Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517660
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 MARCH 2024 NEWS THE inaugural edition of maltabi- ennale.art has officially commenced, inviting the general public to join in a rich and diverse celebration of con- temporary art and heritage running until May 31, 2024. Bringing together over 100 ac- claimed international and local art- ists, the biennale will unfold across 20 esteemed heritage sites in Malta and Gozo, promising a tapestry of unique artistic visions, where each painting, sculpture, video installation, and more is set to breathe new life into these historically significant locations. The central theme of maltabiennale. art "white sea olive groves" will play out within the biennale's Main Pavil- ion, an artistic exploration that comes to life across many locations and through four intertwined sub-themes: Can You Sea?: The Mediterranean as a Political Body; The Counterpower of Piracy; Decolonising Malta: Polypho- ny Is Us; and The Matri-archive of the Mediterranean. Each sub-theme provides a canvas for diverse perspectives, all of which collectively strive to challenge precon- ceptions about the role of art in socie- ty, explore how contemporary art can shed new light on our heritage, and of- fer new perspectives into Maltese and Mediterranean identity. The Main Pavillion's carefully cu- rated journey sees artworks which both contrast with and complement one another, creating a multi-spec- trum experience for visitors that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally engaging. As part of the Main Pavilion, in- ternational artists such as Cecilia Vicuña, Ibrahim Mahama, Pedro Rey- es, Republic of Suez Canal, and Tania Bruguera, alongside notable Maltese talents like Austin Camilleri, Raphael Vella, Aaron Bezzina, and Anna Calle- ja, will showcase their exhibits in icon- ic locations. Running in parallel to the Main Pa- villion are several national and the- matic pavilions, each focussing on specific themes that showcase the ethnologically diverse expressions of artists hailing from various corners of the globe, including China, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, and Poland. In Valletta, artworks grace the Grand Master's Palace, MUZA, the National Museum of Archaeology, Tal-Pilar church, Main Guard, National Li- brary, Fort St Elmo, Underground Valletta, and Auberge d'Aragon. The Three Cities host exhibits at Dock 1, The Armoury, Fort St Ange- lo, the Inquisitor's Palace, and Villa Portelli in Kalkara. Gozo features in- stallations in various sites within The Citadella, including Gozo Cultural Centre and the Grain Silos, as well as at Ġgantija temples. In addition to this extravaganza of contemporary visual art, maltabien- nale.art also presents a vastly diverse programme featuring over 100 cu- ratorial and endorsed events, taking place each week until May 31, 2024. Spanning theatrical performances, insightful art films, informative lec- tures, interactive workshops, and fam- ily-friendly activities for kids, this var- ied programme invites audiences and artists alike to immerse themselves in an extended celebration of arts and culture in all their glorious forms and expressions across Malta and Gozo. Among the highlight events from Public Cultural Organisations, which have been officially endorsed by mal- tabiennale.art are Toi Toi's annual Easter concert A Dream's A Wish at Teatru Manoel; ZfinMalta perfor- mances Dances for Gozo and Geog- raphers of Solitude; the biographical show L-Għanja li Ħadd Ma Jsikket: Ray Mahoney; and this year's edition of the Malta Spring Festival. For the full schedule of exhibitions, events, artists' details, and locations, visit the official website and become a part of this extraordinary arts and cul- ture experience. The journey begins at maltabiennale.art. maltabiennale.art is a Heritage Malta initiative through MUŻA, the Malta National Community Art Museum, in partnership with Arts Council Malta. maltabiennale.art is also presented in cooperation with the Ministries for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, and Gozo, as well as with Visit Malta, Malta Libraries, MCAST, Festivals Malta, Valletta Cultural Agency and Spazju Kreattiv. With the participation of Malta School of Art, AUM, ŻfinMal- ta, KorMalta, Teatru Manoel, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Franco La Cecla, IULM University, Milan, Department of Humanities Studies, Faculty of Arts and Tourism, Under- water Department Heritage Malta, Archaeological Department Heritage Malta and Maritime Museum Herit- age Malta. Maltabiennale.art inaugural edition officially kicks off Prime minister Robert Abela launched the first maltabiennale.art (Photos: Brian Grech)