A total of 194 artists are taking part in the second edition of the Order of Malta National Art Exhibition, which opened at St John’s Cavalier, Valletta, on October 24. These include painters and watercolourists, bronze artists, ceramicists, sculptors and photographers, among others.
Comm. Dr Pascal Demajo, curator of the exhibition, chair of the organising committee and a council member of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta, explained how the hosting of this exhibition has a four-pronged vision:
“Our aims are clear. We wish to promote the arts in present-day Malta while also raising awareness and funds for the Maltese Association’s philanthropic causes. Additionally, this is an opportunity to nurture a love of culture and the arts in our youth through educational school visits which must not be missed,” Demajo said.
By raising awareness about the Maltese contemporary art scene, the exhibition – which is potentially the largest one ever held on the islands − also aims to raise much-needed funds for the charitable causes the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta supports.
These include an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes with approximately 340 participants, funding of two 16-seater, fully airconditioned tail lift vans for Id-Dar tal-Providenza, and support of two shelters − namely the Blessed Gerard Residence for single migrant mothers and their minor children and the Alberto Marvelli Residence for homeless youths.
The Order also conducts mentoring visits to foreign inmates who have no family in Malta.
In an effort to nurture culture and young talent, all schools have been invited to bring their students to the exhibition and meet some of the artists. They will also get to try their own hand at some of the techniques on display, while experiencing the beautiful environs of St John’s Cavalier and discovering its place in Malta’s history.
Demajo thanked the participating artists, who have committed to donating all or part of the proceeds from their sold works to the Order’s causes, main sponsor APS Bank and the organising and advisory committee members.
“Last but not least, I thank all those in advance who visit the exhibition and especially those who through their acquisitions specifically contribute to the promotion of the arts in Malta, and to the raising of much-needed funds for the association’s charitable causes,” he said.
The exhibition runs until November 14. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. The full catalogue is available here.