Guests flocked to Spazju Kreattiv to mark the launch of its diverse and exciting 2018/2019 programme. With over 200 creatives collaborating on it, the programme builds on previous programmes and collaborations, featuring a selection of performance, visual arts, cinema screenings and artists' residencies.

Speaking at the launch, Fondazzjoni Kreattività chairman Rupert Cefai said: "We are proud to have built on what was achieved in previous years and maintaining Spazju Kreattiv's place as the national catalyst for creativity."

The programme will include around 21 exhibitions, 20 performances and 400 cinema screenings, as well as the ŻiguŻajg Festival for children and young people. In particular, theatre-goers will be treated to two Spazju Kreattiv co-productions this season, namely De-Terminated, which is written and directed by Herman Grech on the subject of abortion in Malta and Reppublika Immakulata by Dù Theatre.

Also speaking at the launch, Spazju Kreattiv artistic director Toni Sant said: "It is through long-term collaborations, both locally and internationally, that we have achieved this exciting programme. We are looking forward to continuing this work in the year to come and beyond."

In fact, 2019 will see major strides forward to Spazju Kreattiv's international portfolio, as it will be participating in the Ostrale Biennale in Germany next summer. "Following on from our collaboration with Ostrale as part of our 2017/2018 programme, artists from Malta will have the opportunity to have their work included in this biennale for contemporary art in Germany," Dr Sant continues. "We are now making all the necessary arrangements to present work by some 15 artists and look forward to seeing the results next year."

Meanwhile, and also on the topic of internationalisation, the Artists' Residency programme is set to continue and will see Spazju Kreattiv hosting seven international artists from as far afield as Australia, the US and Canada. They will work in Malta and Gozo in diverse disciplines.

"As this programme demonstrates, Spazju Kreattiv continues to grow and develop," Sant adds. "We are also pleased to present new updates to the building itself, with much work having taken place over the summer.

"We are so proud of this diverse, inclusive and exciting programme, and look forward to our audiences' experience of it," he concludes.