The residence of the American Ambassador to Malta, Villa Apap Bologna, was the elegant setting for a special reception celebrating the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies programme, an initiative dedicated to fostering cultural dialogue through art.

I remember Desmond Morris and his wife living there. After the success of his book The Naked Ape they relocated to Malta for a few years then returned to Britain where he went on studying. He died in April this year, at the venerable age of 98.

The evening brought together artists, photographers, curators and patrons of the arts in an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and welcoming.

One of the first things guests noticed was the exquisite decoration of the residence with different kinds of lilies. Magnificent displays of white lilies adorned the rooms, lending freshness and refinement to the historic interiors. The flowers complemented the artworks wonderfully and reflected the impeccable taste of Ambassador Somers Farkas, whose residence has become an important venue for cultural exchange.

She introduced the evening with a short but significant speech saying: "As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of our independence through Freedom 250, we are highlighting the people, ideas, and achievements that have made America a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the arts. American creativity has long been one of our nation's great strengths, and the visual arts remain one of our most powerful ambassadors."

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the guided tour conducted by Dr Katya Micallef, Modern and Contemporary Art Curator at MUŻA and lecturer. With remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm, she introduced guests to the collection, offering fascinating insights into the American and Maltese artists represented in the exhibition. Her commentary transformed the viewing experience and demonstrated the power of art to transcend borders.

Throughout downstairs of the residence, contemporary works by American and Maltese artists engaged in a visual dialogue with the villa's historic architecture. Guests had the opportunity to discover works by internationally renowned artists alongside distinguished Maltese practitioners, illustrating the spirit of collaboration at the heart of the Art in Embassies programme.

I am going to allow myself to mention two pictures by two Maltese artists which struck me particularly and which come to mind immediately. One is Pierre Portelli's Tabernacle made with slices of bread, resin, goldleaf on wood. It is so very striking. So clever. I have seen a number of Portelli's installations but in my view this beats all of the work of his that I have seen so far.

One discovery, for me at least is Raphael Vella's art. When The Malta Independent was set up many years ago, Raphael was our excellent art critic for a number of years. He is now professor at the University of Malta. This is the first time I have seen his artwork. I don't, after all, go to every exhibition that is held in Malta, as you can imagine. I loved his Mediterranean Sea of Names which is executed by pencil on two sheets. So simple yet so striking. The photos I have of both do not do them justice so I am not reproducing them here.

There were so many others I liked but these stood out for me.

Drinks and canapés were served throughout the evening.    The hospitality was excellent, and the gathering provided a rare opportunity for artists, photographers, curators and cultural figures to meet, exchange ideas and strengthen existing friendships or make new ones. Such occasions remind us that art is not merely something to be observed, but also a catalyst for meaningful conversation and understanding.

As the evening drew to a close, guests left Villa Apap Bologna with a renewed appreciation for the role that culture plays in diplomacy. Beautifully curated, elegantly hosted and intellectually enriching, it was an evening that successfully celebrated friendship, creativity and the enduring ties between Malta and the United States.