The US Embassy is proud to support Damien Perdue, a graffiti muralist from Chicago, who is currently on a three-week programme in Malta. 

Mr Perdue will paint two murals, one at the University of Malta Cottonera Resource Centre/St Margaret College and another at the Gozo College Secondary School. Mr Perdue will visit several SkolaSajf programmes to lead workshops on graffiti art. 

The common theme underpinning all Mr Perdue's artistic creations is a celebration of diversity and inclusive societies. During his workshops, Mr Perdue will teach basic mural skills and intersperse his presentations with mini-performances of hip-hop.  

On 17 July, US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley visited the Cottonera Resource Centre/St Margaret College to view the mural created by Mr Perdue and youths from Cottonera and the south of Malta. In a brief comment she said: "This mural celebrates diversity and inclusion. I believe we all can benefit from open, tolerant and inclusive dialogue.  We should reject violence or intimidation that's aimed at silencing people's voices." The Ambassador applauded the Cottonera Resource Centre's mission to promote higher education among youths. She said: "Societies are more likely to succeed when all our people, regardless of colour, class, creed, sexual orientation or gender, have equal opportunity to pursue a first-class education."

The Cottonera Resource Centre was set up by University of Malta rector Prof. Juanito Camilleri, with the objective of promoting and facilitating learning and encouraging more people from the locality to further their education beyond the compulsory years. The Centre is hosted by St Margaret's College and works closely with the principal Maria McNamara. The Cottonera Resource Centre and Żgħażagħ tal-Kottonera often work together on joint projects.