Why was it important for the University of Malta to extend the collaboration with APS Bank for the APS Summer Festival for another year?
At UM we believe in serving students, scholars and society sustainably. We consider such synergies with private enterprise to be of utmost importance, especially considering that such an event is promoting the arts and culture. At UM, we have the School of Performing Arts which offers programmes of study (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels) in various disciplines including Music, Dance and Theatre Studies. The Festival is another way of engaging with citizens to promote the arts in Malta.
Indeed, even last year and despite COVID-19 restrictions, UM felt it was important to assist APS to organize a successful event on the quadrangle. We look forward to having more people attending the festival this year.
Do you think the APS Summer Festival will give the general public a new perspective about the University of Malta outside the academic sphere?
Yes certainly. I like to think of the University grounds as comprising a small village with various buildings including the iconic library, the Chapel, the various Faculties/Institutes and Centres and the quad itself. The University even has its own ring road which encircles its precincts. And at the moment visitors will surely notice various ongoing infrastructural works.
We are a publicly funded university and I have repeatedly stressed that our grounds should be accessible to as many people as possible. And what better way than to make our quad available for such a high profile and worthwhile cultural event. And for patrons attending these events, parking is not an issue.
How is the APS Sumer Festival different from the Evenings on Campus events you used to organise?
Evenings on Campus were first organized on the quad in the early 1990s and provided a platform for new artists and students to present their works. Sadly Covid-19 and spiraling production costs dealt a fatal blow to this event.
The APS Summer Festival is an occasion for attendees to celebrate and enjoy established local and international talent. I am confident that this festival is fast becoming one of the main cultural events on the island in summer.
The Festival will once again be hosting a show from the School of Performing Arts. Do you think the Festival is a good platform for UM students to display their talents?
Certainly! As I remarked earlier on, the School of Performing Arts established in 2012 brings together the disciplines of music, theatre and dance, integrating the interplay between the technical, artistic and critical perspectives of performance. Our students now have another great opportunity to present performances to the general public to showcase their talents.
Can you please share your final thoughts on why the general public should attend the APS Summer Festival?
The Festival promises a fantastic line-up of talent in a pleasant and relaxing setting guaranteed to provide joy to those attending. It is an opportunity for the general public to attend the University grounds to enjoy a high quality cultural experience under the stars. And, it helps to reinforce the notion that the University has a civic role to play in our society. In this activity, I’m pleased to offer our help to APS Bank and other stakeholders who also do this as part of their corporate social mission.
If you would like to learn more about the APS Summer Festival 2022, please visit apsbank.com.mt/aps-summer-festival-2022 and purchase your tickets as they are selling fast!
The APS Summer Festival is supported by L-Universitá ta’ Malta Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd and Kinnie.
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