Art must be prioritised as it is essential for human expression, which is intertwined in culture and history, President of Malta George Vella said. Vella was speaking during a press conference announcing the nominees for the Premju ghall-Arti 2020.
Il Premju ghall-Arti is an initiative of the Arts Council Malta which is under the patronage of the President of Malta George Vella. The Premium celebrates the main achievements of the Maltese cultural and creative industries and recognises and rewards the works of artists and companies. There are 10 competitive categories, ranging from Artist of the Year to Best Works for Young Audiences; whilst there are also three non-competitive honours which will be awarded on the night; The Lifetime Achievement Award, the Honour for Cultural Promoters and the Honour for Artist Legacy.
Vella said that whilst discussions of the island's GDP and economy are frequent, there must be more discussion on art, as according to Vella, "art is what makes us human." He highlights that pre-historical findings show depictions of paintings left by our forefathers, who expressed their emotions through art and not writing. He said that it is important to provide space for expression, and that each and every country should prioritise art.
He said that it is essential to provide people the space for artist expression and if art is repressed, there will be consequences. "One cannot allow the repression of art, because you will be taking away a person's right to express themselves and you will be taking away something from our culture, as art is culture, and culture is art."
Arts Minister Jose Herrera said that the Il-Premju ghall-Arti is the most important artistic event on the island, an event which celebrates the achievements of Malta's cultural and creative sector. "We are living in a time where the arts are given extreme importance in our society," expressed Herrera. He said that art is no longer seen as a pastime, but a career and provides quality to the islands. He said that more recognition must be given to artists and their work.
The winners will be announced in April. The nominees were announced by Il-Premju ghall-Arti Project Manager Christabel Catania. The nominees are:
Best work for Young Audiences:
2.0 Watts in the dark - Andre Agius
Nimxu Mixja - Kristina Borg, Raffaella Zammit, Gabriel Caruana Foundation AND Kulleġġ Santa Tereża Skola Primarja Birkirkara
Trikki Trakki - Youth Theatre Festival - Teatru Malta
Ninu - Bettina Paris AND Anton Saliba
Lord of the Flies - Toi Toi, Teatru Manoel Education Programme
Best project in the Community
The Cospicua short play festival - a Kunsill Lokali Bormla and Teatru Malta collaboration
Dizabilita' Astrofiżika - Grupp Bravi Ax Gravi and CRPD (The Commission for rights of people with disability)
Nimxu Mixja - Kristina Borg, Raffaella Zammit, Gabriel Caruana Foundation and Kulleġġ Santa Tereża Skola Primarja Birkirkara
Nassaba - Song of a Bird - Teatru Malta
GawGaw A Panto in the Dark - Teatru Malta
Best Artistic Programme or Season
Malta Jazz Festival 2019 - Festivals Malta
Valletta Design Cluster 2018/2019 - Valletta Cultural Agency
ŻiguŻajg 2018 - Fondazzjoni Kreattivita'
Teatru Malta Staġun 2018/2019 - Teatru Malta
Toi Toi 2018/2019 - Teatru Manoel Education Programme
Production of the Year
De-terminated: The Abortion Diaries - Herman Grech
Music in Malta: From Prehistory to Vinyl Exhibition - Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti
Repubblika Immakulata - Du' Theatre
Stitching - Unifaun Theatre Productions
VII (Sette) - Teatru Malta
Best International Achievement
Mizzi Studio
Nico Conti
The New Victorians with Mara and Rave and Behave
ŻfinMalta with Voyager
Luke Azzopardi with Nocturnal Artefacts
Best Creative Enterprise
Mizzi Studio
Moveo Dance Company
Young Artist of the Year
Andre' Agius
Gabriel Buttiġieġ
Jeremy Grech
Jessica Ellul
Artist of the Year
Adrian Buckle
Julian Mallia (Julinu)
Manuel Cauchi
The New Victorians
Trevor Borg
Award for Innovation
Malta Bus Reborn - Mizzi Studio
sensitIV - Chris Muscat
Sette (VII) - Teatru Malta and New Victorians
GawGaw A Panto in the Dark - Teatru Malta
MACC - Allura Limited
Audience's Choice
2.0 Watts in the Dark - Andre' Agius
Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej - Balzunetta Productions
Julinu's Radioactive Ravioli - Julian Mallia
The Jew of Malta - MADC (Malta Amateur Dramatic Club) and Teatru Manoel
VII (Sette) - Teatru Malta