Arts and crafts in Gozo

Gozo is well known for its rural and characteristic identity. The island's rubble walls, country lanes, laid back attitude and simpler way of life in most villages have given it a particular quality, fairly distinct from that of mainland Malta. Yet some Gozitans are often heard speaking in favour of increased urbanisation and more modern communication for the island, arguing that Gozo should not be a 'Christmas crib' for visitors.

Yet, this quaint crib-like minute island is providing an ambience of creativity and serves as an inspiration to many artists and artisans who are displaying their work to the public.

The exhibition halls on Gozo are providing space almost daily to artists and organisations to put their work on display, and some of these artists are newcomers who find the courage to expose their work to public scrutiny. Talent exists on the island, although one has to admit that there are varying degrees of it.

The Wistin Camilleri School of Art, recently renamed the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts, is probably the main catalyst for these new and young artists. Founded in 1989, the centre now provides hands-on education to more than 1,000 students of all ages who attend at least one of the 20 or more courses on offer in Gozo.

Proof of the centre's contribution to local artisanship and craftsmanship is the annual exhibition, which takes place towards the end of the scholastic year.

The exhibition halls on St Francis Square are usually jam-packed with items ranging from lace, gilding, pottery, pyrography, stained glass and so much more. The Centre's recent venture into promoting the island's craft students, and hence, their work overseas, is also to be applauded.

It is undisputed that the craft industry can provide added value to Gozo as a tourist destination. Not only are crafts an ideal souvenir, but they also promote the authenticity of this little island further.

A recent Sunday Times survey conducted among Gozitans indicated they felt crafts may create more jobs. I believe that much more could be done in addition to what has been done now.

Although the Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts is providing the necessary education for Gozitan artisans, and the Gozo Business Chamber is promoting locally produced products through its diverse initiatives, the craft industry must also face up to modern challenges.

Rumour has it that the Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts will soon be extended and a new crafts incubation centre for young artisans will be built with EU funds. The Gozo Business Chamber recently said that a Gozo product labelling method is also planned. We hope that the Ministry for Gozo, which is running these projects, will see to strict deadlines for these much-needed projects to be delivered, so that Gozo will start benefiting from a more coherent crafts industry.

As a side note, it is indeed a pity that crafts villages, such as Ta' Dbiegi, are not frequented by coachloads of visiting day trippers to Gozo - perhaps these areas are not considered worthy by the tourist guides. Does anybody know why?