Malta 
    Biennale

                PUBLIC PROGRAM  



INFO AND DETAILS


ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:Sofia Baldi Pighi
CURATED BY:Sofia Baldi Pighi / Emma Mattei 
LOCATION:Malta / Lampedusa
DATES:March 13th / May 31st



COLLATERAL PROJECTS







COLLABORATOR

ACCLA, Alien Montesin, Art Explora, Art Workers Italia, Biennale de Photographie Mulhouse, Biennale Sur, Mirjana Batinicić, Marie Briguglio, Andrew Borg Wirth, Valentina Buzzi, Rafram Chaddad, Vanessa Ciantar, Cinema Spazju Kreattiv, Centru Tbexbix, Epicure, Timmy Gambin, Liam Gauci, Rethinking Lampedusa, 

Marcia Grima, Image Threads, KarmaÐenn, Franco La Cecla, Larnaca Biennale, MADE Program, MCAST, Parasite, Rivoluzione delle Seppie, Ritmu Roots Music Festival, Virgilio Sieni, Ðugraga, Michael Taussig, Tarzna, Tetuhi, The School of Winds and Waves, UNESCO - WHIPIC, Sam Vassallo, Orientale University.




DESCRIPTION

The public program conceived by the Main Exhibition Curatorial Team together with The Education and Outreach Department at Heritage Malta aimed at bringing contemporary art and art practise closer to the public. Well-researched methods of creating pathways, allotting resources and ultimately reframing the existing modus operandi were implemented, in a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and vibrant cultural scene across the islands. The transformative initiatives empowered communities and individuals to become active participants in their own cultural heritage.

At the heart of the public programme there has been a commitment to fostering creativity and artistic exploration. Multiple venues of cultural importance in Malta hosted workshops, talks, gatherings and performances, bringing together local and international creatives in collaborative works with multiple participants. The choice of locations aimed to foster a dynamic dialogue between the past and the present within the very walls that have witnessed centuries of history.

Going beyond the traditional exhibition format, the Public Program has been a pivotal component of Malta Biennale designed to engage diverse audiences, whilst ensuring accessibility to all, regardless of age, background or ability through public performances, hands-on workshops, neighbourhood gatherings, interdisciplinary masterclasses, cinema programming and journeys across the sea.

International guests and local cultural activators came together in a number of dynamic encounters: Mirjana Batinicić created workshops for children, students, families and seniors, the Italian choreographer Virgilio Sieni took us to the cliff edge adjacent to Neolithic buildings with a breathtaking performance entitled In-Nisa Jsalvaw Id-Dinja (Women Save the World); renowned anthropologist Michael Taussig shared his insights on islands and the imagination; Rivoluzione delle Seppie took us across the streets of Valletta in a procession with carnival-like floats; Larnaca Biennale joined us for a few days to share best practice methods and partake in the biennale; and Art Workers activated the creative community to know their rights.

Throughout the duration of the biennial, works at the vanguard of current cultural expression sit side by side with open, inclusive opportunities, recognising the need for deep-layered consideration.