Malta invited again for Tianjin Children's Festival

The Tianjin Committee of the International Cultural and Arts Children's Festival, held biannually, has once again invited Malta to participate in this prestigious festival, being held between July 29 and August 2.

The committee is inviting children and young artists to participate in the international painting exhibition.

The Malta China Friendship Society (MCFS) last week called on dance companies who are interested in participating in this festival to write to the general secretary, Doreen Sammut, 62, St Christopher Street, Valletta, or phone her on 9948-7218 or 2144-1350. Dance groups in the l3-l8 age group will also be considered.

The dancers will pay for their air ticket between Malta and Tianjin but accommodation, transport and tours are paid by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Tianjin. It is important that interested groups make immediate contact with the MCFS as only the group that reaches a very high standard will be selected to participate.

The World Children's Painting Competition and Exhibition will be held during the period of the festival. The theme of the paintings is Peace, Friendship and the Future. Paintings submitted by children should depict joy, happiness, environment, and species in danger, humanity and nature.

The painting competition is open to infants aged up to seven, primary school children from seven to 13 and students aged l4 to l8.

Two years ago Malta was represented at this festival by a group of children dancers from the Alicia Joy Dance Company and by a young Maltese artist, Audrey Micallef from Msida.

The group of children dancers was trained by the late, lamented Alicia Joy, who although suffering from a terminal disease, turned the group into such a good team that Malta placed fourth in the International Dancing Competition. Ms Micallef won the silver medal in the artist's competition.

The participation of Malta in the Tianjin International Festival two years ago was organised by the Malta China Friendship Society, the sister organisation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, who are the sponsors of the Tianjin International Festival.

For more details phone Joyce Guillaumier on 7905-0588 or Joe Vella on 2189-6758.