Taking place across various iconic locations in Valletta between September 30th and October 5th, 2024, designMT will bring together an impressive mix of industry leaders and emerging talents to showcase their creations and also to discuss contemporary trends in the various fields in which design plays a major role.
This first edition of desginMT will feature four exhibitions - all with a free entrance - each showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary design pieces, carefully selected for their blend of functionality, style, and cultural significance, reflecting modern living in a meaningful way.
The exhibitions will be held at venues that have their own story to tell, from how spatial design was interpreted by the Knights of St John when they built Valletta centuries ago, to the manner in which contemporary design can be integrated within historical buildings whilst respecting their roots.
Venues
• Auberge d'Aragon (Mon 30 September to Sat 5 October between 10am and 8pm, with extended opening hours until 11pm during Notte Bianca);
• Fortress Builders (Mon 30 September to Sat 5 October between 110am and 8pm, with extended opening hours until 11pm during Notte Bianca);
• St John's Cavalier (Mon 30 September to Fri 4 October between 8.30am and 6.30pm, closed on Saturday 5 October); and
• Valletta Design Cluster (Mon 30 September to Sat 5 October between 10am and 8pm).
designMT, however, is meant to do more than just showcase the latest design trends through the exhibitions. It is also meant to spur a national discussion on how design significantly shapes our daily experiences, and how the power of creativity can help transform challenges into opportunities, foster sustainability, and create meaningful experiences.
This will be done through a series of four thematic events that delve deeper into contemporary design trends and innovative advancements, each targeted at industry practitioners and other stakeholders with a vested interest in the themes being explored, namely:
• Spatial Design - Defining Malta's Built Identity (Tuesday 1 October);
• Flavour by Design - The Making of Malta's Culinary Identity (Wednesday 2 October);
• Digital Design - Is Technology Friend or Foe? (Thursday 3 October); and
• Fast Fashion - So Fast, It's Already Out of Style? (Friday 4 October).
designMT is being organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation, with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit within the Commerce Department, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority; and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency.
More information, including a list of and information about the exhibitors as well as details about the thematic events, can be found on www.designmt.org.
