Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1515910
15 CULTURE maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 FEBRUARY 2024 AS anticipation builds for maltabiennale.art, poised for its debut on 13 March, 2024, the festival recently encoun- tered Malta's next generation of artists, historians, and cul- tural ambassadors through a special workshop catering to children aged eight to 12. Held at MUŻA, the event provided a unique opportu- nity for children to immerse themselves in the cultural richness that maltabiennale. art is set to bring to Malta. In keeping with maltabi- ennale.art's theme of ex- ploring heritage through contemporary art, the workshop titled "Exploring Globalisation and Maltese Identity Through Art" was led by American artist Jo- seph Cochran II, known for his work in photogra- phy, video, and archival re- search. The workshop offered children a glimpse into the artist's reflections on globalisation and identity. Through engaging group activities and discussions, the young participants nav- igated the meaning of sym- bols, delved into Malta's history, and explored global networks in their own artis- tic journey. The workshop encouraged the participants to question what it means to identify as Maltese, drawing on Mal- ta's historical significance as a trade port in the Med- iterranean. The session not only sparked creativity but also planted seeds of curios- ity about the influences that have shaped Malta's devel- opment and identity over the centuries. Cochran, a seasoned art- ist whose work has been showcased in renowned galleries like Swivel Gallery (Brooklyn), Gold + Beton (Cologne), and Decoratelier (Brussels), joins a diverse array of international and local artists currently in Malta putting the finishing touches to their installa- tions for the festival. In total, 80 artists from 23 countries are converg- ing 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 pa- vilion 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 pa- tronage 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 se- cured a place as a must-visit destination on the world's cultural calendar. The festival will be in- augurated by President George Vella during a spe- cial 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, maltabi- ennale.art, in collaboration with various artists, official partners, and collaborators, is set to host numerous events, workshops, and dis- cussions. 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, pro- viding them with a chance to experience Malta, its culture, and history for the first time through this sig- nificant cultural event. maltabiennale.art sparks ideas and creativity in Malta's next generation