Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516210
15 CULTURE maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 FEBRUARY 2024 ing a programme of cultural events, which in the case of Malta is being developed by Spazju Kreattiv, under the cu- ration of Daniel Azzopardi. The programme is focused on the local and international art scene, addressing various top- ics and issues relevant to the Mediterranean region. Bring- ing together a myriad of cul- tural and artistic practices, the project creates a shared space for dialogue and experimenta- tion, offering a rich experience to local audiences and visitors alike. Guided by principles of cul- tural diversity, social inclu- sivity, and collaborative shar- ing, the festival's meticulously crafted programme in Malta aims at engaging individuals from culturally diverse back- grounds. Over 10 days, the in- itiative promotes artistic excel- lence, encouraging proactive advocacy and engagement, and empowering communal con- versations. This international venture serves as a platform for a di- verse range of stakeholders rooted in the Maltese diaspo- ra and the broader Mediterra- nean basin. Bringing together local artists, NGOs, curators, intellectuals, and researchers, the convergence aims to share unique perspectives on the Mediterranean region during the inaugural stopover. With a lineup featuring more than 30 initiatives and 55 activ- ities, the festival addresses ur- gent socio-political concerns, including environmental sus- tainability, social justice, and personal wellbeing. Audiences are invited to ex- plore and appreciate valuable insights into the pivotal role of the arts within the commu- nity. A diverse array of events, featuring both Maltese and international creatives, will span across circus arts, music, dance, visual arts, film, com- munity sharing, think-tank ses- sions, and family workshops. Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage and the Arts, said that by "navigating different locations, the exhibi- tion embodies the idea that art is a universal language capable of resonating with individuals from various backgrounds. The mobile exhibition and the cor- related activities stand as a tes- tament to the belief that art has the power to unify, inspire, and provoke conversations that ex- tend beyond the boundaries of conventional artistic settings." The Chairman of Fondazz- joni Kreattività Rupert Cefai explained that "by inviting participants to actively con- tribute to the artistic dialogue, the project empowers commu- nities to express their unique perspectives and encourages a sense of ownership in the creation of shared cultural narratives. As the catamaran travels from port to port, and festival events are developed, it intricately threads togeth- er a diverse fabric of human experiences, showcasing the diversity of artistic expression while reinforcing the idea that, through art, we can find com- mon ground that transcends differences." Daniel Azzopardi, the Artis- tic Director of Spazju Kreattiv emphasised that "the inaugu- ral stopover of the Art Explora Festival in Malta emerges with- in this vibrant context with a mission to champion arts and culture across different com- munities. Utilising the Medi- terranean basin as a platform for cultural exchange, this ven- ture aims to break socio-po- litical barriers and allow audi- ences to embrace the region's heritage while indulging in the richness of contemporary arts." The first weekend of the Art Explora Festival Malta stopo- ver, from March 22nd to 24th, will launch a new programme named "Ocean Weekends". In Malta, these two days of programming will be co-cu- rated with the Malta Biennale (more specifically with Sofia Baldi Pighi and Emma Mattei from the main pavilion and Andrew Borg Wirth from the Franco-German pavilion). The Ocean Weekend in Vallet- ta will invite the audience to a series of round tables, film screenings, and inspiring talks, gathering key speakers from the art and sciences worlds around the issue of ocean cli- mate emergency. As part of its commitment to supporting contemporary cre- ation, the festival also offers a programme of cross-residen- cies. The curators associated with the project invite artists, sci- entists, and researchers from the different countries visited by the Art Explora Festival to participate in month-long res- idencies on board the boat and in another Mediterranean city. Serving as both a symbol of public solidarity and a cata- lyst for transformative change, this celebration explores the cultural connections between Malta and the upcoming ports of call in the months ahead. boat-museum to dock in Valletta from 21 to 31 March The museum-boat measures 46.5 metres long and 55 metres high