Gozo has always been a centre of innovation as witnessed by architectural gems like Ġgantija, which, apart from being the oldest free-standing structure in the world, has unique and even mysterious artistic features. In sync with this ancient tradition, it was my pleasure last Thursday to officially launch the Art Cart festival. The event was held at Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria. It was organized by the Gozo Culture Council in collaboration with The Visual and Performing Arts School.

The Art Cart is an ongoing setup of artistic displays and workshops touring around various public venues in Gozo, welcoming visitors from all walks of life, with the aim of promoting participation in artistic and creative activities among children and young people.

The workshops and displays will introduce the young audience to both new and traditional concepts and practices involved in various art forms. While we are used to static art exhibitions, where the public goes to a venue chosen by the artist to review his works, Cart Art is turning this concept on its head by making the artist put his works on a cart and carry it through the village streets for all to see; thereby encouraging the man in the street to participate actively in the process of artistic creation.

The touring festival will target different public venues around the island throughout the summer. At each location, the Art Cart will deliver one or more workshops or interactive performances that cater for the audience present. Different workshops will target different age groups, depending on the time and location of the particular event.

Throughout the summer, the Art Cart will deliver a wide range of artistic activities, such as creative movement, dance, painting, crafts, music, papier-mâché making, storytelling, acting, singing, street art, traditional trades and more.

The Art Cart will recruit various artists, art teachers and people with creative ideas and knowhow who wish to participate in this festival and contribute to the artistic quality of the project.

The festival will promote the arts among the younger generation. Involving young people in the arts encourages creativity and stimulates better academic performance. It will also strengthen the community by bringing people together, as art removes social barriers. Anyone can experience and take part in these activities, whatever their social or economic status. Touring to different public venues ensures that a wider reach is achieved.

I would like to take this occasion to encourage the general public - Maltese, Gozitans, and tourists to come forward and participate in this festival throughout the summer. It is yet another first for Gozo, and I am confident it will also prove to be an enjoyable and memorable experience like the other events the Gozo Ministry has organised during the past two years. 

Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo