A series of ceramic and pottery artefacts, mosaic crafts and sculptures currently on display at the Economy Ministry in Valletta are the outcome of a therapeutic programme run by Aġenzija Sapport, the national agency supporting persons with a disability.
They form part of an exhibition titled Celebrating Abilities, which also features ceramic jewellery, pyrographic portraits and stonemasonry items.
All items have been handcrafted by persons with a disability with the aid of dedicated support workers during a range of programmes offered at three day centres of the agency in Ħal Far, Mtarfa and Fleur De Lys.
These programmes, which include art, music, sports and drama, are designed by a multi-disciplinary team, including occupational therapists, and are tailored according to the service users’ abilities.
“These programmes help enhance clients’ socialising skills while integrating them in society by doing activities that are community based,” said Rosalie Vella Piscopo, marketing and communications executive at the agency.
“They help the service users to become more independent, feel a sense of belonging and feel good about oneself on a personal level.
“And there is also the therapeutic aspect. Service users’ senses are stimulated and motor skills are enhanced through repetition of tasks.”
Positive changes were, in fact, noted among clients who attended these programmes.
“The mere fact that the clients knew that their work will be exhibited in public helped them to build more self-confidence. Their facial expressions and feedback said it all,” Ms Vella Piscopo noted.
Some were not even aware they had a talent.
Ms Vella Piscopo refered to a client who is becoming an expert in encaustic (hot wax) painting: “She started off by drawing and painting, and step by step she reached other goals and potentials. From drawing to encaustic art, this was an incredible change.”
Another client was introduced to cooking and is churning out what Ms Vella Piscopo described as “exceptional food art”.
Others discovered their dancing talent.
“When given the chance to perform on a stage, they let loose,” she said.
The exhibition also includes a Valletta 2018 project by the agency’s Sharing Lives service which, through its volunteers, helps in initiating dialogue and collaboration between people with a disability and mainstream society. It also gives the opportunity for persons with disability to take part in events and activities to overcome social exclusion while developing meaningful.
Aġenzija Sapport, under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, is hosting Celebrating Abilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Small Businesses. The exhibition is being held at the ministry’s premises at Palazzo Zondadari, 197/198, Merchants Street, Valletta.
Curated by Mario Borg Sillato, it is open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm until February 23. Entrance is free. While the items on display are not for sale, interested patrons can log on to www.sapport.gov.mt and view the online catalogue. Follow the agency on Facebook for more updates.
