both as a great source of entertainment but most im- portantly, as a source of enlight- enment to audiences of various ages." Moreover, this is why the digital school program was pushed forward even further as it "has proven to be increas- ingly convenient for numerous schools and students to connect and join in on the fun without having to pay any additional charges." Due to this, more and more children continue to en- gage with the arts and benefit festival has from them through- out their daily lives. Festival Di- rector Marta Vella said that, "for the first time since my appoint- ment back in 2020, we are able to present the festival we have been dreaming of. I couldn't be prouder to present this year's programme built around what ŻiguŻajg is known for; artistic excellence, imagination, and creativity." From having two original musicals as well as new writing in Maltese, this year's festival is bound to be a success. Additionally, in constantly striv- ing to improve this festival, she was also thrilled to announce that "for the first time ever, ŻiguŻajg is curating the shows at the Malta Book Festival, hap- pening at MFCC Ta' Qali be- tween 23-27 November. ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Chil- dren and Young People 2022 will take place between the 18th and 27th of November. For more information or to book your tickets visit www.ziguzajg.org today. Participation in the Day of the Mediterranean OVER the past few years, Prof. Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, as head of the Modern and Con- temporary Art section within the Art and Art History Depart- ment at the University of Malta, has been gathering data and developing analytical research on the evolution of modern art within the Mediterranean area, amongst other parallel topics. For Schembri Bonaci, the Mediterranean must be ad- dressed as both an area com- posed of several states border- ing on the mythical sea and as a geo-political region. The academic research and artistic praxis of this area is being stud- ied holistically, exploring the richness and enchantment of each site, from entire countries to hubs within state, islands, powers, littoral ports, fortresses, and geo-points. The research evolved into a ful- ly-fledged project titled 'Chang- ing Gear' which succeeded in attracting the interest of vari- ous important institutions and foundations within the Medi- terranean. Earlier this year the official website was launched – changinggearmed.com – and has already grown into a fasci- nating platform for discussion, debate, and exchange. Collab- orations have been established with the Union for the Mediter- ranean as well as with various Mediterranean embassies. The Union for the Mediterra- nean will be celebrating the Day of the Mediterranean on 28th November 2022, and Chang- ing Gear is contributing to the Day's calendar of events with a series of lecture and discussions. The modest participation in this year's Day of the Mediter- ranean will be expanded upon in 2023 with two initiatives be- ing organised by Department's Modern and Contemporary Art section. A conference centring on Mediterranean modern art will be held on 28th November 2023 and will form part of the next edition of the APS Mdina Contemporary Art Biennale, bearing the theme 'Mediterra- nean Goddesses' (13th Novem- ber 2023). The Changing Gear project is headed by Schembri Bonaci, with Dr Nikki Petroni as the research project manager, and the assistance of a multitalented group of the Department's grad- uates and current postgraduate and undergraduate students. The project also includes an academic council offering ide- as, advice, and exchange which is composed of Prof. Rosanna Ruscio (Accademia di Belle Ar- ti di Milano), Prof. Ilia Galan (Universidade Carlos III de Ma- drid), and Prof. Paul Sant Cassia (University of Malta). For inquiries, please contact Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci on g i u s e p p e . s c h e m b r i - b o n a c i @ um.edu.mt.