The creators of the ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for children and young people have always been at the forefront of tackling issues of public interest. The festival recognises that young people are consistently faced with new realities, and hardships that they need to make sense of. In 2019, at the core of the festival's programme, we find topical issues including the environment, multiculturalism and integration, bullying, sexual identity and young people's role in society.

"Young people around the world continue to show us that they are both aware of the world around them, and ready to act on that which they are passionate about," says Stephanie Bonnici, coordinator of this year's festival. "As adults, creatives and the ones responsible for what their future will look like, it is our responsibility to provide children with the tools to think critically. And the arts remain an excellent platform for achieving this."

The ŻiguŻajg Festival was initially launched in 2011 as a ground-breaking initiative on the arts and culture scene in Malta. The festival develops top-quality artistic productions for young people. To date, ŻiguŻajg Festivals have welcomed over 100,000 audience members, of which over 45,000 have been school children. It has commissioned 70 new pieces, presented over 890 projects and worked with more than 1,000 local and international collaborators.

This year's programme explores a plethora of themes across 11 international acts and 10 local productions. Bringing high energy to match that of their young audiences, dance and music shows feature prominently. Get Loose is a co-production with ŻfinMalta, which sees youngsters celebrating individuality in an epic dance battle. Local artist Matthew Pandolfino joins forces with award-winning musicians The New Victorians to create Tingo the Tuneless Bird, a visually and musically engaging exploration of why a turquoise-feathered intruder bird refuses to share his song.

In touching upon societal issues, the festival recognises its responsibility to its audiences. "We need to ensure that these works are not only presented to audiences but also followed up beyond the festival," explains Bonnici. "That's why we've worked with our artists on creating resource packs through which educators and parents can be better supported in taking these conversations forward."

Among the thought-provoking resource packs is that of The Shrinking Violets' latest production, JamBoy - the story of a boy who sees beyond the surface to the best of what people can offer. The show teaches that pressure to achieve excellence above all else is damaging. The highly anticipated Larinġa Mekkanika, co-produced by ŻiguŻajg with Teatru Malta, is another one to watch. It is a fresh take on Anthony Burgess' classic novel and presents the world through the eyes of a troubled 15-year-old boy.

"We are thrilled about this year's opportunity to open our doors to even more audiences and to expose young people to the arts," beams Bonnici. "I'm a big believer in the impact that one word, action or moment can have on a child. I hope that the works we've commissioned and produced provide this spark."

According to Rupert Cefai, chairman of Fondazzjoni Kreattività, this year's ŻiguŻajg will welcome over 8,000 schoolchildren and continue its engagement in Gozo. As part of its outreach programme, it will also implement a touring show in schools and an allocation of tickets for minority groups. Furthermore, the Delegates' programme will have international professionals visit and experience ŻiguŻajg, bolstering its growing reputation as the go-to arts festival for children and young people internationally.

ŻiguŻajg is produced by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and will run from 15 to 24 November. Most of the initiatives will take place in Valletta and Gozo.

Booking for the festival is now open. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ziguzajg.org