Malta Pavilion At London Design Biennale Brings International Exposure To Maltese Artists
Maltese artists have been presented with an opportunity to seize the spotlight on the global stage, as the first-ever Malta Pavilion has been unveiled at the renowned London Design Biennale.
The inauguration of this momentous event, held at Somerset House in London, was announced by the Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici, in collaboration with Arts Council Malta.
The Malta Pavilion, named “Urban Fabric,” not only showcases exceptional artistic installations but also serves as a gateway to international exposure for talented Maltese artists.
This prestigious platform enables these artists to share their captivating expressions and unique artistic visions with a diverse global audience, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering a deep appreciation for Malta’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary contributions.
During the launch, the Malta Pavilion also hosted performances by Maltese Public Cultural Organisations, namely KorMalta and ŻfinMalta.
The brilliant concept and execution of the Malta Pavilion were realised by the Open Square Collective, a collaborative design team comprising visionary individuals such as Matthew Joseph Casha, a renowned architect and creative lead, Luke Azzopardi, an esteemed fashion designer, Trevor Borg, a distinguished artist and academic, and Alessia Deguara, an accomplished architect.
Malta’s presence at the London Design Biennale builds upon its past success at major international festivals like the Venice Biennale, where exhibits commissioned by Arts Council Malta garnered high praise from the international press.
Through these connections, artists can engage in fruitful exchanges of ideas, techniques, and experiences, enriching their own creative processes and pushing the boundaries of their artistry.
Albert Marshall, the Executive Chair of Arts Council Malta, stated that the council’s overarching mission is to facilitate pathways for artists, allowing them to export their creative output and elevate Malta’s artistic reputation on the global stage.
The Malta Pavilion at the London Design Biennale embodies a captivating fusion of art, architecture, and innovative sustainable design.
Matthew Joseph Casha, the creative visionary behind the Urban Fabric installation, expressed immense pride in creating Malta’s first presentation at the London Design Biennale as part of the Open Square Collective.
The installation reimagines the traditional Maltese village core, merging elements of urban planning with the Phoenician-Maltese tradition of fabric production and dyeing.
Sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as wood and certified organic fabrics, take centre stage, reflecting Malta’s commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious artistic practices.
The impact of the Malta Pavilion extends beyond the London Design Biennale, as materials from the Urban Fabric installation will be repurposed for a new exhibit in Valletta in 2024, ensuring an enduring legacy for this groundbreaking project.
To learn more about this remarkable endeavour, please visit www.urbanfabricmalta.com and www.artscouncil.mt.
Are you visiting the London Design Biennale this year?