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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 JUNE 2025 2 ART Unfinished Art Space launches new residency tackling common space UNFINISHED Art Space is happy to an- nounce its latest art residency program titled Coastal Commons. Welcoming two artists, Maltese artist Sheldon Saliba and French artist Joachim Romain, alongside curator Elyse Tonna, the 10-day residen- cy will focus on our relationship to public space in coastal areas with a specific focus on Birżebbuġa. The residency forms part of a European project happening across Spain, Greece, France and Malta. Titled, OTRart, the pro- ject brings 6 duos of international artists to- gether to connect community, public space, and respect for our environment through the exchange of knowledge and artistic practices. Residency curator, Elyse Tonna, shares that, 'the residency hopes to generate an open dialogue around our idea of common space.' She adds, 'it is more than just shared spaces - they are living, experimental and contemporary art should be an integral part of society, enriching lives, contributing to debate and empowering social change.' Taking place from 18th June to 27th June 2025, the artist duo will immerse themselves in the community of Birżeb- buġa throughout the two weeks. Coastal Commons, which has the support of the Birżebbuġa local council, seeks to enliv- en discourse surrounding contemporary art and environmental advocacy through artistic production, curatorial experimen- tation, and public engagement. It kicks off with a community workshop on the 18th, which aims to collect stories, memories and knowledge of the area. Working in collaboration with the envi- ronmental NGO Żibel, known for its envi- ronmental clean-up actions, the residency's peripheral activities will encourage partic- ipants to engage directly with ecological issues and local communities. On the 21st this collaboration will take shape through a clean-up from 9am till 12pm, near the sail- ing club of Birżebbuġa. The initiative reflects Unfinished Art Space's commitment to cross-sector col- laboration, artistic research, and ecological awareness, furthering its belief that exper- imental and contemporary art should be an integral part of society, enriching lives, contributing to debate and empowering social change. An end-of-residency exhibi- tion will take place on the 27th to showcase the work created by Sheldon and Joachim, which ultimately hopes to draw attention to concepts of repair, resonance and re-use. Coastal Commons runs from 18th June to 27th June 2025 in Birżebbuġa. On the 18th there will be a community workshop, inviting people to share stories, memories and ideas. A clean-up in collaboration with Żibel will hap- pen on 21st June from 9am till 12pm near the sailing club of Birżebbuġa, and a final event is planned for 27th June for more information follow Unfinished Art Space on instagram. Left to right: Sheldon Saliba and Joachim Romain