Monumental artworks for the Marsa Junction Project on display in Valletta

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera visited the Marsa Junction Project monumental artworks exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.

Minister Ian Borg noted how this project – an investment of €70 million funded by the European Union – has now been concluded, yet it was felt that it deservingly needed to also be visually and aesthetically enhanced.

“Considering that 600 native trees and over 25,000 shrubs will be planted, I think our vision of offering more sustainability, a cleaner lung and a better quality of life to the people is crystal clear. Not to mention that through this project we will be drastically eliminating traffic congestion which in turn lowers air emissions. But we also felt that the Marsa Junction Project is an investment where we can even take the initiative to also implement the concept of integrating art into people’s lives, and thus for all those who appreciate or love the visual arts, will also benefit from this through the Marsa Junction Project”, said Minister Ian Borg

Four teams of artists are using steel, ceramics, reconstituted stone and other materials to produce these permanent artworks for installation in Marsa, which within the next few weeks, Infrastructure Malta will start installing, specifically in the green areas it is developing between Aldo Moro Road, in Marsa, and the Addolorata Cemetery.

“Arts and culture are fundamental areas that give a unique identity to any society. With art at the heart of our communities, we are not only investing in talent and artistic expression, but we are strengthening the communities themselves”, said Minister Herrera. The minister also stated how positive it is that different entities are actively collaborating together to improve the quality of life of the people.

Chosen works are: Tisliba, by Gozitan-born ceramics artist Paul Haber; Sema by I+A Limited, a collective of architects, artists and technologists from Malta; Ascension by Mizzi Studio, a design studio based in London and Valletta; and Tipping Point, by Alex Welch, a metal artist from Limassol, Cyprus.

Chairman for Fondazzjoni Kreattività Rupert Cefai said that, “In order for art to be truly appreciated, it cannot be hidden away from the public. It needs to be openly accessible to the people. This collaboration with Infrastructure Malta will result in art being placed in open public spaces that are an integral part of the new Marsa Junction Project.  These artworks will be enjoyed by the thousands that commute through the area every day. This exhibition is an opportunity to see the proposed artworks before they reach their installation within the Marsa Junction Project.”

While these artists work on their creations, Infrastructure Malta and Fondazzjoni Kreattività are inviting the public to an exhibition of the scale models of these new public artworks and another 12 competition submissions shortlisted for other road projects in Malta. Curated by Dr Christian Attard, the exhibition is being held at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, and runs until Sunday, 24th January 2021.

The Marsa Junction Project Public Art Exhibition is open from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00hrs and 21:00hrs, and on weekends and public holidays between 10:00hrs and 21:00hrs.

Photos: DOI/MTIP/MHAL