The Art Explora Festival's main attraction is a remarkable 47-metre long and 55-metre high catamaran, designed by Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier which has transformed into the world's first ever museum boat with its first stopover in Malta. This magnificent vessel, with a capacity to welcome up to 2,000 visitors per day, epitomises the convergence of art, technology, and community engagement. Built in Italy at the PERINI NAVI shipyard and registered under the French flag, the catamaran offers an immersive experience for all who step on board which is one of the festival's main initiatives in collaboration with the Louvre Museum with the visual design by Graphics eMotion and sound and music by Soundwalk Collective as well as the soundscape designed by Ircam x Centre Pompidou that will take the audiences to a journey through the Mediterranean.
This unique 10-day event, which brings together Maltese and international artists, together with social stakeholders, aims to promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and personal well-being through a diverse programme selection. At the heart of the Art Explora Festival lies a commitment to fostering democratic platforms for encounters and exchanges through the creative arts. From film to dance, circus arts to music, and visual arts, the festival offers over 30 initiatives and 55 activities through different mediums for the public to engage with. From electrifying music compositions to thought-provoking productions, each performance serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and social commentary. Artists will use their creative prowess to shed light on issues pertinent to our world, inspiring audiences to take action and instigate positive change.
As part of the festival's community outreach, workshops centred around the captivating catamaran audio- visual experience will tackle themes including cultural diversity, safeguarding of our natural ecology, and gender equality. These workshops, tailored for children aged 6 to 11+, draw inspiration from Louvre artefacts, promoting active engagement and participatory learning. Additionally, the festival will also host the Open Book Fora, an inclusive space, where individuals share stories and explore contemporary societal issues, further enhancing the festival's mission of promoting dialogue and action on pressing global issues.
Through the shared experience of art, attendees are encouraged to transcend barriers of language, culture, and ideology, forging connections that transcend the confines of the festival grounds. In doing so, the festival becomes not just a celebration of creativity, but a catalyst for collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable world. The festival will challenge conventional perspectives and provoke introspection. Artists from around the world will converge to offer their unique interpretations of cultural diversity, environmental stewardship, and gender equality, inviting viewers to confront their assumptions and expand their horizons.
Ocean Weekend is another key component of the festival's lineup. This innovative initiative, in partnership with local organisations, will spotlight localised ocean- centric issues on March 23rd and 24th. Through panel discussions, guest speeches, film screenings, sound broadcasts, and NGO-led workshops, participants will gain diverse insights into ocean-related topics. In its debut in Malta, the festival collaborates with the Malta Biennale and the French Embassy in Valletta, presenting interdisciplinary discussions on water politics and archival poetry. The primary objective is to disseminate ocean knowledge through an inclusive and forward- thinking programme accessible to all attendees.
The Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and the Local Government Dr Owen Bonnici said that, "over the next 10 days, we'll witness firsthand the power of art as a universal language, connecting people from all walks of life. Through the mobile exhibition and its accompanying events, we'll see how art can bring us together, spark inspiration, and ignite conversations that reach beyond traditional artistic boundaries."
President of the Art Explora Foundation Mr Frédéric Jousset added that "with the festival now officially commencing, we're eagerly poised for the adventure to unfold. Stepping onto the boat signals the start of an immersive journey, where an array of artistic and cultural events will animate both on board and ashore. This significant moment stirs anticipation, prompting us to explore new outlooks, exchange captivating visuals, and construct narratives that enrich our bond with the world."
The Chairman of Fondazzjoni Kreattività Mr Rupert Cefai explained that "as we kick off the festival, we extend a warm invitation to all participants to join in shaping the artistic dialogue. This initiative empowers communities to share their distinct viewpoints and fosters a sense of collective ownership in crafting our shared cultural stories. As festival activities come to life, they intricately stitch together a vibrant mosaic of human experiences."
Daniel Azzopardi, the Artistic Director of Spazju Kreattiv and the curator of the Art Explora Festival in Malta emphasised that "as we launch into the festival today, we're deeply aware of its significance in creating democratic spaces for encounters and exchanges. We've curated a diverse range of opportunities for the public to engage with contemporary arts. At the heart of our mission is fostering active audience participation. Initiatives like these, which demand direct input from individuals, are pivotal in shaping ongoing social policies and strategic implementations aimed at crafting a brighter future."
The Art Explora Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, inviting everyone to join in and be a part of the celebration of art and its transformative potential.
Photos:
Elisa von Brockdorff