Spazju Kreattiv has launched its 2020/2021 programme under the new artistic vision of Il-Qalba ta’ Kreattività (The Heart of Creativity). Despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19, Spazju Kreattiv is presenting a new programme supporting creatives with a strategy based on the three pillars of artistic excellence, community outreach and internationalisation, which comprises over 400 events, 320 artists and 17 creative forms.

Artwork from the Spazju Kreattiv Programme 2020-2021

The programme is also open to engage and embrace different views and perspectives with projects on topical subjects such as migration, over-construction, gender fluidity, ethnic diversity, rule of law and more.

The Artists’ Residence strand will be continuing with a programme consisting of five projects, six nationalities and seven creative forms.

Spazju Kreattiv’s cinema programme which boasts over 190 films, 350 screenings and five festivals as the only arthouse cinema in Malta will also be a main feature of the season programme.

The yearly staple ŻiguŻajg  season will also be returning with a wide range of new shows for children between the ages of zero and 10.

Other than the significant amount of initiatives that Spazju Kreattiv is unveiling, there’s the site-specific exhibition Proġett XX commemorating Fondazzjoni Kreattività’s 20th anniversary. This interactive installation by artist Pierre Portelli combines artistic reflections and implementations with archival research on the building and the organisation with the virtual experience of the first virtual tour in the local sector.

Artist Pierre Portelli explaining the creative insight behind his Proġett XX to Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government José Herrera.

During his intervention at the launch, Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government José Herrera said that creativity is the reflection of the free expression of thought.

The Heart of Creativity is the ethos on which Spazju Kreattiv will establish its artistic vision for the upcoming years- Daniel Azzopardi

2020 is the year where Fondazzjoni Kreattività is celebrating its 20th anniversary since its foundation, and it is doing so in rather particular circumstances. The year that has brought along huge challenges to those who are directly or indirectly involved in the cultural and artistic sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic led to various negative impacts on these sectors.

Dehumaneation by artist Shaun Grech, curated by Raphael Vella

“Notwithstanding this, Spazju Kreattiv is still attempting to circumvent these challenges, and I, with a degree of satisfaction, note that for the season 2020-2021, Spazju Kreattiv is launching an extensive programme,” remarked the minister.

The chairman of Fondazzjoni Kreattività, Rupert Cefai, added: “2020 will always be remembered at Fondazzjoni Kreattività as we continue to celebrate our 20 years since inception. Even though the celebrations have been overshadowed by these extraordinary times and this unprecedented challenge had a considerable impact on our operations, we have ensured to take into consideration the shift in how the sector is now working to guarantee that we still present the Spazju Kreattiv  2020-2021 programme.”

Furthermore, the chairman reiterated that in the coming months Fondazzjoni Kreattività will be presenting proposals and strategic infrastructure projects to ensure that what has been achieved in the past is maintained and developed further for future generations.

Adult panto Snow White, scripted and directed by Steve Hill and produced by Michael Fenech

As the first season led by Spazju Kreattiv’s new artistic director, Daniel Azzopardi, this programme ushers in a new era for the centre, one which is focused on positioning Spazju Kreattiv at the heart of creativity.

“‘The Heart of Creativity’ is the ethos on which Spazju Kreattiv will establish its artistic vision for the upcoming years. In my new role, I have been working tirelessly with my excellent and dynamic team to provide you with the best programme forged from different activities, despite all the difficulties and challenges posed by the pandemic. A series of initiatives which will encompass a new experience for our audiences built around our hub in Valletta, encounters and exchanges with communities and a revamped interactive online platform,” Azzopardi said.

He explained that the season  being presented today is part of a continuous process that seeks to promote artistic excellence, a direct activity with the communities and various other groups, and international collaborations. These are the strategic principles upon which work  will be concentrated  in order to reach the desired levels expected by the national entity of creativity.

Apart from launching this diverse and far-reaching programme, Spazju Kreattiv is also launching a whole new digital experience on its website www.kreattivita.org, which will allow the centre to gain further reach in spreading creativity and supporting artists especially during these times.