More than 80 people with disabilities are exhibiting works of art in an exhibition organized by the Immaculate Conception Musical Association of Hamrun, at its club headquarters. This is the second exhibition of its kind and work is already underway to stage the third one next December.
The exhibition, with the theme KullUri, described as an inclusion exhibition that is exhibiting the art, abilities and qualities of people with disabilities, was inaugurated by the Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and d – Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli.
The Immaculate Conception Musical Association is one of several voluntary associations that have benefited from a funding scheme, Freedom to Live, issued by the Ministry for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights. Through these funds, the association invested in the infrastructure of the club for more accessibility for people with disabilities. Funds and other schemes launched by the ministry are serving to make a positive and tangible difference in the communities.
Minister Farrugia Portelli described the idea of the Immaculate Conception Musical Association that organizes inclusive initiatives that go beyond its musical goal, such as the KullUri exhibition, as a living example of the term inclusion.
“This is an activity that is representing two noble principles, volunteering, as reflected by the leaders and members of this union and the updating that they are introducing in their work in order to use in a practical way the principle of -inclusion. They also have the sense of collaboration that the union is building with other voluntary unions so that in a creative way like this the principle of inclusion can really be put to work,” said Minister Farrugia Portelli.
President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said that it is wonderful that inclusion in our communities is also taking place in music and culture, thanks to committed people like those of the Immaculate Conception Musical Association. The President Emeritus said that if we continue to unite in our share and duty as a people, then we will be ensuring effective inclusion in our communities.
The Assistant Secretary of the Immaculate Conception Musical Association Raphael Scerri explained how this is the second exhibition out of three exhibitions that are being staged to give space to people with disabilities to exhibit their talents and abilities. Mr Scerri called for other artists to join for the third exhibition which will open on Thursday 1 December. Those who wish to participate should send an email to bandakuncicijoni@hotmail.com or call 79000490.
Musicians from the Villa Bianca Music School, the first music school in Malta for children and young people with different abilities, managed by the Malta Trust Foundation, also took part in the inauguration of the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open until Sunday 2 October 2022. Opening hours are Friday 30 September between 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Saturday October 1 between 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Sunday October 2 between 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
