Four contemporary Gozitan artists will unveil twenty four artistic exhibits at the main hall of the European Parliament between 6-9 March 2018 featuring Gozitan realities and aspirations during an exhibition entitled ‘Embracing change in Gozo’. Rachel Galea, Kris Saliba, Manuel Farrugia and Anthony Caruana have been invited by Maltese MEP and former Prime Minister Alfred Sant to display six paintings each and provide an opportunity for MEPs and visitors to the European Parliament from EU countries to appreciate the works of artists living  on an island at the periphery of Europe.

The Gozitan artists  said that the fact that they come from a small island on the periphery of the European continent strengthens their resolve to be creative in this showcase opportunity.

 “These paintings have been conceived as a tribute to the natural beauty of our island in conjunction with the careful man-made interventions devised throughout the years which gave a distinctive character to the island. It is a cultural heritage we Gozitans  cherish in an age in which we are embracing changes  at social and infrastructural  levels. The paintings are a testimony of what we were and we still are; they express the need of salvaging our identity and heritage and the need of finding the right balance with the expectations and demands of contemporaneity.” said Manuel Farrugia, one of the artists exhibiting  his art pieces.

The Maltese MEP said it is part of his strategy to make Gozitan aspirations and achievements better known in Europe.

“Their artistic interpretations deserve such a recognition at the European Parliament. They deserve support and appreciation for their creative initiatives. They are making a difference while overcoming the economic and social difficulties arising from the double insularity that Gozo like other EU islands, suffers from.” said Dr Sant.

Logistical preparations for the transportation of the works of art are underway to ensure the exhibits will be mounted in a successful and effective way. The exhibition will be officially launched by Minister of Gozo Justyne Caruana.