1. The wind blows… waves in all directions

This exhibition, held at Spazju Kreattiv from 11th August till 17th September, makes use of Maltese as well as Tunisian contexts as a foundation for this exhibition. Numerous artists and activists from 11 different Mediterranean countries reflect on past, present and future, community and identity with running themes of resistance through activism, gender expression, sexual liberation and self exploration throughout the exhibitions.

The aim of this exhibition is to highlight the fact that LGBTIQ+ people face criminal action and are socially and/or legally oppressed because of their gender, all while attempting to survive under harsh systems – and this only touches the surface of their experience.

As one of the larger exhibitions, it boasts a collection from 27 artists and organisations.

The exhibition is co-curated by Bobb Attard & Mohamed Ali Agrebi.

2. The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress

Also held at Spazju Kreattiv, from 7th to 17th September, a work of art in the form of a dress will be taking centre stage, serving as a powerful symbol of inclusion and equal rights.

With a diameter of over 16 metres, adorned with the flags of the 68 countries where being LGBTIQ+ is punishable by law. Including eight where homosexual acts can even lead to the death penalty.

The bodice of the dress showcases the Amsterdam city flag, representing a city that has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress debuted as a powerful statement during the opening Pride Walk parade of EuroPride 2016.

The dress symbolises the importance of Amsterdam as a haven for LGBTIQ+ refugees and migrants who have faced persecution in their home countries based on their identity or whom they love.

3. Flag in the Map

Flag in the Map, also held between the 7th and the 17th September, is an extraordinary collection of photographs and stories aimed to showcase the uplifting and uniting power of the rainbow flag for LGBTIQ+ individuals facing adversity, held at Pjazza San Gorg.

This exhibition is a collaboration between the renowned Gilbert Baker Foundation and ReportOUT, two organisations dedicated to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and visibility worldwide. In October 2020, they issued an open call for submissions, inviting people from all corners of the globe to share their photos of proudly flying the Pride Flag.

Submissions poured in from countless countries – heartfelt images, along with their accompanying stories, have been curated into a visually beautiful and emotionally powerful book.

As one explores the exhibition, they will witness the diversity and strength of the global LGBTIQ+ community. From busy city streets to secluded countryside villages, the Rainbow Flag serves as a beacon of hope, uniting individuals across the globe.

This exhibit is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of State and with support from the U.S. Embassy in Malta.

4. Representing Pride – Photography Edition

Representing Pride, a curatorial photography collection by eight artists from around the Mediterranean basin will be held between 7th and 17th September at Pride Village and at Spazju Kreattiv.

The photographers are talented professionals from varying mediums in the field, ranging between analogue, digital and collage. Each individual photographer touches upon different subjects that are relevant to their practices – such as personal identity, conditioned perspectives on gender, and even queer mythology.

These new bodies of work are created in honour of the EuroPride 2023 festival, and are the result of a tuition-free educational program for visual storytellers organised by HOLMA photo.

5. [Be]Loved Malta: Stories of sexual and gender identity

By presenting a number of human stories which occurred in Malta over the centuries, Heritage Malta will be answering some important questions that have been posed on the topic of sexual diversity – such as “how did society deal with this matter in different periods of time? Was it always considered a ‘problem’? Were all such acts deemed a crime?”

As well as being an exhibition organised on the occasion of the first ever EuroPride held in Malta in 2023, [Be]Loved is even more significant due to the fact that it occurs on the fiftieth anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in Malta.

This exhibition will be on display at the Main Guard building in Valletta, from the 6th of September until the 11th of November.

To note: Spazju Kreattiv is closed on Mondays.

Which one of these exhibitions are you definitely attending?