The sixth edition of the MCAST ICA festival has been launched, which will take place from July 7 to July 31 in Creative Space. The festival celebrates the talent and work of the students of the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA). The launch came with the signing of an agreement between MCAST and Creative Space for ongoing collaboration to ensure that students have the opportunity to exhibit their work.
The signing took place in the presence of the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima and the Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici .
The festival, supported by Spazju Kreattiv and the Malta Council for the Arts, includes an exhibition of work by last year’s Bachelor of Arts students and work by students with advanced diplomas. At this festival students show how they work collaboratively across the artistic disciplines to develop the skills and knowledge needed in the sector.
Minister Clifton Grima said: “This is a festival that while giving the student space to exhibit his work, is bringing the student closer to the creative industry and the local arts and design community. , because this exhibition is an important step for the creative arts industry to see the abilities of MCAST students ”.
Minister Owen Bonnici stated that this art festival will be working for the union between the Institute of Creative Arts at MCAST and the rest of the community. He pointed out that this “will result in a better understanding of what we are and what we do. This event will celebrate creativity and serve as a platform to showcase the hard work of students. ”
“Embrace liminality” is the theme chosen by the students for this year’s festival. With this theme, students want to show that no one should be afraid of the unknown but that one should continue to push for innovation and expression in the discipline of one’s choice.
MCAST Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Professor James Joachim Calleja, said that at the heart of every edition of the festival is the creative spirit of the final year students taking part in this exhibition. and showcase their talent. He stated that “MCAST has become synonymous with opportunity and prosperity. We are now looking forward to receiving applications from new students who would like to join the college’s creative community. ”
During his speech, the Chairman of the Rupert Cefai Creativity Foundation explained that the foundation serves as a bridge between the educational field and the professional creative sector. He reiterated that “the transition from student to professional artist is never easy but with a number of initiatives and projects, the foundation continues on the steps of an institution such as MCAST and moving towards -students and we assist in everything that is possible. These collaborations help our emerging artists find opportunities for various projects that provide valuable experience for the world of work in the creative and artistic field. ”
This year’s MCAST ICA Festival also commemorates Donald Friggieri’s contribution to creative arts education. Mr. Friggieri, who sadly passed away this year, has been a pioneer in the appreciation and study of design in Malta and an educator for over 30 years.
